Answers (12)
1
Green smoothies are best. That's a meal, but often doesn't fill me. Blending fruits and vegetables breaks open the plant cell walls that house the micronutrients far better than chewing can, allowing the nutrients to work wonders in the body. Blending also frees the mirosinases to produce anti-cancer compounds.
I combine kale, spinach, ground flax seed, blueberries, black mulberry juice, and strawberries. Blend it up, drink it (and chew it, too) and watch for the energy boost!
I combine kale, spinach, ground flax seed, blueberries, black mulberry juice, and strawberries. Blend it up, drink it (and chew it, too) and watch for the energy boost!
1
I think a smoothie can be used quite acceptably as a meal replacement for those really trying to eliminate unhealthy meals they are currently having. "Have some doughnuts? No, have a sweet smoothie." Being in liquid form, the food doesn't seem to stay with you long so, it can also help people to start eating (drinking) smaller meals more often by replacing the more slowly digested 'quick fix' options like candy or other highly fattened foods. Definitely depends on what you put in them though.
1
Hello Jerry,
It depends on what you put in your smoothie, I personally like juicing fruits and vegetables however, I dont use it as a meal replacement...mainly as a meal supplement.
sincerely,
Michael
It depends on what you put in your smoothie, I personally like juicing fruits and vegetables however, I dont use it as a meal replacement...mainly as a meal supplement.
sincerely,
Michael
0
To me personally, they are not. A meal to me is something that needs to be chewed. I am not at the age yet, when I need things soft and through a straw.
Whether or not they are meal replacements depends a lot on what's in them. Some are nothing but glorified high fat milk shakes, but it is certainly possible to create a concoction that is healthy.
Whether or not they are meal replacements depends a lot on what's in them. Some are nothing but glorified high fat milk shakes, but it is certainly possible to create a concoction that is healthy.
0
I generally have smoothies for breakfast. I don't consider it a meal replacement, I consider it a meal.
My smoothies never have milk in it, unless it is almond milk. It almost always has at least one banana added and other fruit--like berries, dates, peaches, nectarines melon or orange juice. During the winter I use winter fruits. For me it is a delicious, satisfying breakfast.
My smoothies never have milk in it, unless it is almond milk. It almost always has at least one banana added and other fruit--like berries, dates, peaches, nectarines melon or orange juice. During the winter I use winter fruits. For me it is a delicious, satisfying breakfast.
0
If someone is following the more meals, smaller portions plan, then it certainly would. For people who aren't hungry in the mornings or forget to eat, I always recommend a shake or smoothie. On a side note, I found this new product called Orgain, which I really like (don't worry, I'm not selling it, I'm just sharing my recent discovery). It's USDA Organic approved and created by a physician and cancer survivor. It packs about 255 calories, 16 grams of protein and additional vitamins and nutrients added via fruits and vegies. It takes really great and comes ready to drink. I'm trying it out this week to see how I like it. When life gets busy, a smoothie is a great resource, in my opinion!
0
I chuckled at Karin's answer but COMPLETELY AGREE with her! Webster's defines a "meal" as "an act or the time of EATING..." it also says "the portion of food EATEN..." (my own emphasis added here). For me to to consider something a meal, the first threshold for me is that it is something that I chew/eat (absent of course some medical or health reason for me to intake only liquids for my diet). So, for me, whenever I intake a smoothie, it's with the idea that it is a "snack" that is tiding me over, or "supplementing" (I don't mean this in the way that some speak about "supplements" because I don't believe in them) my regular meal.
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
LaRue, CSCS
www.lecfitness.com
lecfitness@yahoo.com
0
I guess that rules out tomato soup, potato soup, cream of spinach soup, pumpkin soup, carrot soup because one can't chew it. Oh well.
0
it really depends on whats in them, they can be an acceptable substitute for certain goals, but not as good as whole food.
0
I love healthy smoothies. The key is healthy. They don't make you feel very full so if someone wants to feel full then a smoothie can be just extra calories. I think it is a phenomenal way to get more fruits and vegetables in. I also add chia seeds and flax seed to mine.
0
In my opinion a smoothy is only as good as what you put in it minus the fibre. I think the blending process reduces the fibre in the fruit to the equivalent of flour, vs whole grain, in bread
0
My friend Alex and I go all out. One day I brought over a banana and a nectarine to his house. In his fridge we found fresh strawberries and blueberries, kefir, plain yogurt, spinach, and several types of juice. We threw it all in his blender and added honey. Then we crushed up a multivitamin and sprinkled in turmeric in hopes of "bonus" nutritional benefits. It was as delicious and satisfying as a home cooked meal. I recommend hemp seed, sunflower seed or flax meal as a final addition.
