Many of us view smoothies as a snack, or tasty treat that we have to give us an energy boost, or just for a bit of fruity flavor when that craving hits.
But, we have to ask if this is the case. You see, as many smoothies are higher in calories than a snack should be, can they be considered a snack?
Instead, many of us who are familiar with smoothies consider them to be a meal.
The big question is, is a smoothie a meal? Or, is it a snack? Today, we are going to answer all your questions regarding the meal status of smoothies and let you in on what you should be doing if you make your own smoothies as a meal.
Is A Smoothie A Meal?
While smoothies used to be considered a beverage, nowadays they are more like a meal.
They are often used as meal replacements. However, it really does depend on the nutrition of your smoothie. Its nutritional content typically decides whether or not a smoothie is a meal or not.
Of course, a smoothie is well known to contain fruits, but, for a smoothie to be a meal it needs to contain protein, and healthy fats as well as the fiber and carbs you will get from fruit.
What Makes A Smoothie A Meal?
A mix of fiber, protein, carbs, and healthy fats make up any meal, and the same is to be said for smoothies.
For a meal of any type to keep you feeling full and not hankering for a snack afterward, it needs protein. Protein is a key nutrient and is therefore critical for a smoothie to be considered a meal.
If you were to look at a pre-made smoothie, with lower than 20 grams of protein, it would not work as a meal.
It could perhaps be a side or large snack, but not a meal. However, health.harvard.edu does recommend that you are careful about including too much protein in your diet.
Then we have fruit, which is typically the primary ingredient in smoothies.
Fruits add fiber, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. Do not forget the fluids too, water is ideal as it has 0 calories or sugars.
However, plant-based milk is a good choice. But, we recommend avoiding juice as it is high in sugar.
Healthy fats are another aspect of smoothies that make them a meal. Fats provide energy, and help your smoothie keep you feeling full.
You don’t need much, but a little goes a long way. Nut butter and avocado are popular choices.
Additional ingredients are also found in smoothies that work as meals, these are not essential but do add extra flavor and nutrition.
These could be cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, coffee, vanilla, and so on.
Are Smoothies As Filling As Food?
If a smoothie is made the right way then they can be very filling.
However, this is not true for every smoothie. If a smoothie is not correctly balanced, does not contain an adequate amount of protein, and is primarily made with fruits then it may serve more as a snack than a meal, and therefore will not be filling.
Heathline.com states that eating protein makes you feel fuller for longer.
A smoothie that is made to be a meal replacement can be as filling as any other meal.
That being said, a smoothie is never going to be as filling as something dense, such as a burger.
Instead, a meal replacement smoothie can be filling, and if made right, can leave you feeling full for a while. Everydayhealth.com states how fiber and protein can help you feel satiated.
Those who use smoothies as meal replacements should also watch the rest of their diet also, however.
This is because if you are used to large portions, a smoothie may not make you feel as full as you would expect, even if it is a well-made meal replacement smoothie.
Whether or not a smoothie is as filling as food is partially dependent on the smoothie and partially dependent on you and your diet.
You may like this article: Ways To Make Your Smoothie More Filling.
What Makes A Smoothie A Snack?
Snack smoothies will be lighter than meal-based smoothies. They will usually contain some vegetables, fruits, and some liquid.
You can simply leave a snack smoothie at this. However, you can make it a bit more filling if you want adding in some nut butter or yogurt.
A lot of fruit can increase the fiber as WedMD.com states, however, it will also increase the sugar.
A snack-based smoothie doesn’t need a lot of protein or high-fiber foods. They are better for easy drinking and enjoyment than for satiating your hunger.
FAQs:
Can A Smoothie Replace A Meal?
A smoothie can replace a meal if it is properly balanced. A balanced smoothie will include healthy fats, fiber, carbs, and protein as well as other nutrients and vitamins. If it contains an adequate amount of these, it could be considered a meal replacement.
Is A Smoothie A Food Or A Drink?
Smoothies are considered a beverage or food. However, if the primary ingredient is a fruit vegetable, or dairy product then it is considered to be a food.
Can I Replace Breakfast With A Smoothie?
You can replace breakfast with a smoothie, just ensure that it is properly balanced and contains the essential nutrients to get you through the day
Recipe For Smoothie For Lunch
Equipment
- 1 Blender
Ingredients
- 1/2 avocado peeled and stoned (you can use frozen too)
- 1/2 cup/75g frozen berries of choice we used strawberries
- 1 handful of spinach washed
- 200 ml milk
- 2 tbsp of yogurt
- 1 tbsp of oats use GF if needed
- 1 tsp of honey optional
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a high-speed blender and blitz until smooth.
- Serve and drink up!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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