Is there any difference Between Smoothies and Shakes? Or are they different names of the same thing? What exactly a smoothie is? How is it different or similar to shakes? If these questions are popping in your mind then read here to know everything about these two drinks...
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Smoothie And Me
Smoothie is the latest addition to my kitchen. Almost daily a new smoothie experiment is conducted in my kitchen lab with excellent results. Till now we have been fans of shakes only. But now, smoothies are there. Recently, I made the strawberry shake with lots of strawberries and less of milk. It looked like a smoothie but I refused to believe so as I thought how could it be? I considered it just a thick shake only. Then a few days later, my husband Sandeep, insisted me to have smoothies for breakfast. At that time, I seriously started thinking about what actually a smoothie is. Are smoothies different than shakes? Or just different names of the same thing? Honestly, I was pretty confused. Though I knew they were different but how I didn't know. What I thought was that shakes are milk-based and the smoothies are yogurt-based. Was I right?
As I have said earlier also, blogging enriches me every day in some form or the other. Apart from sharing my tried and tested recipes with you all, there is no denial that I get to learn many things, things of which I knew nothing or had just a vague idea. I enjoy my research on various topics. All Thanks to blogging!!!
And then began my search for these two beverages. Pretty happy with the results I thought of sharing this with you all. Unlike some of my earlier posts, this one is not loaded with scientific reasons and explanations. On the contrary, it is quite interesting. It is really fun when you read about these two beverages and immediately relate to it too. I am sure you will enjoy reading this.
So, what about the difference between Smoothies and shakes? We will talk about their differences and similarities if any, but before that let us understand what do these words mean.
What Is A Shake?
Shake is comparatively more common term as compared to a Smoothie. We all have grown up drinking a variety of shakes like Milkshake, Mango Shake, Chocolate Shake etc. We very well know that shakes are milk-based. Different flavours or syrups or fruits are blended with milk to which ice cream is added to make it more creamy and richer. These shakes are then topped up with nuts, cherries and at times with whipped cream too.
Shakes, being milk-based are very rich in calcium and protein. But at the same time are loaded with saturated fat and calories as well.
Though taken for breakfast but Shake is, in fact, a sweet treat and more of a dessert.
What Is A Smoothie?
What does Smoothie mean? A smoothie is a drink made by blending fruits and/or vegetables with a liquid such as dairy/ non-dairy milk or yogurt or coconut water or juices or simply water and ice. It is a thick version of juice as unlike juice, it retains the pulp as well. A smoothie’s “thickness” can vary and depends on the ratio of liquid to solid ingredients.
Smoothie is a preferred choice for breakfast as it is a quick and easy way to get a healthy dose of one's daily nutrient needs.
Smoothies can easily be used as a meal replacement or as a supplement to a meal or as a snack. Also, if you feel that you or your children are not able to consume the recommended daily dose of fruits and vegetables then you can make up for this deficit by having a smoothie.
If suffering from diabetes then there are smoothies, especially for such people. Check with your doctor and decide which smoothies are good for you. There are many diabetic friendly smoothies.
Avoid bottled juices, sugar, ice cream, whip cream, readymade smoothie mixes to make a healthy smoothie. Choose your ingredients wisely and you are all set for a healthy life.
5 Reasons To Have Smoothies?
| 1. If you don't have the time/inclination to cook breakfast for yourself, then smoothies are for you. |
| 2. If you don't have the time to have breakfast early in the morning then smoothies are for you. |
| 3. If you are not able to consume fruits during the day, for whatever reason then smoothies are for you. |
| 4. If you are lactose intolerant or just don't like the taste of milk then smoothies are for you. |
| 5. If you feel lack of energy/stamina then smoothies are for you. |
Benefits Of Smoothies
- Smoothies contain the natural sugar of fruits. Honey, protein powder, oatmeal, nuts can be added for taste and nutrition.
- Smoothies are high in carbs but low in fat content. Depending upon what has been used to make it, a smoothie may or may not contain protein, therefore at times, protein powder is added to it.
- Smoothies come with a host of benefits provided you choose the right ingredients and go for healthy smoothies. They nourish your body with essential nutrients. In general, they provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fibre, and protein.
- Smoothies are an effortless way to lose weight. They help you to feel full and eat less, and even stop you from putting on weight!
- They are good for skin as are loaded with essential fatty acids, which calm puffiness and redness. They're full of antioxidants, which keep wrinkles and sagging to a minimum. They aid in digestion and in detoxifying your body. Read more about the benefits of smoothies here.
Smoothie Vs Juice
Smoothies are not juices: Juices are free from the pulp, smoothies retain pulp.
Smoothie Vs Lassi
Smoothie is not Lassi: Lassi is yogurt-based whereas Smoothie may or may not have yogurt. Mango lassi is a smoothie but Mango kiwi Watermelon Smoothie is not Lassi.
Smoothie Vs Shakes
Smoothies are not Shakes: Shakes are milk-based whereas Smoothies may or may not have milk.
8 Differences Between Smoothie and Shakes
|
Smoothie |
Shake |
|
Fruit-based |
Milk-based |
|
Low In Sugar |
High In Sugar |
| Uses any liquid like milk/ yogurt/water | Uses only milk and ice cream |
| High in carbs but low in fat | High in fat and calories |
| May/may not contain protein | Rich in protein and calcium |
| May contain veggies | No veggies are used |
| Great for pre-workouts | Great for post workouts |
| Preferred in Breakfast | Ideal as Dessert |
| Examples: Green Smoothie, Papaya Smoothie, Kiwi Smoothie, Oats Smoothie etc. | Examples: Chocolate Shake, Mango Shake, Oreo Shake etc |
Hope the Difference Between Smoothies And Shakes is clear to you now and you can wisely decide as to go to which beverage depending upon your needs.
If you have liked this post or my other posts then feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback fuels my enthusiasm to post more good content. Also, join me on my Facebook page for more interesting tips and facts.
Thanks,
Samira
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