Smoothies can be a healthy meal option, but can also be high in calories and fat. Low-fat options include using nonfat milk, yogurt, or kefir, as well as unsweetened soy or almond milk. Adding fruit and natural sweeteners can enhance the flavor.
Smoothies are a quick and easy way to pack several servings of fruit, fiber, calcium, and other nutritional benefits into one drinkable meal. Not only are they quick to make, but they taste almost sinfully delicious due to their creamy sweetness. Indeed, smoothies can be a minefield full of calories and fat. Fortunately, low-fat smoothies made with low-fat, soy, almond or coconut milk or other bases, such as sherbet or yogurt, offer options.
The easiest way to keep fat out of a smoothie is to start with ingredients that have eliminated as much fat as possible without compromising the taste. Some people have trained their mouths to drink fat-free milk without a problem, but others find 1% or 2% milk fat to be as low as their taste meters. Gradually swapping out some milk for the nonfat version won’t be as noticeable if the smoothie also contains a dollop of yogurt or kefir. Within a week or two, low-fat smoothies made only with skim milk will taste perfect.
Some people don’t like dairy, and in the world of smoothies, that’s okay because there are plenty of other options. Mixing pineapple, strawberries, apple or any other fruit combination with a splash of water and some crushed ice creates a bowl of fruit in a glass for sipping on the go. A drizzle of honey or some naturally sweet stevia helps perk up the flavor, and some smoothie lovers like to add a drop or two of vanilla or almond extract and a squeeze of lemon or lime.
Another non-cheap option is to start with unsweetened soy or almond milk with a lower fat content. A clever way to make this smoothie more deliciously naughty than it is is to add a frozen banana to your blender. Even those who aren’t banana fans note that it adds a creamy texture with no banana flavor. In addition to the banana, the addition of pineapple and mango and a little coconut extract give a tropical touch to these low-fat smoothies. They’re just as good, though, with a handful of berries instead.
Low-fat smoothies made from yogurt or kefir contain high calcium and intense taste. Berries such as peaches or raspberries are good additions to this type of smoothie. Some people like to add some wheat germ or some chopped nuts.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
