It can be tricky when deciding on a healthy snack or meal that is also fast food or a chain restaurant. A smoothie may come to mind when you think of a healthier snack to grab when on the go. While that may be true for some smoothies, others can be far from healthy with loaded sugar. If you need a healthier option of a low-calorie and low-sugar smoothie, there are some options to consider at Smoothie King. The primary key to a healthier smoothie selection is to look for ones with low sugar and low calories and more vegetables and protein. Let's look at some smoothies to consider on your next Smoothie King visit:
1. Gladiator—Strawberry, Chocolate, or Vanilla smoothie
It’s one of the lowest carb items on their menu, containing just 3 grams of carbs, 3.5 grams of fat, 230 calories, and 45 grams of protein in a 20-ounce (590-mL) serving. It is made with Gladiator Protein Vanilla, but you can also add two ingredients of your choice. Add peanut butter to boost the fat content or veggies like spinach, carrots, or kale to increase the nutritional value while keeping the carb count low. Needing some carbs? Ask for berries or a banana!
2. Slim-N-Trim Blueberry Smoothie
The Slim-N-Trim Blueberry Smoothie contains wild blueberries, apple blueberry juice blend, stevia, and protein powder. There are 2 grams of fat, including 250 calories, and 11 grams of protein per 20-ounce (590-mL) serving. This smoothie provides 5 grams of fiber, a critical nutrient that can support healthy cholesterol levels, increase feelings of fullness, and boost the health of your gut microbiome.
3. Vegan Mango Kale Smoothie
The Vegan Mango Kale smoothie contains a blend of nutritious and vegan-friendly ingredients. This smoothie includes bananas, kale, mangoes, almonds, apple and pineapple juice, and plant-based protein. This smoothie has 340 calories, 11 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fiber in a 20-ounce (590-mL) smoothie. You can reduce the carb content by swapping the fruit juice for a plant-based alternative liquid like almond milk.
4. Original High Protein Banana Smoothie
The Original High Protein Banana smoothie is a good balance of carbs and protein. This smoothie contains 340 calories, 35 grams of carbs, 27 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber in each 20-ounce (590-mL) serving and is made with bananas, almonds, whey protein, and a dairy whey blend.
You must be careful when choosing your next smoothie option and pay close attention to what is actually in the smoothies. Most fast food smoothies contain high amounts of added sugars and calories that can be harmful to your weight loss and not beneficial to your nutrition. Always read the ingredients list when making your selection. Try these smoothies on your next Smoothie King visit and see how you like them!
Sources of nutrition facts from HealthLine