Are Smoothies Healthy?

Dear Lifehacker,I love smoothies and figure they’re pretty healthy.

After all, they’re mostly fruit, sometimes even with some leafy greens and protein.

What’s the deal?

Aren’t smoothies healthy?

There are, of course, worse things you’re free to drink.

Smoothies sometimes have a decent amount of protein, which can be another point in their favor.

This varies widely, though.

Here are some strategies:

Don’t use juice as the liquid.

Use unsweetened ingredients, and sweeten to taste.

Don’t feel like you’re gonna wanna fill the blender to the top.

For those post-workout shakes especially, just make enough smoothie to do the job.

Include fats and protein.

These slow down your absorption of sugar, or in technical terms, they lower yourglycemic response.

Sincerely,Lifehacker

Images byRin OharaandTambako the Jaguar.