Do you make smoothies?

[maslex]

I've recently been told by my doctor that I am borderline diabetic. I have been over weight most of my life plus both my parents are (dad is on insulin and mom is on pills) I would like to nick this in the bud while it's still early and have it not build into full on diabetes.

The doctor will be sending me to a dietician/nutrionist (never been to one). I was thinking of starting up a juice/smoothie routine in the mornings before heading off to work. I'm not much of a breakfast person but I do like juice/smoothies. I figured this would be a way for me to get in some fruits/veggies.

Do you make smoothies or use a juicer? Your thoughts on which brand of juicer or blender? Thanks!!!

 

[dngnb8]

No, mine are more like Lumpys

 

[lovesmurfs]

No, mine are more like Lumpys

Yoo hoo, Tag Fairy....!

I have a hand blender I use - I make mine the night before because the noise wakes up the family.

 

[Big Cuddly Bear]

Well, being diabetic means you need to watch your sugar intake.... and many fruits have too much sugar. Read up on the glycemic index. That will show you which fruits you should be eating and which to usually avoid... Some sugars process slower / faster than others.

I will say, that as a way to avoid diabetes, this may not be the best way.... and I am diabetic.


Bananas - High on the GI scale
Fruit Juice - High on the GI scale for most of them

As a diabetic, my doctor has told me to NEVER drink fruit juice.

 

[Christine]

If you're borderline diabetic I'm not sure this is the way to go unless you make them high protein.

 

[FireDancer]

I make smoothies all the time. I use frozen fruit, 100% fruit juice or almond milk, and protein powder. Sometimes I add some flax seeds or oatmeal to them too. I don't think just about anything I make in the blender would be good for a diabetic though but I can't say for sure.

I have a Cuisinart Smart Power Blender and it works really well.

 

[dngnb8]

Yoo hoo, Tag Fairy....!

I have a hand blender I use - I make mine the night before because the noise wakes up the family.

Only good posters get tags....

 

[PRmamiDEdos]

DD loves smoothies. I buy a bag of the frozen mixed berries and use those with plain yogurt and some OJ. I usually make them for her before her soccer games.

 

[Tinkermommy]

My husband and I have been making "green smoothies" for a several months now and we feel great. We both have noticed less sugar cravings.

We do 60 to 70% greens and then use apples, berries (low on the glycemic index) and stevia to sweeten.

Also, with smoothies you get all the fiber from the fruits and veggies.

We try to mix it up a bit but here are some things we put in it.
- Spinach
- Kale
- Mustard greens
- Wheat grass
- Flax seeds
- Chia seeds
- Carrots
- Apples
- Frozen Berries
- Frozen Mixed fruit
- Stevia
- Ice/water
- Protein powder (My husband does this for a meal replacement)

We have a VitaMix. It is awesome!!! It's very pricey but if you use it, it is well worth it.

I also make soup, sauces, dressings in it. We our VitaMix everyday.

 

[castleview]

You can use the blender to increase the volume of a smoothie (2 cups ice, 2 cups frozen strawberries, 1 packet crystal light, 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, 1/2 cup water. Blend for 5 minutes).

I use the Magic Bullet (easier cleanup) for my favorite smoothie (1/2 banana, 1 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 cup frozen mango, 1/2 cup raspberries, 1/2 to 1 cup orange juice). Though check into whether the banana or orange juice is acceptable for pre-diabetes.

I suppose you could invest in the Vitamix. The price is ridiculous, but the amount of blenders I've killed probably adds up to within that price range.

 

[peyjax]

I would like to nick this in the bud while it's still early and have it not build into full on diabetes.

Do you make smoothies or use a juicer? Your thoughts on which brand of juicer or blender? Thanks!!!

First yes I love to make smoothies! I buy a large bag of frozen mixed berries and greek plain yogurt in bulk at costco. I throw in a little oj and mix it all up in my magic bullet. Love the magic bullet as it is perfect for one serving and is easy to pull out and clean up!

Second your quote of "nick this in the bud" threw me off. I always thought it was NIP this in the bud, at least that is what i remember Barney Fife used to say on Andy Griffith show. So I googled it and became even more confused. So is it a regional thing?

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

I never thought to use Crystal Light. I will try that next time!!

I make smoothies in a blender, and here is what I put in it:
* Crushed ice
* orange juice
* fresh or frozen mixed fruit
* half a banana
* Vanilla frozen yogurt

 

[HannaBelle]

We are big smoothie fans and use the Magic Bullet as well. Here are a few of our favorites:

Banana Smoothie:
1c crushed ice
1 banana
1c milk
dash of vanilla
sweetener of your choice
Blend until smooth

Strawberry Pineapple:
1 small can of crushed pineapple in its own juice (do not drain)
1c frozen sliced strawberries
Blend until smooth

Mock "Frosty":
1c crushed ice
1c milk
1T of instant chocolate pudding (just the dry mix - not the pudding!)
2T of frozen cool whip
Blend until smooth

I like using the instant pudding mixes with milk b/c they make the smoothie nice and thick and add sweetening. I use the SF/FF varieties mostly.

 

[Golf4food]

Smoothies are our breakfast during the week. We adapted Alton Brown's smoothie recipe. Here's ours (makes a big smoothie for two people):

6 oz Frozen Strawberries
6 oz Frozen Blueberries
8 oz Silk (with DHA, we use the plain flavored, but use what you like to taste)
8 oz V8 Fusion Light - we alternate between the Strawberry-Banana and Blueberry-Pomegranate flavors (Light, not full sugar, you don't need the full version)
Add 1 fresh banana in the morning before blending or one frozen at night.
For added sweetness a pump of honey (a couple of tablespoons to taste)
DW also likes to add peanut butter into hers

Stick it in the fridge overnight and ready to blend in the morning.

30 seconds on level 3 once it starts moving
30 seconds on level 7 (move up between levels slowly or it will choke)
1 minute at 11

We have large freezable travel mugs we got at an outdoor store that we freeze overnight and pour the smoothies into those to keep them cold.

Good stuff. Tasty and full of all sorts of good things. Economical and no junk.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I use just my blender.

I flash freeze my fruit. I hull strawberries and place them on cookie sheet and freeze them. I cut my banana's in half and freeze them without the skins. (I do other fruits, but they take more prep, so I will keep with my simple smoothie)

Strawberry/Banana smoothie

4-5 frozen strawberries
1/2 banana
1/2 container vanilla yogurt (I use fat free)
1/4 cup skim or low-fat milk

Blend all together and enjoy. If too thick add a little water or extra milk depending on what your daily allowance will allow.

I would also say stay away from adding fruit juice along with the fruit in your smoothie. Way too much sugar. I know they have some sugar-free types of yogurt, but I was told that sugar substitutes can be bad also for those with diabetes, so to start out you may want to talk with a nutritionist.

 

[S. C.]

No, mine are more like Lumpys

Yoo hoo, Tag Fairy....!

 

[Poohforyou]

I make them in the blender. You have to be careful though about the amount of sugar in them. You actually would be better off having a piece of whole grain toast with a little peanut butter and a cup of berries. If you do go the smoothie route try using Greek yogurt which is high in protein and adding some protein powder.

 

[Lorem Ipsum]

I am diabetic and I would never drink a smoothie. Your body, your choice, of course, but for me there are too many carbs.

When I found out I was diabetic I started making healthy choices using this site:

http://www.dlife.com/

Best of luck to you.

 

[minniebeth]

I am diabetic and I would never drink a smoothie. Your body, your choice, of course, but for me there are too many carbs.

When I found out I was diabetic I started making healthy choices using this site:

http://www.dlife.com/

Best of luck to you.

Thank you for the link! My brother is diabetic and this will help me find some great recipes that I can use!

 

[dngnb8]

STOP IT, STOP IT