{"id":341781,"date":"2015-03-26T11:17:14","date_gmt":"2015-03-26T03:17:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mariefranceasia.com\/uncategorized-hk\/satisfying-smoothies-make-delicious-drink-341781.html"},"modified":"2019-05-04T02:27:40","modified_gmt":"2019-05-03T18:27:40","slug":"satisfying-smoothies-make-delicious-drink","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mariefranceasia.com\/hk\/galerie\/satisfying-smoothies-make-delicious-drink-341781.html","title":{"rendered":"Satisfying Smoothies: 5 Recipes to make this delicious drink"},"content":{"rendered":"

Smoothies are an all-time favourite snack that are\u00a0packed with essential vitamins, protein and fiber. They have a chameleon-like ability to be transformed into whatever you want them to be. Which has spurred health stores, juice bars and fitness clubs to regularly sell low-fat and nutritious<\/a> mixtures of smoothies for the health junkie. But sometimes you need not venture out to quench your smoothie thirst; you can easily make one at home.<\/p>

However, don\u2019t get carried away and add ingredients that turn your smoothie into a sugar-laden calorie bomb. The key is controlling what ingredients go into the blender,<\/p>

One great way to make a low-fat smoothie is by making it thick. In order to lose weight, you need to reduce the number of calories. <\/a>Thick smoothies leave one feeling fuller and more satisfied than thinner drinks (despite the same number of calories).<\/p>

Thick smoothies permits one to reduce the calories, while still feeling full and satisfied.<\/p>

Ingredients to thicken a smoothie:<\/span> <\/h2>
1. Chia Seeds<\/strong><\/span> <\/h5>

Chia seeds turn gel-like when they are soaked in a liquid and swell substantially. However, it takes about 20 minutes for the chia seeds to fully activate.<\/p>

If you want your smoothie to be thick, pre-soak chia seeds for about 20 minutes in a few tablespoons of water. If you\u2019re out of time, make your own chia gel and add a few tablespoons to the smoothie when needed.<\/p>

2. Flaxseeds<\/strong><\/span> <\/h5>

Add 1 or 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed (also known as linseed) which has\u00a0a nutty flavour.<\/p>

Like chia seeds, flaxseeds are in the family of superfoods. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and protect the body against heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Flaxseeds absorb water and form a gel after 20 minutes.<\/p>

The main disadvantage of using flaxseed, compared to chia seeds, is that it spoils quickly. Flaxseeds are best kept in the fridge and should be used quickly before they become rancid.<\/p>

3. Frozen Fruits<\/strong><\/span> <\/h5>

Using frozen fruits is a simple way to thicken the smoothie a little. Freezing fruit adds thickness and texture to the existing fruit and intensifies the flavours of the smoothies.<\/p>

Dense fruits such as bananas, mangos, papaya and avocado will thicken a smoothie. On the other hand, water-based fruit such as watermelon will make the smoothie thinner.<\/p>

4. Other thickeners<\/strong><\/span> <\/h5>