We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Smoothie replacement for banana?

Tenoreo90
Tenoreo90 Posts: 329 Member
edited December 2024 in Food and Nutrition
I make smoothies a lot during the summer with frozen berries, 1/2 cup of light soymilk, and a banana. I've been trying to stay under my sugar intake better (or, you know, at all) and I realized my banana is adding TWELVE grams of sugar per smoothie! I mainly just use it as a thickener, what's an alternative to thicken it up?

Replies

  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    that's why i stopped tracking sugar. MFP needs to differentiate between fruit sugar and processed sugar.
    i wouldnt worry about it, or if you are really worried you can use half a banana. when i get bananas i cut them in half and freeze them that way
  • barb_ww
    barb_ww Posts: 2 Member
    I make smoothies with 3/4 cup frozen berries, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt and 1/2 cup of skim milk. The frozen berries and Greek yogurt make it pretty thick. Sometimes I need to add a bit of water because it is to thick. Also sometimes throw in 1 or 2 tsp of ground flax seed. You could try just using half of a banana also.
  • nrvo
    nrvo Posts: 473 Member
    Avocado!
  • chris1816
    chris1816 Posts: 715 Member
    Strawberries, which though they have a fair amount of sugar; actually have properties that lower blood sugar levels as a whole.

    Avocados, as blondie mentioned; bananas are from the same family, and it is one of the highest fiber fruit items in existance.
  • maryfobian
    maryfobian Posts: 1 Member
    Use HALF a banana! I agree that they add a nice thickening effect to smoothies. I slice bananas and freeze them on a baking sheet, then toss them into a quart-sized freezer bag. Advantages: substitutes for ice, extends shelf life, and allows serving size flexibility.
  • B_Running
    B_Running Posts: 158
    Adding ground flax seeds works for me - it adds protein, fiber, and ZERO sugar : )
  • chris1816
    chris1816 Posts: 715 Member
    Adding ground flax seeds works for me - it adds protein, fiber, and ZERO sugar : )

    Oi, yeah, almost forgot. Flax or chia seed/powder are awesome for thickening but nutritionally are great.
  • Tenoreo90
    Tenoreo90 Posts: 329 Member
    Thanks, everyone! I think I'll go with just using half and freeze it. :D
  • cbevan1229
    cbevan1229 Posts: 326 Member
    I use half a banana.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories