Smoothies: A blend (pun intended!) of Nutrition and Deliciousness!
Registered Dietitian and SlimFast Plan Consultant, Maryann Walsh tells us the reasons why smoothies are a favorite for those following a weight loss plan or even just an overall healthful eating plan. With so much versatility and the ability to tailor smoothies to taste preferences and nutritional goals, smoothies can be an amazing part of your healthy lifestyle!
Smoothies Can Be Packed with Nutrients
When you start with a base like any of the SlimFast smoothie or shake mixes, you are already starting your smoothie off on the right track. All SlimFast smoothie and shake mix powders are considered meal replacements , so when mixing the base recipe on the label, you are creating a shake with vitamins, minerals and nutrients to support your nutritious lifestyle.
Smoothies are a Quick & Easy Option!
Quick and easy meal prep doesn’t get any simpler than with smoothies! Just pick and measure out your ingredients and put it all in the blender. Blend and pour and you’re good to go!
Your Ingredients/ Add-ins:
With so many possibilities it can be hard to decide on which smoothie ingredients to try, some common favorites:
- Peanut butter – 100 calories and 3g carb (1g fiber) per 1 tbsp (varies depending on brand)
- Peanut Butter Powder – 45 calories and 2g carb (0.5g fiber) for 2 tbsp
- Frozen banana – 50 calories and 13g carb (1.5g fiber) for ½ medium banana
- Mixed Berries – 35 calories and 8.5g carbs (2.5g fiber) for ½ cup
- Sugar Free Pudding Mix – 15 calories and 2g carbs in 1 tbsp
- Extracts (a great way to switch up flavors with minimal calories!) – 2 calories and 0g carbs in 1/4 tsp
- Cocoa powder – 21 calories and 3g carb (1g fiber) in 1 tbsp
- Flax seed – 55 calories and 3g carb (2.8g fiber) in 1 tbsp
- Raw Spinach – 10 calories and 1g carb (0.5g fiber) in 1 cup
- Cinnamon – 2 calories and 0g carbs in ¼ tsp.
Prep Your Smoothie Ingredients Ahead of Time
Just like with meal prepping, having your smoothie ingredients prepped and ready to go will make it that much easier to whip up a quick and delicious smoothie (even if you are 5 minutes from having to run out the door)! Using reusable containers enables you to cut up and freeze fruit ahead of time and pre-measure out items like cocoa powder and flax seed.
Time Saving Smoothie Hack
Make your smoothie ahead of time, freeze it in ice cube trays and then your pre-mixed smoothie is good to go, all you need to do is pop out a few cubes, add some liquid of your choice and blend it up! Here is the how-to!
