Not all smoothies are created equal!
To help you get in tip top shape and feel great from head-to-toe, there are a few things to remember when blending your morning elixir.
There’s an important balance to be had when concocting your morning bevy – and throwing the kitchen sink into your blender isn’t always the answer. It’s as easy as remembering the three F’s – Fat, Fibre and Fruit!
Fat – Fear No Fat.
Maintaining even blood sugar levels are key to maintaining a healthy weight. When we eat carbohydrates, sugar or glucose enters our bloodstream. If this glucose spike occurs too quickly, our brain signals the body to secrete more insulin, a hormone that helps take sugar out of the bloodstream and store it in the body as fat tissue.
Certain carbohydrates spike our blood sugar and raise insulin levels more than others and these are considered to have a “high glycemic load.” To help combat these highs and lows, we add healthy fats to the smoothie equation. This macronutrient helps keep us feeling fuller longer and slows the release of insulin for a sustained delivery of energy. Add a scoop of nut butter or half an avocado to your blender and you’ll dodge that mid morning crash.
Fibre – It is Your Friend.
A large part of healthy weight is proper excretion. Filling your smoothie with a tablespoon of hemp hearts, ground flax or chia seeds will help keep your body running smoothly and regularly.
Greens themselves contain loads of fibre and will help to regulate blood sugar. Fibre also increases satiety and slows carbohydrate metabolism, so load up on those greens and sugar won’t stand a chance!
Fruit – You’re Already Sweet Enough.
Fruits like pineapple, mango and banana are naturally high in sugar. Although healthier than refined sugars, you want to keep your smoothie balanced. Try swapping these fruits for green apple which has a low glycemic load and is high in the prebiotic inulin or add a handful of berries to boost your antioxidant intake. A little extra fruit isn’t to be feared with enough fibre and fat to help counteract the sugar spike. Some great combos are banana with almond butter or mango with hemp hearts for a deliciously creamy treat!
Making your smoothie stand out from the crowd is as easy as 1-2-3!
Are YOU taking the September Green Smoothie Challenge? Sign up now to get goin’ on this healthy green habit.
