The Saga of a Modern Mid-Life Smoothie Monster

Friday 17 March 2023

Smoother than normal

Green smoothies have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These delicious drinks are a quick and easy way to get a nutrient-packed meal or snack, all in one convenient glass. Green smoothies are made from a combination of leafy greens, fruits, and sometimes other ingredients like nut butter, seeds, or protein powder. They are incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit individual tastes and nutritional needs. In this post, we'll take a closer look at the benefits of green smoothies and offer some tips on how to make the perfect blend.

Benefits of Green Smoothies

One of the primary benefits of green smoothies is that they are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and chard are rich in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, while fruits like bananas and berries provide fiber, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals. Additionally, many people find that drinking green smoothies helps them to feel more energized and focused throughout the day.

Another benefit of green smoothies is that they can be a great way to sneak in some extra servings of fruits and vegetables. Many people struggle to eat enough produce throughout the day, but by blending them up in a smoothie, you can easily get several servings in one go. This can be especially helpful for picky eaters or those who don't have a lot of time to prepare and eat meals.

Tips for Making the Perfect Green Smoothie

If you're new to making green smoothies, it can be helpful to follow a recipe at first. There are countless recipes available online, so you're sure to find one that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are some general tips for making the perfect green smoothie:

Start with a base of leafy greens. Spinach, kale, and chard are all good choices.
Add some fruit for sweetness and flavor. Bananas, berries, and mango are all popular choices.
Include a liquid to help the ingredients blend smoothly. Water, coconut water, or almond milk are all good options.
Consider adding some protein or healthy fats. Nut butter, seeds, or protein powder can all help to make your smoothie more filling and nutritious.
Blend until smooth, and enjoy!

Experiment with different combinations of ingredients until you find your favorite blend. And don't be afraid to add some spices or herbs for extra flavor and nutrition.

In conclusion, green smoothies are an excellent way to pack in some extra nutrition and energy throughout the day. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a post-workout snack, or just a tasty way to get your greens in, a green smoothie is a perfect choice. So why not give one a try today?

Benefits of ginger in smoothies

Ginger is a versatile and flavorful spice that can add a lot of health benefits to your smoothies. Here are some of the benefits of ginger in smoothies:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Ginger contains compounds that have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can be especially helpful for those with conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
Digestive health: Ginger has long been used as a natural remedy for digestive issues like nausea, bloating, and indigestion. Adding ginger to your smoothies can help to support digestive health and reduce symptoms of digestive discomfort.
Immune support: Ginger has been shown to have immune-boosting properties, thanks to its antioxidant content. By adding ginger to your smoothies, you can give your immune system a natural boost.
Pain relief: Ginger has been shown to have pain-relieving properties, and may be helpful for those with conditions like menstrual cramps, headaches, or joint pain.
Weight loss: Some studies have suggested that ginger may be helpful for weight loss, thanks to its ability to increase metabolism and reduce inflammation in the body.

When adding ginger to your smoothies, it's important to start with a small amount (about 1/2 inch of fresh ginger root) and adjust the amount to taste. Ginger has a strong, spicy flavor, so it's important not to add too much and overpower the other flavors in your smoothie.

Here is a recipe for a delicious ginger smoothie:

Ingredients:

1 banana
1 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 inch fresh ginger root, peeled
1 cup coconut water
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey (optional)

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
Adjust the amount of ginger and honey to taste.
Pour into a glass and enjoy!

By adding ginger to your smoothies, you can enjoy a variety of health benefits while also adding delicious flavor and spice to your drink. So why not give it a try today?

Wednesday 22 June 2022

Are Meal Replacement Shakes Safe for Diabetics?

Type 2 diabetes is a major health worldwide.

Type 2 diabetes affects approximately 95% of people with diabetes. It affects the majority of individuals who are overweight or obese. Weight loss has been identified as an essential therapeutic target for diabetic patients who are overweight or obese. This is not a simple yes or no question.

They are certainly not new to the weight loss scene, but meal replacement shakes are definitely all the rage today. As a person with diabetes, you might be wondering whether swapping out a meal in favour of drinking a thick liquid through a straw is recommended, or even safe. If meal shakes appeal to you, you are in luck. Like nutritional supplements, meal replacement shakes can safely be consumed by diabetics.

Meal replacement shakes and nutrition bars are simple and effective weight loss tools for overweight or obese people with diabetes. These products have shown advantages over self-selective weight-loss diets according to this study. The key is in learning which meal replacement shakes are best for people with diabetes, so they do not disrupt your glycemic control and how to properly integrate these full meal beverages into your daily diabetes diet.

What is a meal replacement shake, really? Meal replacement shakes are a convenient way for busy people to have three nutritious meals throughout the day. They are bottled beverages or drink powders that can be a substitute for a meal or a snack. You can get a pre-made protein shake in a bottle, or you can make your own at home. Meal replacement shakes are ideal for people who want to save time on meal preparation, reduce weight, or bulk up because they provide 200–400 calories and other nutrients per serving.

Protein shakes are typically created using protein powder and a liquid. Depending on your dietary requirements the base for this drink could be: Water, Dairy milk, Nut milk, Rice milk, Seed milk. Some fruits and vegetable options are more beneficial to anyone concerned about their blood sugar levels. Look for products with a low glycemic index and low glycemic load. Which means they won't increase your blood sugar level. To strengthen your bones and supply beneficial gut bacteria, consume plenty of calcium and probiotic-rich dairy foods.

Low-fat milk, kefir, and Greek yogurt are all excellent sources. A smoothie can be a delicious and nutritious treat if you carefully think of its ingredients. You can enjoy these treats daily as long as you stick with healthy ingredients and do not use excessive sweeteners.

Why replace meals with shakes? There are several benefits to drinking meal replacement shakes for people with diabetes. It can be difficult to get all of the nutrients your body requires from a diet when you reduce your calorific intake. Shakes are frequently packed with nutrients, which can help you meet your nutrient needs while reducing your calorie intake. Meal replacements for people with diabetes should contain the right protein, fibre, and important minerals and vitamins.

Aside from being a low-maintenance form of nutrition that can come in a variety of flavours, meal replacement shakes can: Enabling safe, gradual weight loss Meal replacements are high in protein and fibre. That is the reason why they can help you feel fuller for longer than typical meals. This allows you to eat fewer calories throughout the day and lose weight without your blood sugar levels spiking or dropping. Which can be a side-effect of less healthy alternatives for weight loss.

People should also make sure they do not depend only on shakes for their protein intake. That way you can miss out on minerals and other valuable nutrients that protein-rich foods contain. Supplying your body with essential nutrients People on diets frequently become so focused on calorie reduction that they unknowingly deprive their bodies of essential nutrients they require to survive and thrive. Meal replacement shakes are high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and fibre, simulating a well-balanced meal while eliminating the uncertainty of what foods to eat and what foods to avoid.

Helping to manage your blood glucose levels Committing to replacing just one meal a day with a portion-controlled shake can help you avoid high-carb meals and their associated side effects. Instead, you will ingest exactly the right amount of carbohydrate and protein needed to keep your blood sugar level balanced and blood sugar spikes in control.

What are the best meal replacement shakes for diabetics?

Even high-quality meal replacement shakes fail to supply the total dietary nutrients that your body requires daily. Even though they are designed to keep you full for a long period.

Every day, you will need a healthy balance of whole, real foods, including low-fat or fat-free dairy, lean protein, fresh vegetables and fruits, fish, nuts, and legumes like peas and beans. It is also crucial to keep in mind that not all meal replacement shakes are created equal.

Even if you select one of the greatest weight loss smoothies for diabetics, it may fall short in terms of adequate nutrition. You must read the ingredient list attentively and try to identify any missing components. Sometimes the number of carbs or protein is too low. In those cases eat whole foods throughout the day and balance your diet. Before adding anything new to your diabetes diet, consult your doctor. Best meal replacement shakes Below, I've listed some favorite shake brands:

1.)Ample V This meal replacement is made for people who are following a ketogenic diet for weight management. As a result, it has a low carbohydrate content, making it suitable for those with diabetes. Ample K is a nutrient-dense drink produced with actual, high-quality culinary ingredients. It's basically lipids, fiber, full protein, organic vegetables, and probiotics all rolled into one. Low GI meal replacement; No artificial ingredients; No soy; No gluten No-GMO.

2.) Atkins This keto and diabetic-friendly meal replacement smoothie are made to deliver a tasty and speedy breakfast before you start your day. You can use it as meals and snacks to refuel your batteries. It is designed to keep you full, happy, and energized for an extended period of time. It contains all of the vitamins and minerals that your body needs daily. Low Gi, Steady energy, With nutrients that support immune health, Gluten-free

3.) Glucerna This meal replacement shake was created in such a way that it may be used as a meal replacement or a snack. It can simply assist you in managing both hunger and diabetes. It contains CARB STEADY, a proprietary blend of slow-release carbs that aid in blood sugar control. It also has about 6 grams of fiber and 15 grams of protein. 1 carb choice, 4 g sugars, 10-12 g of protein, 140-180 calories, Nutrients to help support immune health.

4.) Extend Nutrition Shakes These diabetic protein smoothies are made with a blend of lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates that digest slowly and help stabilize blood sugar for up to nine hours, making them ideal for type 2 diabetes care. Help control blood sugar for up to nine hours, Curb appetite & hunger cravings, Deliver healthy long-lasting energy, No spike, no crash, 10g protein, Only 2g sugar - no added sugar, Low glycemic, low fat, low carb, Gluten-Free, Only 110 calories.

5.) Boost Glucose control BOOST Glucose Control is a nutritional drink that can be used as a mini-meal or snack for persons who are managing their type 2 diabetes. It is also gluten-free, it lactose intolerance, so it is a fantastic option for anyone with these dietary restrictions. 16 g protein for muscle health. Calcium and vitamin D, support strong bones. 190 Calories to help you have energy. 25 vitamins and minerals you need every day.

Meal replacement shakes for diabetics -What is important to pay attention to when choosing a shake?

Studies have demonstrated the benefits of meal replacements for people with diabetes. But when it comes to choosing a meal replacement shake always look at the ingredient label before buying one.

You will want a meal replacement shake that contains: No high-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated vegetable oil, or added sugars. No more than 10 grams of sugar. Roughly 15–20 grams of protein and 3–5 grams of fiber per serving, and at least 33 percent of the recommended daily serving of vitamins and minerals. Minimal chemicals and synthetic additives.

Often, meal replacement shakes have a lot of artificial additives because the powder blends are highly processed. The artificial substances aid in the preservation of the product as well as the enhancement of the taste. Many shakes also have added sugars so they taste better.

As with all things.........Always read labels carefully.

Tuesday 8 March 2022

Commonplace Illness? Not for me it bloody isnt.

SORRY. Its been a long time since my last post. The reason involves personal reasons which I am not going to bore you with, plus I'm fairly confident that my absence hasn't diminished your life in any way. So....... in the two years since you been subjected to my feverish whittering IN THOSE TWO YEARS, HAS ANYTHING BIG HAPPENED IN THE WORLD? In the innocent, Halcyon days of 2019, If you'd told me what was going to happen, if you'd have said our lives were just about to be cast into a dystopian gulag, where we all had to wear face-masks and isolate inside our own homes,if you'd told me that, I'd have called you a flippin lunatic. I would have suspected you to be something akin to a flat-earther or a moon-landing denier. COVID 19! HOLY CRAP ON A CRACKER! How can something simultaniously bring the worst and the best in humanity? I have been staggered by the bravery and selflessness of all medical professionals, hospital workers paramedics, shop assistants and basically, all those who risked their wellbeing for us.

Then there are the people who routinely rely on information posted on the internet by some bloke called colin who posts his crazy theories from the converted attic in his mums house. The world's attention has now turned to the horrific events that have befallen the courageous people of Ukraine and their incredible President,

so Covid is no longer the Bête Noir of the right-wing tabloids, so apparently we've beaten the virus now, haven't we? SURE

On a personal level, and I'm afraid I'm going to have to indulge me, I have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. This was a massive surprise, as I was showing no symptoms. It just showed up in a blood test that I requested due to joint pain. I was also surprised because I have been extolling the virtue of smoothies and healthy eating for a long time now. I still truly beleive in the healing power of raw fruit and veg, I am just using less fruit now. Take care everyone