Finding nutrients at an airport can be like trying to find this season’s latest at Nordstrom Rack. HARD. So we asked Jamba Juice’s Healthy Living Council ambassador Tara Gidus, MS, RDN, CSSD, LDN what are her go-to smoothies when she’s traveling between Jamba’s homebase in Oakland, California and her own home of Orlando, Florida (she’s the team dietician to the Orlando Magic).  

Go-to in-transit smoothie?

I typically travel once a month for a few days each time. My favorite is the Apple ’n Greens Fruit and Veggie Smoothie made with apple-strawberry juice, bananas, kale, mangos and peaches.

How can travelers get a complete meal out of a smoothie?

I love an all-fruit or Jamba Fruit and Veggie Smoothie with added soy protein. You can also add chia seeds for extra fiber, omega-3s and a little bit more protein. The Amazing Greens whole food nutrition smoothie is also outstanding. It has pumpkin seeds, lemon, banana, greens, and the blend of flavors is amazing! Nutritionally, it has 11 g protein and 5 g of fiber. The protein and the fiber help to delay how quickly blood sugar will rise in response to taking in the sugar from fruit.
 

But what if an airport is Jamba Juice-less?

I always recommend getting a combination of fruits,veggies and protein. Look for a salad with a protein, or a sandwich on whole grain with fruit on the side or veggie, or a bean-based soup.

WHAT ABOUT EATING IN FLIGHT?

I always have almonds or pistachios on me to eat in-flight. I usually also have a variety of bars and try to bring fresh fruit, depending on where I am originating (if from home I can bring fruit, not always available if coming from hotel, etc). On long flights, I will bring a sandwich or something more substantial from home. I also make sure I have a nice meal before heading out, either at home or the hotel, or once I get to the airport if it's going to be a long flight.

Anything new that we should keep an eye out for on our next airport Jamba run?

Jamba has a history of improved, better-for-you products such as the new Make-It-Light smoothies.Their whole food nutrition smoothie line, too, is made with whole food ingredients like kale, carrots and chia seeds.

Any vegans on the Healthy Living Council?

Venus Williams, tennis star and Grand Slam champion, Jamba Juice franchise owner and member of Jamba’s Healthy Living Council – follows a vegan diet. Her favorite smoothie is the Kale Orange Power freshly squeezed juice.

Tara is the co-host of Emotional Mojo, a national television show, and regularly appears as the “Diet Diva” on the national morning television show The Daily Buzz and author of her latest book Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. She currently serves as the team dietitian for the Orlando Magic NBA team, nutrition consultant to University of Central Florida Athletic Department, and the official nutritionist for runDisney. Previously, Tara served as the National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Twitter: @DietDivaTara

Tara’s Healthy Living Mantra: “In discomfort we grow – push your limits, seek your passion, and fill your life with what you love