Tag Archives: smoothies

We Love Smoothie King’s New Lean 1 Smoothie

There are many misconceptions when it comes to “health food” or “diet food.” One of the biggest falsehoods is in regards to the health claims of smoothies. Smoothies can be healthy, and they can also be loaded with sugar and higher in calories than ice cream sundaes.

Recently, Smoothie King released a smoothie designed to be healthy and lite. The LEAN 1 smoothie has made some tall claims and may be one of the few on the market that can live up to those assertions.

Knowing that most smoothies are just fancied up milkshakes, I was intrigued by the statement Smoothie King made about their new product.

“Lean 1 is the first-ever smoothie designed specifically to help you lose fat, curb hunger and tone muscle. It’s the perfect pre/post workout companion delivering 20-30 grams of premium protein. It boosts energy levels, fights hunger cravings, speeds muscle recovery and only 300 calories. Lean 1 is the healthy portable option to a meal or snack on the go.”

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Posted on October 7, 2023 by Lacy

McCafe’s Mango Pineapple “Real Fruit” Smoothie Is Really a Chemical Cocktail

McDonald's Mango Pineapple Real Fruit SmoothieI’ll admit it: a mango pineapple smoothie sounds like a pretty refreshing treat on a hot summer’s day. But the McCafé Mango Pineapple Real Fruit Smoothie that’s being promoted as  #ANewMcDFavorite on Twitter right now is anything but real fruit. Unless you consider “clarified demineralized pineapple juice concentrate” and “mango puree concentrate” or “pineapple juice concentrate” to be real fruit, not to mention the multiple forms of added acid.

There are probably items on the McDonald’s menu that are worse for you. A large soda doesn’t have vitamin A or vitamin C, but you’re still consuming a whopping 220 calories. Plus, you’re drinking those calories, which means they aren’t likely make you feel full or satisfied.

It also contains 49 grams of sugar, or more sugar than a can of Coke. Recent research shows that sugar consumed in liquid form is metabolized differently than sugar in solid foods, and may be more likely to be converted into fat.

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Posted on June 30, 2023 by Margaret

Make Dad a Delicious and Healthy Father’s Day Brunch

If the old adage “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” is true, there is no better way to celebrate Father’s Day this year than to honor Dad with omelets, frittatas and more. Treat your father to his favorite breakfast eats because after all, it’s the most important meal of the day.

Eggs:

Crab Quiche: A quiche is an elegant yet simple main dish for any brunch party. If you have leftovers, freeze slices individually for quick weekday breakfasts.

Denver Scrambled Eggs: Ham, onions and green pepper give these creamy, smooth scrambled eggs plenty of flavor.

Ham and Cheese Pie: Use egg substitute and a prepared baking mix like Bisquick to make a quick and easy hearty breakfast pie that will disappear from the table in minutes.

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Posted on June 4, 2023 by Maris

Eat Right With White Foods Packed With Nutrition

Mary Hartley, RD, MPH, is the director of nutrition for Calorie Count, providing domain expertise on issues related to nutrition, weight loss and health. She creates original content for weekly blogs and newsletters, for the Calorie Count library, and for her popular daily Question-and-Answer section, Ask Mary. Ms. Hartley also furnishes direction for the site features and for product development.

White food has gotten a bum rap because white sugar and white flour may be harmful in excess. But it’s unwise to discriminate against “white” when it’s the color of some mighty healthy foods. Milk, cottage cheese, cauliflower, mushrooms, garlic, onions, tofu, potatoes, white beans, and white whole wheat flour are all over-the-top nutritious. But unlike other foods with nutrient properties based on color, white foods actually have nothing nutritionally in common.

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Posted on March 11, 2024 by GuestBlogger

Tasty Atkins-Friendly Breakfast Ideas

If you’re trying the Atkins Diet this year as part of your weight loss goals or New Years Resolutions, then you’re probably going to start missing carbohydrates pretty soon. As an admitted carb-addict, I could never go for more than a few hours without a tasty piece of bread or something like that, especially in the morning. Bacon and eggs for breakfast once a week sounds nice; bacon and eggs for breakfast every day of the week does not sound like such a good idea to me. Here are some different breakfast ideas that are still Atkins friendly and won’t send your blood sugar levels soaring.

Breakfast #1

Who would have thought it was possible? Pancakes and waffles without all the carbs? Score! Try these Low Carb Pancakes or Low Carb Waffles to see for yourself how tasty low-carb can be. And, of course, you’re going to want to top those pancakes and waffles off with some Low Carb Maple Syrup, aren’t you?

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Posted on January 4, 2024 by Health Buzz

10 Breakfast Foods With as Much Sugar as a Candy Bar

Would you eat four candy bars for breakfast? What if your kids asked for this for breakfast, would you let them? The answer is likely no, because it’s candy and we don’t eat that for breakfast. But did you ever stop to think that the things you typically grab for breakfast, for yourself or your kids, might as well be candy? It’s true! Most of our go-to breakfast items have as much sugar as our favorite candies. No wonder our kids can’t concentrate in school and we don’t have the energy to get through a 10 a.m. meeting without bum-rushing the coffee machine.

If you’re looking to make some healthy changes for the new year, we can tell you that changing the way you do breakfast should be a priority. The cliche that it’s the most important meal of the day is very true, and if you can conquer that meal, then you’ll be able to start conquering the others.

We compared 10 of the most popular breakfast items, some of which actually give the illusion of being health foods, to our favorite candies to show you that a cup of yogurt or bowl of cereal is sometimes no better than the treats Santa left in your stocking. (more…)

Posted on December 28, 2023 by Natalie K

Jamba Juice to Add Probiotics in the New Year

jamba juiceAlthough Dannon just settled a massive lawsuit with the FTC for making false claims about the health benefits of probiotics, we hear that Jamba Juice hasn’t lost faith in its ability to aid digestion. Fitperez.com claims that the whole-fruit smoothie chain will be offering a new line of drinks called Probiotic Fruit & Yogurt Blends in 2024.

The new smoothies are to feature nonfat yogurt, soy milk, whole fruit and a probiotic boost, to foster the growth of healthy microorganisms in the digestive system.

Jamba Juice’s probiotic smoothies will initially be offered in three flavors: Vibrant Blueberry, Thrivin Mango and a probiotic version of their already popular Strawberries Alive. Vibrant Blueberry will blend strawberries and blueberries, while Thrivin Mango will combine mangoes with peach a passion fruit.

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Posted on December 23, 2023 by Health Buzz

Healthy Holiday Beverages for Every Party Guest

It’s prime-time party planning pandemonium across the country. The end of December is here and it came a lot quicker than any of us expected. Food, entertainment, decorations, etc.- there is so much to consider when throwing a holiday get-together. Beverages are often considered a no-brainer; pick up a bottle of wine, some beer, sparkling cider for the kids and you’re good. Don’t forget the eggnog, right? Although there’s no reason to stay away from festive drinks, it’s important to include them responsibly. What do all festive drinks have in common? Either alcohol, sugar or caffeine, which can all wreak havoc on a sensible diet. Scale back on the trinity of diet saboteurs and everyone will have a happier holiday!

First of all, don’t underestimate the power of water. H2O can be enhanced with numerous herbs and garnishes such as lavender, lemon, cucumber, berries or mint. Try freezing whole cranberries in an ice cube tray with pomegranate juice for a pretty presentation and a splash of flavor. Mix up a refreshing pitcher of your choice or create a festive water-bar for guests to enjoy. The same goes for good ol’ fashioned tea, cider or coffee.

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Posted on December 23, 2023 by Theresa

Streamline Your Breakfast Routine to Start Your Day Right

Breakfast is the first thing we’re supposed to eat in the morning and the fuel that we need to power through the day. Ideally, breakfast should be a nutritious meal, but some dietitians and fitness experts tell their clients that they are better off eating anything – even a donut! – than skipping the meal entirely.

Even if you’re strapped for time in the morning, there are still ways to eat a healthy breakfast that don’t include the drive-thru.

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Posted on December 10, 2023 by Maris

Five Healthy Cold Weather Breakfast Recipes

I’m not going to tell you that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You already know, you’ve heard that one before. Breakfast is also the meal that people commonly skip, especially in the winter when cold weather and dreary skies force us to stay in bed for “just five more minutes.”

When it’s cold outdoors, jump-start your day with a warm breakfast that will help keep your belly full and your mind focused all morning.

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Posted on November 16, 2023 by Maris

6 New Pumpkin Recipes for Fall

Emily Fonnesbeck is the Registered Dietitian for the Biggest Loser Resort.

I love pureed pumpkin. It is such a tasty way to sneak in a vegetable and it just screams fall. It is loaded with vitamin A, fiber, magnesium, potassium, zinc, iron, and antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which contribute to health of the eyes. At just 40 calories for 1/2 cup, pumpkin is a very nutrient dense food. Here are a few ways I like to use it:

Pumpkin Yogurt: Mix plain non-fat Greek yogurt with pumpkin (I usually do equal amounts or slightly more yogurt) and season with vanilla and cinnamon. This can be used as a dip or as a base for breakfast with the addition of fruit, oats, cereal, and/or flaxseed.

Smoothies: Add a spoonful (or more if you’re daring!) to your regular smoothies. I recommend pumpkin, almond milk, banana, milled flax seed, cinnamon, vanilla and a scoop of almond butter. Blend together and enjoy a nice refreshing drink! (more…)

Posted on October 20, 2023 by GuestBlogger