Different types of low calorie smoothies include those blended with low calorie ingredients, those that include nutritional supplements, and prepackaged powders that can allow users to make low calorie smoothies without having to gather and prepare a lot of raw ingredients. There are also commercially prepared smoothies that can be purchased ready to drink in cans or bottles or freshly made at a food service establishment. By learning appropriate substitutions, many people can adapt recipes for higher-calorie smoothies so as to make them low calorie.
A smoothie is a drink prepared in a blender and is typically made from whole fruits, vegetables, and other foods, such as frozen or regular yogurt. While smoothies generally have a reputation for being healthy drinks because they often contain fresh produce, not all of them are low in calories. To make low calorie smoothies, a person needs to use low calorie ingredients such as fat-free yogurt, skim or unsweetened nut milks, and relatively low calorie fruits such as berries. If additional sweetener is needed in the smoothie, a person can add a sugar substitute. Another trick is to use cubes of frozen milk, yogurt, or water to make low calorie smoothies, as the frozen liquid can add texture to the drink while also blunting any aftertaste caused by the use of an artificial sweetener.
Some companies produce liquid supplements that can be added to smoothies. These supplements may consist of vitamins as well as herbals and may be blended to target specific health concerns, such as the need for energy, weight loss, or relaxation. These supplements are often low in calories and can either be purchased at a health food store or added to prepared smoothies. Some smoothies that are sold as ready to drink will emphasize the addition of additional herbs and supplements on their labels. It is a good idea to carefully read the ingredients in these supplements, as some that are sold for weight-loss purposes may contain stimulants that may be unhealthy for some smoothie drinkers.
Many restaurants, coffee houses, and specialty shops sell smoothies to the public. Typically, people can choose from a menu of different smoothie recipes, or they may be able to request a custom-made one. It is important for customers who are interested in low calorie smoothies to find out the calorie count of any commercial smoothie that they buy. In some cases, it is possible for the restaurant or coffee shop employees to substitute low or no calorie ingredients for those that are higher in calories.