While smoothies can be healthy, unfortunately most of those at the smoothie shop deliver more sugar-laden calories than they do better health.

My son James’s favorite combines the sweetness of berries with the tartness of lime. Unfortunately for anyone concerned with eating too much sugar, the combination of juice, fruit, and lime sherbet (as used at the smoothie shop) adds up to over 20 teaspoons of sugar in your cup.

Here I’ve slashed the excess sugar and carbs, but not any of the great taste!  If that were not enough, fresh lime juice and wholesome yogurt bump up the Vitamin C and protein. So good, and good-for-you!!

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients
3/4 cup light cranberry juice
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon lime zest
Juice of one lime (about 2 tablespoons)
3 tablespoons no-calorie granulated sweetener (or 4 packets)
1/4 cup crushed ice

Instructions

1. Place all the ingredients, except the ice, in a blender. Blend to mix.

2. Add crushed ice and blend on high until the ice is completely incorporated and smoothie is thick.

Dare to Compare …………………………………………………………………………..
Even “healthy” beverages can give you a lot more calories and carbs than you bargained for. A small all-fruit smoothie can easily contain 400 calories and over 90 grams of carbohydrate (the equivalent of 6 fruit servings).

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Nutrition Information Per Serving:
Calories 150 : Carbohydrate 30g (Sugars 24g) : Total Fat .5g (Sat Fat 0g) Protein 7g : Fiber 6g : Cholesterol 0mg : Sodium 55mg:

Food Exchanges: 1 1/2 Fruit, 1/4 Nonfat Milk : Carbohydrate Choices 2

Weight Watcher Plus Point Comparison: 3 | Smart Points 6