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I'm an Addict

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I’d describe myself as a smoothie addict. (As you know, I even went as far as manufacturing my own fitness blender and cookbook!)

However, as far as addictions, I’d say this one is fairly harmless. I love sweets, and smoothies are a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth, get your five fruits for the day, load your body with vitamins and antioxidants, and add a little protein to your diet, too. You can eat them as a snack, meal replacement, and/or take them on the go! Being a fitness trainer, I’ll always remind you that fitness and food need to be in the same breath. You need to move your body, and you need to feed your body good fuel.

I tend to use yogurt and lots of fruit in my smoothies. With frozen fruit being not only affordable but readily available, berries and tropical fruits are in stock all year. On the other hand, my teenage boys love to load up with ice cream, bananas, and protein powder to build their buff biceps. My husband asks me every morning, “Hey honey, can you make me a quick smoothie to take in the car? I’m running late.” Many of my clients love smoothies as a way to enjoy a treat and keep their calories in line.

Speaking of calories, BEWARE of smoothie bars that seem to be popping up everywhere (strip malls, airports, convention halls, etc.). They often load their concoctions with extra sugar, syrups, and other additives weighing in between 500 – 1000 calories for just an 18-oz. drink. Home cookin’ is the best cookin’! You can make smoothies at home and create delicious concoctions out of your favorite flavors! Like I said, they make great grab-and-go breakfasts and snacks, but can also be used as a well-balanced meal replacement at any time of the day by adding some protein powder.

And, if you’re wondering about veggies, I use both avocados and spinach in my smoothies. Avocados make smoothies creamier and you can’t taste them when they’re mixed with fruit. Avocados are an amazing source of the healthy fat (mono-unsaturated fatty acid), as well as other vitamins and minerals. Spinach blends right up, and need I tell you that Popeye’s super food is chock-full of nutrition! Check out my Popeye smoothie in my new cookbook, Choose This!

—Chris Freytag