Not So Smoothie

Think smoothies are always healthy? Think again!

How many times have you reached for the bottled smoothie, thinking you were about to consume something “healthy”?

Most store-bought smoothies have a large amount of added sugar in them – up to 54 grams per bottle. That’s like drinking two cans of regular soda!

Added sugars are syrups and sugars that don’t naturally occur in foods and are added during preparation and processing, or added at the table. Natural sugars are those naturally occurring in food, for
example, lactose in milk and fructose in fruit. Added sugars contribute to excess weight gain and obesity, and thereby negatively impact your health. So unless you have a medical reason why your doctor told you to be monitoring your sugar intake, it’s OK to have some sweetness – just try to find it from some of these naturally occurring sources, instead.

Here is a recipe for a healthier smoothie!

It will get you through the morning, and only has 16 g of natural sugar!

INGREDIENTS (Serves 1):
1 cup frozen blueberries
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 cup almond milk
1 scoop/serving size of protein powder (I use MRM™ 100% All Natural Unflavored Whey Protein Powder)

Combine all the ingredients in a single serve blender. blend until smooth. Now you’re ready to
head off to work with a nutritious smoothie in your hand!

About the author

Abha Sharma, MD

I am a Board Certified Pediatrician residing in Southern California with my husband and baby girl. My interests include healthy living and eating, taking pictures of people and places that I love, reading fashion/lifestyle magazines, and visiting museums when I have time. I am constantly looking for ways to incorporate healthier habits in my life, so that I can be a role model to my daughter as she grows up. See all of Abha's articles.