5 Slimming Smoothies

Healthy SELF, SELF Magazine

April Daniels Hussar,SELF magazine

The word "smoothie" might sound healthier than "milkshake," but quite often, these seemingly good-for-you drinks are jam-packed with fat and calories. Here are five recipes for smoothies that will satisfy your summertime sweet tooth -- and get you back in your short shorts!

"Think twice before choosing a smoothie from a juice bar or a smoothie shop," Laura Cipullo, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator, tells HealthySELF. "Many smoothies contain multiple fruits, fruit 'juices' that are not 100 percent juice, sugar and some type of non-nutritious caloric base."

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Not all smoothies are created equal. "Adding sugar or frozen yogurt, straining seeds -- which eliminates fiber -- and super-sizing the portions all make for a slippery slope," Cipullo says, explaining that smoothies high in carbohydrates, especially in the form of simple sugars, are not truly filling and can cause reactive hypoglycemia, making you tired and hungry soon after consuming. "If you thought the smoothie was going to be your meal, think again," she says. "You will probably need to eat within the hour and end up eating more that day!"

Want to take a healthier route? "Use whole fruits to keep the fiber high, frozen fruit instead of a sugary base and add a protein such as Greek yogurt to balance your body's response to the high carb load," recommends Cipullo.

Here are three of SELF's delicious, low-calorie smoothies and two of Cipullo's yummy recipes:

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Midweek stress? Treat yourself to a banana-ginger smoothie, packed with potassium, a nutrient that can help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol (128 calories per serving).

Feeling beachy? Mix up a Tropical Treat with coconut milk, mango and pineapple (174 calories per serving).

Need a pick-me-up? Time for a Super Energy Smoothie, made with light tofu! (207 calories per serving).

Laura Cipullo's Beautiful Brain and Body Smoothie
Makes three, one-cup servings.

1 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup fresh blueberries
1 1/4 cups unsweetened soy milk
1/2 cup silken soft tofu (such as Nasoya or Mori-Nu)
1 tsp fresh peeled and grated ginger

Combine all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Serve immediately in a fun, cold glass (186 calories per cup).

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Laura Cipullo's Go Green Be You Smoothie
Makes three, one-cup servings.

1 cup chopped fresh beet greens (cleaned, patted dry, thick stems removed and discarded)
3/4 cup frozen unsweetened raspberries
3/4 cup fresh raspberries
1 medium frozen banana, cut into chunks before freezing
1 cup cold water
1 cup plain nonfat Greek-style yogurt

Place the beet greens and fruit in a blender. Add the water and puree until smooth. Add in Greek yogurt and blend.

Divide the smoothie into three glasses and top with three fresh raspberries (115 calories per serving).


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