Health&Wellness Magazine August 2014 | Page 32

32 & August 2014 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | Moove Over Milk: Give Your Smoothies a Healthy Makeover By Annette Racond, Staff Writer Although the word smoothie may conjure up images of well-being, many smoothies are loaded with sugar and may not be as healthy as you thought – especially if you want to consume less sugar. The good news is there is now an abundance of beverages that are available in unsweetened versions. Such offerings are tasty and satisfying - and good for you, too. Jim Benson, who owns SNAP FITNESS in Lexington, Kentucky, is all for keeping down his sugar intake. “If a smoothie tastes extremely sweet, I try to figure out why that’s the case. I use unsweetened original almond milk in my smoothies every day. Aside from being unsweetened, it’s also dairy free. There’s no need to consume large amounts of high-sugar beverages when you have tasty and healthy alternatives.” Many high-end beauty companies are even getting into the supplement business, so you can take your antioxidant intake one step further without relying solely on your fruity creations. For one, PerriconeMD offers a Super Berry Powder with Acai, along with Vitamin C Ester Supplements. Shelf-stable versions of non-dairy drinks are a convenient option since they don’t need to be refrigerated until after the carton is open. So, you can stock up on your favorite varieties without filling up your fridge. Check out the below products in unsweetened varieties and add them to the mix! There are plenty of other companies with similar offerings, so be sure to investigate all of your unsweetened options. Besides, aren’t you sweet enough as it is? Smooth as Silk: Silk Organic Unsweetened Original Soymilk is formulated with complete soy, protein, and calcium. At 80 calories per glass, its soothing flavor will enhance any smoothie. So, chop up those fresh strawberries and bananas, spill in some protein pow- der and hit blend. Most smoothie shops now carry soymilk as a milk substitute, too. Almond Joy: Unsweetened Almond Breeze – available in original, vanilla [