smoothies good or bad?
bobbiecordero92
Posts: 18
I tried a new smoothie today two small bananas 50ml of skimmed milk and a pinch of cinnamon adds up to around 150kcal and tastes delicious. I found another recipe where you swap the milk for coconut water so might try this aswell what do you think about smoothies good or bad for weight loss?
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Replies
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If they keep you in a calorie deficit, good, if they put you over your cals, bad...0
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Two bananas and skim milk is way over 150 calories. Probably more like 275.
Smoothies are delicious, but aren't something I do regularly - too many calories and not enough substance to keep me from feeling hungry in a half hour.0 -
bobbiecordero92 wrote: »I tried a new smoothie today two small bananas 50ml of skimmed milk and a pinch of cinnamon adds up to around 150kcal and tastes delicious. I found another recipe where you swap the milk for coconut water so might try this aswell what do you think about smoothies good or bad for weight loss?
I love the way smoothies taste and they help me meet my nutritional goals. I log the calories so I can be sure that I maintain a deficit. It works for me.
Smoothies, by themselves, are neither good or bad for weight loss.0 -
Smoothies can be a good way to get vegetables into your diet if you don't normally eat them. I don't usually bother with smoothies, because I hate cleaning out the blender, and I am just fine eating raw spinach with nothing on it, unlike my nephew who doesn't want to eat anything that's not a chicken nugget.
Smoothies are food and can be a tool a person uses to improve their diet or not based on their needs and inclinations. They're neutral. If you can consume them and still hit your caloric goals and macros, and you like them, great. If they put you over your calories, or skew your macros out of balance, then don't use them.
It's not really a black and white question and shades of moderation are required with all foods and eating styles.0 -
PeachyPlum wrote: »Two bananas and skim milk is way over 150 calories. Probably more like 275.
Good point. OP, you need to weigh your fruit.0 -
Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.0
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bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
I know you mean "carbs" but I'm still giggling over the thought of trying to choke down a pack of "low carb" playing cards for breakfast... >_<0 -
bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
Having a smoothie with just fruit is just another form of having carbs for breakfast. And if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with that -- but you're just swapping one type of carb for another.
I personally find that eating just fruit -- whether it is whole or in a smoothie -- for breakfast leaves me starving. Adding fat and protein to a smoothie gives me a feeling of satiety. But some people enjoy it. You can experiment for find what works for you.0 -
PeachyPlum wrote: »Two bananas and skim milk is way over 150 calories. Probably more like 275.
Smoothies are delicious, but aren't something I do regularly - too many calories and not enough substance to keep me from feeling hungry in a half hour.
Yes, this. They're delicious, but kind of more convenient when you're on the run. You get a lot of nutrition in a quick drink. I do them for a quick breakfast sometimes. (But if it's, say, the weekend and I'm not going anywhere, I'll drink one for breakfast and the be left like: hm....
I prefer, for the same calories, to eat and chew more bulky food.
But, all in all, they're great if you enjoy them and they satisfy you. Their possibilities are infinite, which is fun.0 -
Fruit is mostly carbs, water, and a little fiber.0
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PeachyPlum wrote: »Smoothies are delicious, but aren't something I do regularly - too many calories and not enough substance to keep me from feeling hungry in a half hour.
This is how I feel--I just can't drink something and be satisfied, no matter how many calories (and they add up fast!)--and also they tend toward the sweet and for a meal (even breakfast) I usually prefer savory.
They really work and are filling for some people, however. So OP, experiment and see how you feel.0 -
ElizabethKalmbach wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
I know you mean "carbs" but I'm still giggling over the thought of trying to choke down a pack of "low carb" playing cards for breakfast... >_<
Cards >_< haha I did realise as soon as I posted and did giggle myself.....hehe0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
Having a smoothie with just fruit is just another form of having carbs for breakfast. And if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with that -- but you're just swapping one type of carb for another.
I personally find that eating just fruit -- whether it is whole or in a smoothie -- for breakfast leaves me starving. Adding fat and protein to a smoothie gives me a feeling of satiety. But some people enjoy it. You can experiment for find what works for you.
I know what your saying but surely eating just fruit for breakfast is better than a bowl of cereal or 2 slices of toast??0 -
Well if one is using it as their sole weight loss tool.............then bad. If someone is adding it to their nutritional intake to increase fruit/vegetable intake................then good. Of course if those calories are like 400 calories for one and you drink 2 of them...........then it takes away from your food intake. So bad there. I guess it depends on what you're using the smoothie for.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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bobbiecordero92 wrote: »I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else.
For me just fruit for breakfast would never be filling and would make it hard for me to meet my protein and fat goals, but definitely experiment and see what works for you.
I tend to like to have protein and veggies at every meal, plus a bit of fat. Not everyone feels that way, though, as different things work for different people.0 -
bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
But if you do them with just fruit, that's basically all carbs. That's basically a fruit juice, lol.
For them to be more filling, you can use milk, yogurt, almonds, nuts, peanut butter, PB2, ground flaxseed, cocoa powder, oats, protein powder... etc
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lemurcat12 wrote: »PeachyPlum wrote: »Smoothies are delicious, but aren't something I do regularly - too many calories and not enough substance to keep me from feeling hungry in a half hour.
This is how I feel--I just can't drink something and be satisfied, no matter how many calories (and they add up fast!)--and also they tend toward the sweet and for a meal (even breakfast) I usually prefer savory.
They really work and are filling for some people, however. So OP, experiment and see how you feel.
I prefer sweet for breakfast I wish it was savoury then I might lose weight faster0 -
bobbiecordero92 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
Having a smoothie with just fruit is just another form of having carbs for breakfast. And if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with that -- but you're just swapping one type of carb for another.
I personally find that eating just fruit -- whether it is whole or in a smoothie -- for breakfast leaves me starving. Adding fat and protein to a smoothie gives me a feeling of satiety. But some people enjoy it. You can experiment for find what works for you.
I know what your saying but surely eating just fruit for breakfast is better than a bowl of cereal or 2 slices of toast??
Better in what way?
If you're talking about calories, you can easily consume more with just fruit. If you're talking about satiety, it could easily provide less (depending, of course, on the type of cereal or bread used for the toast). If we're talking nutrients, it depends on what you plan on eating the rest of the day.
I'm not trying to talk you out of a smoothie. I actually eat one almost every day. But I don't think it is "better" than a bowl of cereal or toast. It's just a different food.0 -
Well if one is using it as their sole weight loss tool.............then bad. If someone is adding it to their nutritional intake to increase fruit/vegetable intake................then good. Of course if those calories are like 400 calories for one and you drink 2 of them...........then it takes away from your food intake. So bad there. I guess it depends on what you're using the smoothie for.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
It was my afternoon snack because I was starving and didn't just want a piece of fruit but am now thinking to have them for breakfast0 -
PeachyPlum wrote: »Two bananas and skim milk is way over 150 calories. Probably more like 275.
Smoothies are delicious, but aren't something I do regularly - too many calories and not enough substance to keep me from feeling hungry in a half hour.
I agree that the calories seem low. Even small bananas come in at 90 calories each. 50 ml of semi skimmed milk adds around 25. So the shake is easily 200 calories if the bananas are actually "small."
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janejellyroll wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
Having a smoothie with just fruit is just another form of having carbs for breakfast. And if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with that -- but you're just swapping one type of carb for another.
I personally find that eating just fruit -- whether it is whole or in a smoothie -- for breakfast leaves me starving. Adding fat and protein to a smoothie gives me a feeling of satiety. But some people enjoy it. You can experiment for find what works for you.
I know what your saying but surely eating just fruit for breakfast is better than a bowl of cereal or 2 slices of toast??
Better in what way?
If you're talking about calories, you can easily consume more with just fruit. If you're talking about satiety, it could easily provide less (depending, of course, on the type of cereal or bread used for the toast). If we're talking nutrients, it depends on what you plan on eating the rest of the day.
I'm not trying to talk you out of a smoothie. I actually eat one almost every day. But I don't think it is "better" than a bowl of cereal or toast. It's just a different food.
Better in a health aspect and as for calories I wouldn't make a high kcal smoothie I'd rather eat a bar of chocolate than waste my calories on fruit lol I guess what I'm trying to say is that will it help with my weight loss if I eat the same as I do now but replace my breakfast with a low kcal smoothie and is it better to eat fruit than man made carbs0 -
SophiaSerrao wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
But if you do them with just fruit, that's basically all carbs. That's basically a fruit juice, lol.
For them to be more filling, you can use milk, yogurt, almonds, nuts, peanut butter, PB2, ground flaxseed, cocoa powder, oats, protein powder... etc
Thank you for the tips0 -
diannethegeek wrote: »PeachyPlum wrote: »Two bananas and skim milk is way over 150 calories. Probably more like 275.
Smoothies are delicious, but aren't something I do regularly - too many calories and not enough substance to keep me from feeling hungry in a half hour.
I agree that the calories seem low. Even small bananas come in at 90 calories each. 50 ml of semi skimmed milk adds around 25. So the shake is easily 200 calories if the bananas are actually "small."
I used skimmed milk not that it makes a huge difference but still 200kcal for a meal is not bad0 -
I enjoy the occasional smoothie (mine are usually 1/2-2/3 veggie, the rest fruit and maybe a few nuts, blended in coconut water), but I don't have them every day. Just when I want a quick on the go meal. My fav dessert smoothie is milk, banana, strawberries and/or raspberries and ice.0
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bobbiecordero92 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
Having a smoothie with just fruit is just another form of having carbs for breakfast. And if it works for you, there's nothing wrong with that -- but you're just swapping one type of carb for another.
I personally find that eating just fruit -- whether it is whole or in a smoothie -- for breakfast leaves me starving. Adding fat and protein to a smoothie gives me a feeling of satiety. But some people enjoy it. You can experiment for find what works for you.
I know what your saying but surely eating just fruit for breakfast is better than a bowl of cereal or 2 slices of toast??
Better in what way?
If you're talking about calories, you can easily consume more with just fruit. If you're talking about satiety, it could easily provide less (depending, of course, on the type of cereal or bread used for the toast). If we're talking nutrients, it depends on what you plan on eating the rest of the day.
I'm not trying to talk you out of a smoothie. I actually eat one almost every day. But I don't think it is "better" than a bowl of cereal or toast. It's just a different food.
Better in a health aspect and as for calories I wouldn't make a high kcal smoothie I'd rather eat a bar of chocolate than waste my calories on fruit lol I guess what I'm trying to say is that will it help with my weight loss if I eat the same as I do now but replace my breakfast with a low kcal smoothie and is it better to eat fruit than man made carbs
It will help your weight loss if the smoothie is less than the calories you would have had otherwise and you don't replace them with other things during the day.
Fruit is tasty and it has some great nutrients. But having "man made carbs" won't slow down your weight loss -- it's just a matter of creating a calorie deficit. Grains are not "man made" any more than fruit -- human intervention has created the fruits we eat today as much as it created the grains we eat today.0 -
I enjoy the occasional smoothie (mine are usually 1/2-2/3 veggie, the rest fruit and maybe a few nuts, blended in coconut water), but I don't have them every day. Just when I want a quick on the go meal. My fav dessert smoothie is milk, banana, strawberries and/or raspberries and ice.
Mine is chocolate soy milk, a banana and a tablespoon of peanut butter. It's something like 400 calories but oh soooo good!
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I love using half an avocado in my smoothies- make them so thick and creamy yum!0
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I use bananas sparingly in my smoothies. 100g banana (which to me is on the small side) contains 23g carb, 1g protein and 12g sugar. I beef up my smoothies with a 1/2 scoop of protein powder and 1/2 cup greek yogurt and 1/2 cup skim milk in addition to any fruit or other additions. You're still talking about 275-300 calories, though. I use them strictly to mix up my diet and get a little protein boost.0
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bobbiecordero92 wrote: »SophiaSerrao wrote: »bobbiecordero92 wrote: »Yeah if there low calorie and filling. I want to start having them for breakfast as there healthy and filling want to try out some with just fruit and nothing else. As I usually eat cards for breakfast and I have been having trouble finding something I like that fills me up that's low calorie.
But if you do them with just fruit, that's basically all carbs. That's basically a fruit juice, lol.
For them to be more filling, you can use milk, yogurt, almonds, nuts, peanut butter, PB2, ground flaxseed, cocoa powder, oats, protein powder... etc
Thank you for the tips
Glad to help. If you're trying to stay within a tight deficit, you can use skim milk (instead of whole), greek yogurt, unsweetened cocoa powder (really kicks the flavor UP and has very few calories... you just have to sweeten it up with stevia or something). Almonds have fewer calories than walnuts, PB2 has fewer calories than regular peanut butter. For taste you can add instant coffee, cinnamon, etc. The fruits I like to add most are bananas (for consistency) and blueberries, raspberries and strawberries (all low cal and super smoothie friendly). I sometimes add 1 tbsp on ground falxseed for fats (which help satisfy you longer). ...Don't put all these ingredients in one smoothie though, lol
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I wouldn't label it good or bad, as food is food, and most of it is all okay in moderation. I have a smoothie a couple times a week. It's an easy breakfast on mornings where I'm in a rush, and I prepare ziplock bags on Sunday night to ease the process. I find it's a good way to get in some foods I might not normally eat, and it's also a good way to use up any fruits and veggies in the kitchen that are nearing their expiration date. My smoothie yesterday morning was an organic beet, half a banana, a quarter of an avocado, some pineapple, a cup of soy milk, organic spinach, and a little whey protein powder. Full of quality ingredients and enough sustenance to get me to my mid-morning snack.0
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