Is Your Smoothie Making You Fat?

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Here are 4 ways to tweak your fave for all the plant-based goodness without the calories.

Like all things healthy and brimming with goodness, smoothies may be nutritious, but they are not always low-calorie. Here are 4 ways to streamline yours for all the goodness without the weight gain.

1. Portion control

When preparing your smoothie remember that your container caters for two glasses, not one. Portion control is essential to prevent overindulging. If you feel the urge to supersize, add extra ice cubes and water but keep the other components minimal.

2. Your fave smoothie is spiking your blood sugar

According to holistic nutritionist Yuri Elkaim, high-glycemic foods, like bananas, can spike both blood sugar and insulin levels, the same way eating white sugar will. “High blood sugar and spiked insulin levels will make you fat,” he says, ”they also lead to health problems like diabetes and heart disease.” Substitute the banana for a tablespoon of raw coconut oil or berries that will slow the release of sugar into your bloodstream and allow it to metabolise more efficiently whilst lowering glycaemic load even further.

3. Delicious add-ins are also add-ons.

Avocados, yogurt, nuts and nut butters pack a flavour punch but are also high in calories. Rather than eliminate them entirely, simply cut the amount of add-on in half.

4. Store bought milk can contain hidden nasties.

Store bought almond and coconut milks make the perfect non-dairy alternatives, but they are also highly processed and can contain cane juice, preservatives and thickeners. Instead substitute with water or prepare your own nut milk. “It is so easy to make your own hemp milk - no soaking!” says WelleCo CEO Andrea Horwood. “Buy a bag of organic hemp seeds at your local health food store, keep it in the fridge and it will last for weeks. Just blitz 1 cup organic hemp seeds to 4 of filtered water. Blitz and strain (you’ll need a dreaded nut bag). I make enough for a few days and store in a glass jar in the fridge.”

HERE ARE 3 LOW-CAL COMBOS FOR GOOD HEALTH (AND A FLAT STOMACH)

2 teaspoons WelleCo SUPER ELIXIR Greens

1 scoop WelleCo NOURISHING PLANT PROTEIN Peruvian Chocolate

1 cup coconut milk

1 cup firmly packed spinach

½ avocado

Ice

2 teaspoons WelleCo SUPER ELIXIR Greens

½ - 1 cup filtered water

½ kiwi fruit

2 teaspoons WelleCo SUPER ELIXIR Greens

1½ cups filtered water

1 handful of baby spinach

Big squeeze of lime

Ice