Smoothies and Juices are a strategy. They are not meant to be an all day, everyday thing! Here I explain why this is and how to make or spot healthy smoothie. Juices are different to smoothies and you will learn how, why and when they have a role to play.
Since the above photo shows some juices, lets start there. Juices are a thinner consistency and offer more sugar than a healthy smoothie. This is because they are generally more concentrated with fruit and vegetables. They are usually low in protein and low in fibre because the fibre has been broken down in the process of juicing.
Juices are a great option when we are not feeling very well or have little time between school and sport. Because they are lower in protein and fibre, juices are quicker to absorb in the body so they are not likely to cause discomfort during sport, even if we consume them 20min beforehand (keeping in mind individual digestion times very and symptoms depend on a number of factors!). The rush of sugar to our bloodstream will give us a burst of energy and allow for better performance. Remember eating orange slices at halftime? Sugar! When we are not feeling well and have lost our appetite we might not feel like a smoothie as they are filling and sit in the stomach for longer. This is where juices can come in handy as we will get some nutrients! Use the above photo to try some juices. Simply blend the fruit/veg together and add water.
Juices summary
thinner consistency
low protein
low fibre
higher sugar
quick absorbing
sport performance
illness
Smoothies on the other hand can be used as a complete meal! If you are not a breakfast person, preparing a smoothie and sipping on it on your way to work may be an option. Smoothies keep us fuller for longer because they have more fibre, protein and healthy fats than juices. You can make a smoothie as an afternoon snack for your child when they come home from school knowing they are getting plenty of nutrition for growth and development! I've developed the below "Smoothie Formula" for my clients to follow when preparing a smoothie to ensure it is healthy and balanced: .
1 WG + 1 FRUIT + 1 PROTEIN/HEALTHY FAT + 1 EXTRA
OR
2 FRUIT + 1 PROTEIN + 1 HEALTHY FAT + 1 EXTRA
Wholegrains and fruit deliver both fibre, carbohydrates and texture/ consistency of the smoothie. This is why there are two formulas. Below is an image helping you put these formulas into practice using food choice examples. I've also listed a few combination ideas of my own! Get creative.
Mocha Coffee:
Oats + 1x Banana + ALM Milk + 1 Scoop Protein + 1 Tbsp PB + 1Tbsp Cocoa + 1 Tbsp Gentle Fibre + 1 Tbsp Instant Coffee
Balanced Berry:
1 Weetbix + 2 Tbsp Chobani Yoghurt + Water + Frozen Blueberries + 1 Tbsp Flax Seeds + 1 Tbsp Psyllium Husks
Tropical Green:
Oats + Handful Kale/Spinach + 2 Tbsp Yoghurt + 6 cubes Pineapple + ½ Avocado + Water
Mango Magic:
½ Zucchini + Handful frozen mango + Banana + ALM Milk + Chobani yoghurt + Water + 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
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Did you find this blog helpful and informative? Tag & Share with your friends who would love it too! Sign up for my Free NuFit Wellness Newsletter to stay in the loop. Attend my Wellness Workshops. I help clients Achieve & Maintain Wellness through Nutrition for Gut Health so that they can thrive in life. Wellness Dietitian & Holistic Nutritionist, Health Coach, Health Presenter, Gut Health Specialist - Kathy Ozakovic.
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