| When you are looking for a healthy diet food, it is | | | | Some of the better-known and quick weight-loss |
| important to pay attention to what is in that food. Do | | | | programs feature shakes as snacks or even meal |
| not make assumptions based on what it is called or | | | | replacements. Check the ingredients before imbibing. |
| where it is being offered. Protein shakes and | | | | Frequently these are sugar drinks loaded with artificial |
| smoothies are a great example. | | | | flavors and fortified with protein. Many even go so far |
| One might think that going to a food establishment that | | | | as to include seven or more forms of sweeteners, so |
| offers mainly smoothies would mean that you were | | | | they can list protein as the first (and main) ingredient on |
| going to a "health food" restaurant. Not so. Some | | | | the label. |
| smoothies may contain little more than fruit, water, ice, | | | | Are they convenient? Yes, but convenience food |
| and a supplement such as dried barley or protein | | | | mentality is how we, as a society, got so far off base |
| powder, but the premium items on the menu are more | | | | with our eating in the first place. Fear not, however, not |
| likely to contain sugar, frozen yogurt (in a form that is | | | | all is lost on the shake front. |
| essentially ice cream made with cultured milk) and | | | | Making a nutrient rich and good-tasting shake or |
| artificial flavoring agents. | | | | smoothie at home is quick and easy. All you really |
| Worse yet are the "smoothies" being sold at food | | | | need is some protein powder, ice, milk (dairy, rice, nut, |
| stands in department stores and fast-food restaurants. | | | | etc.), and fruit. Bananas are particularly filling and sweet. |
| These are often primarily the same as a "slushie" like | | | | Put your chosen combination in the blender and puree. |
| you get at the 7-Eleven, which has never been | | | | Now, you have a light, filling, and satisfying snack or |
| confused on any level with a healthy food. | | | | meal in a minute. |