So, fruit smoothies can be a slippery slope for people hoping to lose weight.

But as substitutes for meals, smoothies should contain fewer calories than the meals they replace.

“Eat your calories, rather than drink them,” she advises.

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They warn that overloading a smoothie with too much fruit could turn your health drink into a calorie bomb.

The key is keeping track of the number of calories your ingredients contribute.

Apple

An apple is an ideal take-along snack.

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For one, it won’t crush in your backpack the way grapes and berries can.

At a GI of 36, apples are pretty low.

Eating an apple whole is the best way to reap its weight-loss benefits.

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But blending apple chunks in a smoothie isn’t a bad second choice.

Ared delicious applecontains about 62 calories and 12 grams of natural sugar.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain more antioxidants than any other popular smoothie fruit.

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Just don’t forget to pit them, first.

Kiwifruit

It’s not the most popular smoothie fruit, but it’s worth trying.

But don’t peel the fruit; most of the fiber is found in the brown skin.

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Cut it into chunks and blend it well in a blender.

Smallstudiessuggest that regular consumption of kiwifruit can reduce body fat mass and lower blood pressure.

The subjects' insulin response improved as well, the study found.

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Another option: make a grapefruit-based smoothie for a meal replacement.

Ahalf-cup of grapefruitsections with juice contains just 37 calories and 8.5 grams of sugars.

They don’t last long in the fridge so keep your freezer stocked with a bag.

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Frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries) are just as nutritious as fresh ones.

Acup of watermelondelivers just 45 calories and about 9 grams of sugars.

Check out these8 Best Smoothie Recipes for Managing Blood Sugar.

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watermelon cubes

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