Most of the time, smoothies serve as a fantastic, weight loss-friendly way to fit nutrients into your diet. In fact, when you add the right ingredients to the mix, they can make for some of the healthiest meals out there. However, health experts agree that the premade smoothies you find at the store (think Naked brand, for example) are a different story. As it turns out, these can be detrimental to your overall health for several reasons, and may even result in weight gain.
To learn more about why you should avoid this type of smoothie as much as possible if you’re trying to slim down or just want to keep your overall health in check, we spoke to Lisa Richards, nutritionist and creator of the Candida Diet. Find all of her expert insight below!
How premade smoothies lead to weight gain
While a smoothie you make at home can be tasty, nutritious meal, there's one reason in particular that premade smoothies can take a toll on your health: they're typically loaded with sugar. It's no secret that consuming too much sugar can result in serious consequences, including weight gain.
"Premade smoothies can be detrimental to health due to their high content of added sugars," Richards confirms. "These added sugars contribute to several health issues when consumed excessively."
She goes on to say that "they can lead to weight gain and obesity due to their high calorie content," warning that "overconsumption of added sugars can also increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by causing insulin resistance and impairing blood sugar control." Yikes! In addition to practicing certain healthy habits, limiting your intake of sugar (such as the kind found in these store-bought smoothies) is one great way to manage your blood sugar levels and improve your overall health.
But it isn't just weight gain that you're putting yourself at risk of when you frequently drink store-bought smoothies. "Excessive sugar intake has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure," Richards points out. "Moreover, consuming sugary drinks, including smoothies, has been associated with a higher likelihood of dental cavities and tooth decay." Say it ain't so!
All in all, although premade smoothies may seem like a healthy option to throw in your cart at the grocery store, it's important to be aware of the possible risks at hand. If you're craving a smoothie, the best option is always to blend one up with fresh fruits in your own kitchen. While it may take a bit more effort, it will be well worth it in the end—and there are so many healthy recipes to choose from!
