If you’ve read me before, you know I love smoothies. They’re a great way to eat more vegetables and fruit. Plus, they’re great for replacing certain meals. However, many people make mistakes with their smoothies. So, what are the smoothies do’s and don’ts?
That’s what makes the difference between a good and a bad smoothie. You want them to play a part in your fitness program. Sadly, smoothies can hinder your effort. That is if you’re using them wrong.
How can you avoid that?
The first half of the smoothies do’s and don’ts: The do’s
What should you do with your smoothies? Your main goal for a good smoothie is to balance flavor and nutrients. At the same time, you want to avoid adding too many calories.
That’s where a lot of people go wrong. Fruits can be deceiving. We always heard that fruits were among the healthiest foods. But, they’re also quite rich in sugars. So, striking an equilibrium is vital.
Do use whole fruits instead of processed juice
Commercial juice brands pack as much sugar as cola drinks. So, you’re not doing yourself any favors with them. Plus, they remove a lot of the nutrients from the whole fruit. Thus, you get all the disadvantages with no benefits.
Do start with what you like before trying new flavors
Smoothies can get really exotic. And, not everyone will like them at the start. Even the most popular vegetable smoothies can be tough. So, start off with flavors you like. Sure, those smoothies won’t be the best. But, you have to start somewhere.
Do include protein in your smoothies
This tip is especially true if you plan to replace meals. The best smoothies offer enough protein for your needs. Of course, the amount depends on your physical activity. You get extra points for using natural ingredients instead of powders.
The second half of the smoothies do’s and don’ts: The don’ts
Of course, a smoothie do’s and don’ts list has a bad side. So, what are people doing wrong with smoothies? Everything boils down to lacking knowledge about nutrition.
You see, smoothies are convenient. That’s one of their advantages. But, people tend to overdo it. Focusing only on flavor is a great way to mess up your drink. Don’t fall for the idea that being a smoothie makes it healthy.
Don’t add sugar to the smoothie
Trust me, fruit already has all the sugar you need. Adding extra sugar will only ruin your smoothie’s nutritional value. Every time you want to add sweetness, add a bit of fruit. I wouldn’t recommend alternative sweeteners, either.
Don’t rely on commercial, ready-to-serve smoothies
Convenience is one of the main advantages of a good smoothie. But, it’s far from the most important aspect. Commercial smoothie brands are a great example. They’re usually extremely high in sugar. So, you’re better off making your own.
Don’t use too many fruits in your recipes
As I said, fruits offer a lot of sugar. So, you also want to avoid overdoing it with these ingredients. I know, fruit smoothies are delicious. Still, a bit of fruit can add a lot of flavor. So, you don’t need to add a lot to fit your taste.
The holistic takeaway
So, how can we summarize smoothies’ do’s and don’ts? I’d say you should avoid taking smoothies for granted. Just because it’s a smoothie and has fruit doesn’t make it healthy. Likewise, fruits being natural and great doesn’t make them perfect.
If you’re new to smoothies, it can be easy to make mistakes. That’s why having a guide can save you lots of time. It’s also why I recommend The Smoothie Diet. It has dozens of smoothie recipes for everything.
So, you have plenty to choose from.
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