JUICES AND SMOOTHIES - WHAT IS HIDING IN YOURS?
Are you a lover of fresh smoothies and juices ? I sure am!
Juices and smoothies are a fantastic and convenient way to help get your daily dose of fruit and veg in. However they can also help you go over your daily recommended intake of sugar and can be very high in energy, both of which are not very helpful in assisting you to reach your health or weight loss goals.
JUICE
When making or selecting a juice you want to go for one that has more vegetables than it does fruit. The higher dose of veggies helps to reduce the amount of sugar you'd get if you were selecting one containing only fruit. It also helps to add some extra fibre.
When you are whipping up your next juice at home or out for breaky, try to go for more veggies (2-3) than fruit (1-2). My favourite fruit choices in juice would have to be berries or lemon. Both are lower in sugar than many other fruits and the lemon adds a refreshing hit.
SMOOTHIES
Sometimes nothing beats a post workout smoothie. You've worked hard and they can be such a refreshing, thirst cleansing and nourishing way to refuel your body. They are also perfect for those that are on the go as are easy 'meals'.
Just as with juices, they can also pack a big energy hit which is not always ideal. I try to make sure my smoothies contain a good protein source such as Protein powder or Greek yoghurt to help with muscle recovery and satiety. Again I use the veggie rule & try to make sure I have more or equal parts veggies to fruit.
Some great additions to your smoothie or juice are:
VEGGIES
Spinach
Avocado
Silverbeet
Kale
Celery
Cucumber
Beetroot
Carrot
Tomato
Avocado
Cucumber
FRUIT
Lower sugar options:
Lemon
Lime
Strawberries
Raspberries
Blueberries
Pear
Moderate - higher sugar options:
Mango
Watermelon
Banana
Apple
Orange
Dates
Watermelon
SMOOTHIES:
Don't forget a protein source - protein powder, greek yoghurt
Your choice of liquid I.e: Water / almond milk / coconut milk / coconut water / milk
Other ingredients to add a little extra:
Ginger
Mint
Nutmeg
Cinnamon
Chai seeds
Flaxseed
Psyllium husk
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Nut butter
Juices and smoothies can be perceived as being super healthy because they've got fruit/veg in them. The thought of adding veggies to your smoothie may not appeal to you but you may be pleasantly surprised. Cucumber, zucchini, celery etc all contain a lot of water and won't ruin the flavor of your favorite smoothie.
There are so many ways to mix a juice or smoothie, you ultimately need to be making or selecting one to suit your specific goals.
Keep in mind next time you've got your juicer going or adding one to your breakfast order the hidden sugar and energy content and try to get some veg in there. If you don't know what to do with any left over pulp, try adding it to a muffin mixture.
Be mindful when making your next juice/smoothie & don't be scared of the veggies!
Brooke x