Mean Green Diabetic Smoothie

Written by Will Knight | Jun 6, 2016 2:21:32 PM

A basic smoothie can be a great way to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. This healthy weight loss smoothie supports dieting goals and can be used in place of other snacks or meals. It can also provide you with the appropriate energy for exercise. These features are important for type II diabetes in which excess weight is a known risk factor. This filling and nutritious drink can boost your nutrient intake and help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

Smoothies are very easy to make, and by making them at home you can control exactly how much sugar and carbs go into them. You want to focus on low glycemic foods which will not have too much of an effect on blood sugar levels. Most fruits are appropriate as long as they are served in limited quantities. However, pineapple, melon, and oranges should be avoided because they have a greater impact on blood sugar levels. Instead you can use fruits such as apples, pears, grapefruit, and berries.

Vegetables are an even better addition to smoothie, since they are often lower in sugar and carbs. There are many different combinations you can try with fruits and vegetables. Broccoli, kale, and spinach are all high in fiber, which aids in managing blood glucose levels. As a bonus, these vegetables also contain rich amounts of other vitamins and minerals that are beneficial to your overall health.
For the liquid base of the smoothie, fruit juices are not recommended. Instead use unsweetened almond milk, soy milk, or water in order to monitor the sugar content and keep cholesterol levels down.

Steer clear of added sugars and sweeteners such as honey. A good bonus to the smoothie would be flax seeds, which contain fiber and protein. Furthermore, flax seeds have essential fatty acids that assist in preventing heart disease by increasing good cholesterol levels.
The ingredients in this smoothie are simple, but can go a long way to managing your diet. They are terrific for a quick breakfast or a snack on the go.

Ingredients

2 cups fresh spinach

1/2 apple, sliced

1/2 avocado

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

3 tbsp Plain Greek yogurt

1 tbsp flax seeds

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 cup ice cubes

Instructions - In a powerful blender, combine ingredients and blend until smooth. Add more almond milk if necessary to reach desired consistency. Serve immediately.

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