Smoothie diet mistakes
The Top 10 Smoothie diet mistakes
On our site you will find lots and lots of different smoothie recipes and ideas. However if you want to use them to get the best possible results (and taste) then the key is to avoid these 10 smoothie diet mistakes
- Not having a plan…
- No consistency
- Not enough protein
- Too many calories
- Not adding ice
- Wrong liquid
- Not enough fiber
- Not enough variety
- Not trying it first
- No targets & goals
These are explained in more detail below
1. Not having a plan…
The number 1 smoothie diet mistake is not having a plan.
A smoothie diet plan that will show you which smoothie (or smoothie recipe) will help you achieve your objectives.
Why are you using smoothies ? To lose weight (or gain weight), get healthy, boost sport results….
There are very many different types of smoothies (high or low calorie, high or low protein, fibre, etc) and they need to fit in with a plan.
2. No consistency
It’s the same as for any diet – good intentions on Monday which often fizzle out by Friday !
For example if you want to lose smoothies to lose weight – you should be replacing 2 meals per day with a calorie controlled smoothie. But this only works if you follow a consistent plan – and do it every day. One ‘blow out’ lunch can undo a lot of good.
3. Not enough protein
The level of protein in your smoothie is key to your success – but has to be at a level that fits in with your own individual objectives. For example the level will be different if you are male or female, if you do some exercise, your height, etc.
There are a number of ways you can add protein to your smoothie – for example the type of liquid you blend it with, the bits (like fruit and vegetables) you put in the smoothie, you can add protein powder, etc.
4. Too many calories
The level of calories in your smoothie is also key. For example a big smoothie diet mistake is to add high calorie fruits on a regular basis.
That is why the easiest option is to
- Start with the type of liquid you enjoy (juice, milk, etc.)
- Add a specialised smoothie mix powder – so you than have your ‘core calorie controlled smoothie‘
- and then add other items that fit in with your smoothie diet plan
For example if your resting metabolic rate is very low then you will have a much lower smoothie calorie level than with a high resting metabolic rate. Similarly your smoothie calorie levels also need to reflect your daily activity – do you have a physically demanding job or sit behind a desk all day ?
5. Not adding ice
Simply adding ice to your smoothie will make it ‘thicker and more filling’ (without adding calories found in items like bananas, etc.)
6. Wrong liquid
On this site you will find smoothie recipes with water, milk, juice, etc. Be very careful as to the type of liquid you add – the obvious one is that milk (ok, really should be called a ‘shake’) can cause side effects like feeling bloated, head aches, etc.
But even with fruit juices there are many, many different types. On our site we have used unsweetended, natural juices, often freshly made. Before adding a juice (or soya milk, etc) check you are using low calorie, unsweetened varieties.
7. Not enough fiber
The recommendation is that ‘on average’ people should consume 18 grams of fibre per day. There is a real danger (on a smoothie diet) that you will not achieve this. That is why simply adding the right types of fruit and vegetables to your smoothie will make all the difference. (for advice follow the links in our ‘how to make a smoothie‘ page)
8. Not enough variety
If you are using smoothies on a regular basis (maybe even replacing 2 meals per day) there is a real danger you will get ‘bored’ and start craving other items.
That is why we have so many recipe ideas on this site – try to add some variety and ‘mix up’ your smoothies on a regular basis.
9. Not trying it first
Did you know we have a 3 day smoothie trial pack ?
That way you can simply ‘test the smoothie diet’ for a few days to see if you enjoy it.
10. No targets & goals
Keeping track will be key to your success.
Even simple items like measuring your daily calorie intake, exercise, etc have been proven to make a real different to achieving goals. Your smoothie diet plan will be designed to help you get the best results (whether you want to lose or gain weight, get better exercise or sport results, etc.)
Why not let us email you a recommendation – and then simply sign up with many of the ‘free’ online apps, so you can monitor your daily activity and get the best possible results ?
More information
How to order the shake or smoothie mix