In very unscientific terms, some people, but not all (like James Corden) are less hungry when taking this class of drugs, leading to weight loss.
According to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, roughly 12% of Americans have used GLP-1 drugs, "even if unaffordable."
The new Smoothie King menu is to support people taking these medicines; meaning the drinks are designed to aid in weight loss. Each drink has protein, fiber and "zero grams added sugar." Four of the drinks have about 200 calories (for a small, 20-ounce). One option, the KETO Champ, is a bit more caloric with 435 calories in 20 ounces. Other ingredients include variations of nut butters, fruit, ginger, carrot, kale, spinach and Califia Farms Almond Milk. The drinks are packed with protein (20 to 61 grams) and fiber (2 to 15 grams).
This new menu at a North Texas Smoothie King got carried away in the brisk winds on Tuesday afternoon and was lying face down in the drive-thru. A truly light menu.
Lauren Drewes Daniels
Aren't Smoothies Healthy Already?
Here's the deal: a regular smoothie at Smoothie King isn't the healthy drink some may think it is. Let's take the Vegan Nutty Super Grain smoothie. Sounds super healthy, right? It's made with bananas, peanut butter, apple juice blend (red flag), Califia Farms Almond Milk, 100% cocoa, vegan-plant-based protein and Super Grains Enhancers. A 32-ounce serving, or medium, has 780 calories. A Big Mac has 590 calories. But the smoothie has 28 grams of protein, you protest. A Big Mac has 25 grams of protein. You're better off with a Big Mac with all its super taste enhancers.
What Smoothie King has done with the GLP-1 menu, which was created through a partnership with Ochsner Health a nonprofit health organization, is create a healthy menu — for anyone.
Dallas-based registered dietitian Amy Goodson says that while some Smoothie King drinks offer adequate protein, many of them are out of balance in carbohydrates and protein.
"Many people don't think they're drinking that many calories and often consume these types of smoothies with a meal or snack when they should really be the meal or snack," Goodson says.
Should Anyone Get These GLP-1 Smoothies?
After looking at the GLP-1 menu, Goodson, who runs The Sports Nutrition Playbook, says these new options are ideal for most people because they are a better balance of carbs and protein, are lower in sugar and, as a result, lower in calories. "I really wish the menu was not called a GLP-1 menu, as these smoothies fit into a balanced diet for many people whether you're trying to lose or maintain your weight," Goodson says.
For example, a Slim-N-Trim GLP-1 Mango Greens is made with mangoes, Greek nonfat yogurt, Califia Farms Almond Milk, Slim N Trim Blend, organic kale, ginger and spinach. A medium (32-ounce) has 26 grams of sugar for 310 calories, 8 grams of fiber and 33 grams of protein.
Goodson says using more whole foods like fruit, vegetables and nut butters with protein and removing sugars, is a more balanced smoothie for anyone.
She didn't offer any comments on a Big Mac, but says that everyone needs to choose options that best fit their lifestyle. We at the Observer say it's all about balance: a smoothie at lunch one day and maybe a Big Mac the next.
