Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Drew345]

I am thinking of having a smoothie for lunch (instead of lunch) a couple times a week to cut some calories.
I remember seeing on the internet a few "eat this, not that" stories about smoothies in America with like 1500 calories and 125 grams of sugar. Then the same store had healthy options with like 500 cal and 25 grams of sugar.
I had a new Costco smoothie last week, and I am pretty sure real fruit had never been near that smoothie; it was pure sugar water.
Anyone a regular at smoothieking? Any tips for keeping it healthy with a smoothie from there?
I eat lots of fresh fruit at home, so not looking for home recipies (unless you really want to share). I am thinking about when I am out and want a healthy, light option (as in, healthier than the taco bell light menu).
Thanks for smoothieking tips!

[brento1138]

My tip is simple: make your own smoothies!

Only you know what ingredients go into it, and therefore you can cut down how many calories are in it. I follow the "Eat this, not that" on twitter... and it does indeed surprise me how a healthy sounding smoothie is often more dangerous than two entire McDonalds meals! I mean, that's just nuts...

So, yeah, I'm not one to ever go to Smoothie king. Make your own. Buy a blender. That's the way to go!

[Drew345]

Yeah, that's good advice. Thanks.
Thing is, it's not that I am really crazing a good smoothie. It's more that I am looking for a healthy alternative while I am out. And yes, I do like a good smoothie.
Do the Korean smoothie shops (smoothieking) have some options loaded with sugar and fat, and other options loaded with fruit and non-fat yoghurt?
I'll try asking at the shop, it will be a fun exercise in Korean if nothing else.
Thanks.

[cj1976]

I make my own smoothies all the time. I have a blender with a smoothie attachment so it works like a charm. I use bananas, strawberries, mango (if available), and a splash of milk. You can use yoghurt if you want it creamier. Costco sells the huge bags of frozen strawbs and mango which are perfect for smoothies.

[JMO]

cup of strawberries, 1 and half banana, 40 g of whey protein isolate, cup of blueberries, flax seed(optional) and oatmeal (optional) make a good smoothie. If adding oatmeal, you might have to add milk or water.

[nathanrutledge]

If you're in the Jonggak area, on the north side of the street, just east of the Subway sandwich shop, there is a little stand that does smoothies. They have real fruit in a cup. You tell them the one you want, they add a little sugar, some ice, and blend away. They are delicious, and you see exactly what goes in them. Not as sweet as a smoothieking, but quite tasty. I have meetings in Jonggak on a regular basis and those smoothies always hit the spot.

[atwood]

Smoothie King has a pamphlet with all the nutrition information.

It's better and usually easier to just eat the fruit. Grab a handful of walnuts or almonds as well.

[DorkothyParker]

I've never been there, but I found this:
http://www.smoothieking.com/smoothies/under-300-calories.php

Do any of the smoothies have similar names?

I think smoothies make a nice treat, but I don't think they are a good meal replacement under normal circumstances. They seem to have too much sugar, and the calories are high. I mean, you could eat so much food for 500 calories!
Or you could at least avoid added sugar by enjoying some of the key components. A piece of whole fruit, a cup of yogurt or high-fat milk, maybe some nuts if you want to go wild. You could probably keep it under the amount of a blended smoothie, and it would be equally tasty.