Protein Smoothie Recipe

From LoveToKnow Vegetarian

A protein smoothie recipe provides a great way for vegans and vegetarians to get some extra protein in their diets. Protein packed smoothies don't have to contain any protein powders, either! You can make them with fresh, natural ingredients without having to add supplements or powders.

Smoothies can pack a lot of protein.

How to Make a Smoothie

Making a smoothie is one of the simplest things you'll ever put together in your kitchen. All you need is fresh fruit and, if you're feeling adventurous, vegetables, as well as a liquid and maybe some ice. Chop up your produce, add juice or soy milk, add ice, and put it all into a good blender. Blend it all together until smooth and your smoothie is ready to drink.

Smoothies make delicious, convenient breakfasts. They are also perfect for a pick-me-up after a workout or any time you're looking for a healthy snack.

Basic Protein Smoothie Recipe

When looking for a good protein smoothie recipe, you're likely to come across many that contain protein powders. Vegetarians can use whey protein powders, while vegans may wish to use a soy-based protein.

Whey and other protein supplements are fine to add to your smoothie recipes. Simply take your favorite smoothie recipe, like strawberry smoothies, for example, and add the recommended dose of protein powder. You might have to add just a little extra liquid to make sure everything blends well.

The downside to adding protein powders to smoothies is that they have a definite taste to them that can be hard to mask with other ingredients.

Alternative Protein Sources for Smoothies

The good news is that there are plenty of other protein sources for vegetarians and vegans that are perfect additions to smoothies. Here are just a few.

Silken Tofu

Silken tofu packs a big protein punch, and makes your smoothies smooth and creamy. Use about half as much tofu as fruit in your smoothies for the best flavor and texture. Any time a protein smoothie recipe calls for yogurt, you can substitute with silken tofu to keep it vegan, and add a little protein.

Soy and Nut Milk

Soy milk, as well as almond or other nut milks, can be used as the liquid in any smoothie recipe, adding even more protein to the mix. Flavored milks will also add sweetness. Hemp and rice milks are also good options for a protein smoothie recipe.

Peanut and Other Nut Butters

Ever thought of using natural peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter to your smoothies? These butters all contain a great plant-based source of protein, as well as essential fatty acids. They also taste terrific, especially when you add a frozen banana to your smoothie.

Other Additions to a Protein Smoothie Recipe

Still looking for more ways to add protein to your smoothie recipes? Here are a few other things to try:

Tahini – Tahini is a paste made of sesame seeds, and can be found in most supermarkets these days. Use just a spoonful of tahini in your smoothie to bump up the protein count.

Quinoa – Quinoa is regarded as a grain, but it's actually a relative of the spinach plant. It's full of protein, however, and is perfect when added to smoothies that also contain soy, to create a more complete protein source.

Cocoa Powder – How about a little chocolate in your smoothie? Cocoa powder is very tasty mixed with fruit and soy milk, and brings extra protein to your glass.

Sample Protein Smoothie Recipes

Here are some yummy and healthy protein smoothie recipes online, that you can tinker with until you find the perfect combination for your very own:

Banana Blueberry Protein Smoothie – This smoothie recipe contains nut butter and soy milk.

Peanut Butter Power Smoothie – Here's a smoothie with tofu, soy milk, and peanut butter. You could swap the chocolate syrup for cocoa powder for even more protein and less sugar.