Do you reckon this smoothie is healthy?

[coffeecoffeee]

I stopped having fruit smoothies for ages because of the high sugar content and apparently the blending process breaks down the fibre etc?!

Well I've been having the following smoothie and hoping it is relatively healthy, what do you think???

Water
Spinach
Celery
Blueberries
Greek yoghurt
Scoop of protein powder

Very!

If you wanted to add more goodness swap the Greek yoghurt for kefir, I do that a lot

Ooo yes I might try kefir I've heard good things about that!

I just worried that the blending process might "ruin" the goodness of spinach and celery too

In general it's "healthier" to eat fruit and veg unblended because then the free sugars in them aren't released.
And I suppose protein powder is a UPF.
But it's going to be low in sugar compared to other smoothies, particularly as blueberries are a low sugar fruit. And protein is helpful. It doesn't seem particularly unhealthy to me, particularly in moderation.

yes Healthy in moderation, but still better to eat fruit and veg raw and whole. And protein powder is ultra processed, I’d be looking for whole/natural sources of protein

I'd find a healthier swap for the protein powder, but otherwise that's good.

Oh FFS. What is wrong with protein powder now?

I guess cos it's UPF but I'm keeping it in I think cos it adds some sweetness and I struggle to get my daily protein in!

I think this smoothie is a good as good a compromise I can make, I'll add real veggies with my lunch and dinners also

Remove the protein powder, it’s junk food.

You could add some avocado and/or nuts or peanut butter for healthy fats. I think it's healthy but if you can get it as balanced as possible all the better

If you start to have kidney issues or joint pain cut out the spinach because it’s really high in oxalic acid

Sounds lovely but I think it depends when in the day it is. Feels like a meal replacement to me or is it as a "snack". As a breakfast great instead of eating an apple as a snack bad

No it isn't.

I hate this new fad for protein powder, it's shit! It's the new emperor's new clothes- money being thrown away 🙄.

I'd ditch the protein powder altogether!

@Vegetus mmmmm thickener, guar gum, sweetener 🤷🏼‍♀️

Hah evidently you've read a book from a quack and are now parroting what you believe to be true.

A diet contained only of protein shakes wouldn't be great, a single scoop a day is going to do absolutely no harm whatsoever.

Surely you don't have an issue with milk protein?

Sucralose is safe (as are all artificial sweeteners) unless consumed at ridiculous levels it would be nearly impossible to reach.

Guar gum is a natural compound, xantham gum is totally safe again unless consumed in ridiculous amounts.

Stop demonising compounds you don't understand.

Those are just 7% of the total.

It depends on the protein powder and what it contains. I'm very selective about my protein powders.

Yes it's fine, but you really don't need protein powder. It's a massive marketing ploy. Cut out the UPF. The yoghurt provides plenty of protein unless you are some kind of ultra weightlifter.

I really recommend this podcast:

https://joinzoe.com/learn/podcast-should-i-eat-more-protein

Lots of pp mentioned protein powder being ultra processed. True, but whey protein is also one of the most bioavailable sources of protein out there, especially compared to plant based sources such as legumes. So it has a place in your diet alongside other protein sources if you're trying to keep your protein up, which everyone should be. Also in the context of a smoothie that would otherwise be very low calorie and not very filling, it's great to add. Looks good OP.

I'm sorry but that podcast isn't great. Of course protein alone can't help with weight loss. But if you are trying to lose fat and reduce the number on the scale, you really do need to keep your protein up and add some resistance training otherwise a large proportion of weight lost will be lean mass, not fat. Protein is also satiating and costs more energy to digest. That's not the same as saying protein will cause weight loss. The whole premise of that episode is a strawman.

If you're eating enough calories for the day, you are getting enough protein.

Hardly anyone needs enough protein to warrant protein powder. It is a huge misconception. There is plenty of protein in your normal daily diet.

If you are upping your protein to eat more than your body needs, all your body actually does with it is turn it into carbs and fat.

There is really no point!

Your last sentence is absolute nonsense. Your body can't turn protein into a carbohydrate for the same reason I can't turn this phone I'm replying on into a wooden door. They're made of different things.

Your body cannot make adipose tissue unless you're in a calorie surplus no matter the split of macros you consume.

@Jenala Once your body has enough protein, it will simply turn any excess into carbs and treat it in the same way. People are packing their bodies with protein absolutely needlessly, and wasting money on these products. The manufacturers are onto a winner for sure.

The best thing to do is concentrate on a healthy, varied, natural diet which avoids processed foods and yes of course strength training is important. But your body has more than enough protein for that without needing protein powder, unless you are some kind of competitive weight lifter/ professional athlete.

Yes it can.

The whole point of your digestive system is that it can convert food into energy (i.e. convert something into something else).

Your body does not have anywhere to store excess protein. Once it has enough, your body will remove the nitrogen from any excess protein, convert it into carbs and fat and store it. Listen to the podcast.