I was excited today to try out the smoothie cafe that opened in Joplin recently. I’ve heard positive comments about it and every time I drive by, the parking lot is full. This afternoon I stopped in while running errands for my first cold fruity drink from Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
The cafe is located at 3102 E 7th Street, near the busy 7th and Range Line intersection. The restaurant serves a variety of smoothies along with sandwiches, wraps and salads. At Tropical Smoothie Cafe they are guided by the belief that when you eat better, you feel better. Which is why they choose to use real, better-for-you ingredients in their smoothies and food. I agree with their belief!
I ordered the Watermelon Mojito smoothie with a blend of watermelon, strawberries, mint and lime. Greg was with me and tried the Sunrise Sunset smoothie with orange juice, pineapple, mango and strawberries. Both were wonderfully refreshing. The interior of the cafe was bright and cheerful and the service was exceptional. We enjoyed sitting at a table for a few minutes, sipping our drinks.
About a quarter of the way into my smoothie, I started to feel strange. I became light headed and almost believed this smoothie had alcohol in it. That’s when I realized I had just made a mistake. In my excitement to try a smoothie at a new cafe, I failed to ask if there was sugar in the drink. A quick check revealed that unless otherwise requested, the smoothies contain turbinado. I had to google that word. Turbinado is a pure sugar cane extract that is spun in a cylinder, or turbine, creating a brown sugar type product. It’s a healthier choice for a sweetener. But sugar is sugar and on my “no” list. I stopped drinking the smoothie.
It was my fault, for not asking about sugar when I ordered! There are other options. I intend to find out if there is a smoothie available without turbinado or artificial sweeteners. Tropical Smoothie Cafe does offer vegetarian meals and has low gluten products. I will certainly try another smoothie and after my healing cleanse, sample their salads.
I learned today. I learned to always ask whether there is sugar or gluten in the food I’m ordering. Sugar can lurk anywhere. I’m committed to following the cleanse precisely…for my benefit, for my best health. I know sugar isn’t a good choice for me. I had proof of that today.
And I learned that my body is pretty cool. After just 15 days without sugar, it reacted, strongly, to the small amount in my smoothie. I unintentionally created a sugar spike which produced an immediate effect. An unpleasant one, I might add. This is amazing to me, as I’ve never noticed such a reaction before. The tolerance I had built up to sugar has already dissipated. My body will let me know when I consume something unhealthy. I’m thrilled to have discovered this today.
I still highly recommend Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Check out all they have to offer. I’ll go back and order a different smoothie. Like maybe tomorrow.
Going Beyond 
I went 42 days with no added sugar last year. I learned all of the names for sugar and was zealous in my avoidance. I ate a piece of candy on Easter morning, and it tasted awful. I kept trying, lol, and I still enjoy an occasional piece of chocolate.
Other than that, I didn’t notice any difference in how I felt or how I functioned. As a young adult, I tended towards hypoglycemia and used to crave sugar, then faint, regularly, but that hasn’t happened in years, thankfully.
I’m glad your cleanse is working for you. I was disappointed that I really didn’t feel any different. I stumbled upon the “No S” plan this past Ash Wednesday, however and have followed it faithfully ever since. I feel and look better than I have in years.
Thanks for sharing Sandi! Sugar isn’t good for me, and neither is gluten, Im discovering. On this cleanse Im avoiding sugar, gluten and dairy primarily. It is making a difference. I haven’t felt this good in a long time. Ill keep going…and see what happens!