Product Review: Lightfull Satiety Smoothies
Trying to eat in moderation can be a problem when you feel the tug of hunger, which often leads in the direction of snacks. Capitalizing on this sad fact, many food manufacturers have started offering “healthy” products designed to satisfy hunger, without a lot of calories. One food item growing in popularity, judging by their increasing numbers at grocery stores, is the low fat smoothie or diet shake. I was recently offered the opportunity to sample a new smoothie product that claims to give a feeling of fullness that lasts long enough between meals to prevent snacking.
I received three Lightfull Satiety Smoothies two weeks ago and was a tad pessimistic as I read their product information. The goal of the smoothie is to produce a feeling of satiety, a feeling of satisfaction and fullness after eating, that lasts two to three hours. I’ve eaten yogurt smoothies for lunch or as a snack and haven’t found them terribly successful in tempering my appetite for three hours. Lightfull Smoothies claimed they create satiety because an 11 ounce drink contains six grams each of protein and fiber, which slows digestion. The drink also contains the equivalent of three cups of the antioxidants found in green tea. With a calorie count of 90 calories, it seemed too good to be true.
The drinks I received came in three flavors, Peaches & Cream, Chocolate Fudge, and Cafe Latte. I have to state right off the bat that I dislike drinking chocolate flavored drinks or shakes as a meal or snack. So, I wasn’t thrilled with the flavor of the Chocolate Fudge smoothie. But, I was impressed with the amount of the product, which seemed ample. And I did feel full after drinking it. However, because I dislike chocolate drinks I wasn’t “satisfied”. A chocoholic might have a different reaction.
The next day I offered the Cafe Latte drink to my husband, as a replacement to the carton of yogurt he eats for lunch everyday. Later I asked him if he enjoyed the drink and learned he enjoyed the flavor. He was enthusiastic and said he felt fuller and more satisfied after drinking it, and preferred it to yogurt. Over-all, he was pleased with the drink and his only complaint was that the straw that comes with the drink wasn’t big enough to handle the thick texture properly.
The last drink was Peaches & Cream and I was much happier with the flavor. I again noticed that the drink seemed large in quantity and this time I felt satisfied after drinking it. I was a bit hungry about two hours later, but it was manageable. I didn’t snack, so the drink may have helped. I like fruit flavored drinks and urge the company to develop a blackberry flavored drink.
All in all, the product was a success in our house. My husband would drink them every day, if they were available in this area. I would have it again, but only in fruit flavors.
Satiety being the keyword, you need fiber to satisfy your hunger and vitamins and nutrients to sustain you. If you’re picky about the flavors on the market, you can make your own smoothies or meal replacements by picking your juice, your “cream” (if desired; yogurt, skim milk, etc.), some fruit, and ice. if desired. You’ll get some fiber from the fruit, but to give your smoothie a real satiety boost add more fiber, such as Z Trim powder. Up to a quarter cup in an 8 to 10 oz smoothie can deliver at least 7 grams of additional fiber, and keep those distracting hunger pangs away for hours.