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From:	Jeff Novick, MS, RD, LD, LN (novick.vegsource.com)
Subject:	Re: smoothies for breakfast
Date:	December 1, 2008 at 7:10 am PST

In Reply to: smoothies for breakfast posted by Lily on December 1, 2008 at 6:29 am:

Hi Lily

Seems like you are asking several different questions, all rolled up into one, so let me try to separate them out.

>>i was just wondering if its healthy to drink smoothies for breakfast

If it was a "healthy" smoothie made up of "healthy" ingredients, than it could be a healthy option.

However, some comments on smoothies...

--the less blending, processing, etc we do and the more we get to use out teeth and facial muscles in chewing, the better. Chewing is an important part of the digestive process which can not be replaces by a blender. :)

--In addition, if someone was watching their blood sugars, or their triglycerides, I would rather see them consume their fruits/foods more whole and less blended/processed.

-- Studies have shown that people can eat more when their food is blended up (ie smoothie), so if someone was trying to lose weight, consuming the whole food would be better.

>>>I know people usually say that breakfast should be the biggest meal of the day but I'm never hungry in the morning.

Different cultures have different customs. In some cultures breakfast is the biggest meal of the day and in some cultures dinner is. However, these are societal customs and not based on science. If someone was not hungry in the morning, than there is no prerequisite that they must eat breakfast and/or that is should be the biggest meal of the day. Now, like in everything, there are some exceptions depending on the person, the situation and their health. Diabetics should eat something in the morning if they are going to go exercise. Also, children, who are growing and developing rapidly, seem to benefit from including a good breakfast.

>>So...is it enough?

I guess it depends on how big it is :)

Smoothies can be made in any size and from many different ingredients. The deciding factor would be what was in it and how big it was.

>>Thanks!

Your welcome!

In Health
Jeff

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