recipes
My Simple Green Smoothie Recipe with Protein Powder
I don’t know what it is about green smoothies but whenever I drink them, I feel better.
Maybe it’s the flavanoids.
Maybe it’s the polyphenols.
Maybe it’s the fiber.
There’s something about those magical, mystical green plants that produces amazing results. And there’s plenty of science to back that up for you skeptics out there.
The fact is, eating and drinking more green vegetables can help with nearly every chronic health condition and disease imaginable.
Enter green smoothies … the easiest way to get your daily dose of greens, all in one (sometimes) delicious dose.
But parsley and kale juice can get old fast. Sometimes you just want your green smoothie to have a little more substance. In those cases, adding a scoop of plant-based protein powder can help your green juice or smoothie pack a more powerful punch.
Why Do You Need Protein in Your Green Smoothie?
You don’t. But here’s why I add some once in a while … because the benefits of protein are well documented in clinical studies. Protein has been shown to:
- Keep you fuller longer and help you control your weight.
- Help you lose weight, build lean body mass (muscle), and improve exercise performance.
- Be beneficial for your heart.
Most adults get enough protein. But older adults and those who exercise may find it hard to eat enough to maintain lean muscle mass … especially those who follow a plant-focused diet.
That’s where a good protein powder comes in.
Protein powder can complement your green juice or smoothie by helping improve the flavor and adding a boost of muscle and bone boosting (or preserving) goodness.
However …
Not All Protein Powders Are Created Equal
Many powders have added sugars, additives, and fillers. There are various side effects associated with each. Kinda defeats the whole purpose of drinking a healthy green smoothie, if you ask me.
Now, I am admittedly biased because I created my own protein powder … but Pure Food is the only plant-based protein powder with 100% plant-based, organic, real food ingredients + probiotics.
That’s why it’s the absolute best protein powder to use with those green smoothie recipes … because you’re adding real food ingredients instead of a bunch of fillers, gums, and natural flavors.
But I digress.
Let’s get to the recipe already!
Ingredients: Green Smoothie Recipe with Protein Powder
1/2 lemon
1 pear
2 large kale leaves (stems removed)
1 stalk celery
1 scoop Pure Food Vanilla Protein Powder
1 tsp. spirulina (optional … spirulina is an awesome superfood but definitely makes it more “green” tasting)
Water (depends on how thick you want it … see below for my recommendation)
**I recommend using all organic ingredients. Especially organic pears and celery, both of which show up on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list of foods most contaminated with pesticides.
How to Make My Green Smoothie Recipe
- Wash all vegetables and rip the leaves off the kale.
- Toss everything in a blender or juicer, fill with water to the 24 oz. line, and blend on high.
- Add ice cubes to taste.
Here’s what the final product looks like:
The nutrition stats are pretty solid. This recipe is bursting with vitamins and minerals!
Nutrition
Calories: 201
Carbs: 38 grams (8 grams of fiber)
Protein: 14 grams
Fat: 2 grams
Final Thoughts
You can substitute the pear for most fruits. Understand that some fruits (pineapple and mango, for example) will be on the sweeter side. I know it’s sugar from fruit, which is obviously better than added sugar … but I recommend limiting your sugar content to maintain optimal body composition.
If you like a little more sweetness, add a little organic stevia … or raw honey if you’re splurging. Just not too much, because it is sugar! 😉
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