WashingtonPost.com says "Think Before You Drink." Smoothies may seem like the perfect thirst-quenching beverages for a hot summer day, but think again! Whether it's Dunkin' Donuts, Wendy's, or Robeks, looks can be deceiving.

When cutting down calories, smaller portions are always the best way to go. But even the smallest options can pack more than you're willing to handle. Both the 16-ounce (small) strawberry banana smoothie and Coffee Coolatta from Dunkin' Donuts add 350 calories each to your daily diet. A 12-ounce P-nut Power Shake from Robeks will cost you 422 calories, and even the tiniest Frosty from Wendy's will set you back 320 calories.

If this hasn't persuaded you to stop drinking these sweet frozen treats, then consider healthier options. Dunkin' Donuts offers an 80-calorie vanilla iced latte lite, while a 12-ounce strawberry-pineapple smoothie from Robeks has only 126 calories. I'd stay away from Wendy's altogether. If you're feeling domestic, try blending your own smoothie at home with some ice, berries, bananas, and nonfat yogurt.

And then there's always the simple option of choosing not to drink smoothies at all...