A relatively new creation in the culinary world, the smoothie has taken consumer taste buds by storm. In many ways, it is one of the most versatile and innovative developments since the sandwich. Convenient for people on the go, smoothies have become a popular way to satisfy hunger and tantalize the palate.
According to Jamba Juice employee Jenny Streiff, smoothies are so popular because of the nutrition involved.
\Today people are more health conscious; smoothies are a quick, complete meal that fills them up,"" she said.??
But, are smoothies really as ""smooth"" as they seem? Excessive consumption of fruit juices may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, flatulence and tooth decay. Although smoothies are portrayed as an infinitely healthy treat, one would be surprised at their hidden caloric content. For instance, the ""Peenya Kowlada"" smoothie at Jamba Juice, 401 State St., contains 650 calories'that's more than a McDonald's Big Mac, which weighs in at 560 calories. Smoothie King, 527 State St., features a smoothie called ""The Hulk,"" which contains 953 calories, which is equivalent to eating 19 Chicken McNuggets.
Don't be discouraged, however; many smoothies truly do offer a variety of nutrients without the hefty calorie price tag. The Smoothie King & Extreme Pita, 527 State St., offers a number of lower-calorie smoothies, including the ""Slim & Trim Orange-Vanilla,"" which tallies up to a mere 199 calories.??
The key to creating a nutritious smoothie is all in the ingredients. By substituting yogurt or low- or nonfat milk for ice cream, one can escape the calories, yet add a good source of calcium. Soy milk, as well, is a healthy alternative to ice cream, for those who do not eat dairy products. Using ice shavings is a calorie-free way to enhance texture when necessary.
Another way to ensure a healthy smoothie is to use fresh, whole fruit without added sugars. Not only will you cut out empty calories, but you will improve taste and texture, while adding essential nutrients to your diet. This could be a welcome change, considering only one out of 11 people eat the recommended serving of fruits and vegetables per day.
As people try to jump on the health bandwagon, many smoothie chains offer a wide variety of nutritional supplements, often referred to as ""boosts,"" to add to smoothies. These boosts claim to improve anything from a hangover to memory. Jamba Juice caters to its female customers by offering ""Femme Boost,"" a boost containing vitamins A and D, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and iron, all important nutrients for women.
Some smoothie drinkers prefer to add single ingredients to enhance the sustenance of their smoothies. One new, trendy addition to the smoothie is flax seed, which contains both omega-3 fatty acids and flax seed oil, a substance known to improve the skin.
Not everyone is convinced that these boosts, which typically cost 50 cents a pop, are worth the money. UW-Madison nutritional science Professor Susan Nitzke is not impressed with the claims these boosts make.
""I don't think [supplements] are worth the extra cost,"" said Nitzke. ""They're just a marketing gimmick. If you really feel that you're lacking in certain vitamins or minerals, I'd use a daily supplement.""??
One thing that cannot be disputed, however, is the popularity of the smoothie. One doesn't have to look too far in order to find a UW-Madison student enjoying one of these blended treats.
When asked what she likes best about the smoothie, UW-Madison sophomore Samantha Suh replied, ""When I can't make it home for lunch, it's a quick and healthy way to fill me up. Plus, I just love the taste. Every time I get a smoothie, I try to get something new; I haven't been disappointed yet.""'?
With all of the possibilities smoothies present, there truly is a smoothie for everyone. Ray Pfeiffer, a Jamba Juice employee, prefers ""Peach Pleasure,"" a delicious blend of peaches, bananas and orange sherbet. Smoothie King employees seem to favor ""Angel Food,"" a classic strawberry-banana smoothie.
Once a person identifies what exactly he or she is looking for in a smoothie, whether it be taste or nutrition, the next step is seeking out one of Madison's smoothie vendors. Some of Madison's finest include Jamba Juice, Smoothie King, The Chocolate Shoppe, 468 State St., and Starbucks, 661 State St.
Library Mall is also home to a number of smoothie vendors, such as the ever-popular Loose Juice cart.
For those who do not wish to leave the comforts of home, the Internet offers a wide variety of sites specializing in frozen smoothie mixes, delivered straight to the front door.
For the creative souls in the kitchen, here are two healthy smoothie recipes to try:
Recipe courtesy Jessica Daynor
Makes two servings
A good source of calcium and vitamin C
Calories: 180
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 cup raspberries
2 tablespoons limeade
1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
Process all the ingredients in a blender until smooth.
Recipe courtesy http://www.bhg.com
Makes six servings
A good source of calcium, vitamin C and protein
Calories: 152
2 bananas, chilled
2/3 cup strawberries or mango slices
1 12-ounce can grape juice or mango, apricot, strawberry, or other fruit nectar, chilled
1 8-ounce carton fat-free yogurt
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
2 tablespoons ground pistachio nuts (optional)
Blend all ingredients until smooth, and top with ground pistachio nuts if desired.
