When you need something quick and healthy that tastes great, this deliciously creamy oatmeal breakfast smoothie is the perfect solution! It’s a great way to set yourself up for the day and build upon healthy habits. Simply, blend rolled oats, naturally sweet bananas, peanut butter, almond milk, and cinnamon – and enjoy.

Prefer a higher protein meal (like myself!), no problem! Add in a scoop of high-quality protein powder as well! Perfect for busy mornings and also great as a pre or post-workout meal – it tastes just like a peanut butter oatmeal cookie – in smoothie form.

Smoothies are great year-round! There are so many different flavor variations and they’re so convenient to make. After you give this breakfast smoothie with oats a try, mix up some of our other breakfast smoothie recipes! This Blueberry Banana Cauliflower Smoothie, this Chocolate Protein Shake, and this classic Strawberry Banana Smoothie are ones that you can’t miss!

Ingredients needed

This easy, nutritious breakfast smoothie recipe is made with just 5 key ingredients that you might already have in your fridge and pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Rolled oats: Thickens the smoothie and helps to create a rich and hearty smoothie that is filling and satisfying.
• Frozen banana: While an unfrozen banana will work, frozen is best to keep your smoothie cold, creamy, and thick. Use an extra ripe banana with brown spots for extra sweetness. Be sure to freeze your banana without the peel!
• Peanut butter: I recommend natural peanut butter for a higher quality option. The only ingredient on the label should be peanuts or peanuts and salt if you like your nut butter salted.
• Milk: You can use any type of milk you have on hand or prefer. Oat milk, almond milk, cow’s milk… they all work! Start with 1/2 cup and then add more as needed, so the thickness is to your liking.
• Cinnamon: Adds a boost of warm, cozy flavor that complements the banana and oats perfectly.

Pro tip: Make this smoothie without the frozen banana by subbing 1 cup of frozen mango. It will change the flavor a bit, but will still taste delish! Another option is to use 1 cup of frozen cauliflower. It’s completely flavorless but will make your smoothie thick and creamy.

Optional add-ins for extra nutrition

Like all of my Clean & Delicious smoothies, this recipe is versatile and filled with real, whole ingredients. Feel free to make small changes and use ingredients that you like best, or have available. Here are some ideas for mixing in extras to increase the protein, healthy fats, and/or vitamins and minerals:

• Protein powder: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder. While this is optional, I do recommend it! Protein helps to support muscle health and can keep you feeling satiated for longer periods. I love whey protein powder as it’s super creamy but feel free to use a plant-based or collagen protein as well.
• Greek yogurt: Another easy way to add more protein without using protein powder. Plus, it makes your smoothie super creamy. You can even use different flavors, just be sure to look for a low-sugar yogurt like Siggi’s. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup, or as much as you prefer.
• Cottage cheese: Similar to Greek yogurt, cottage cheese adds extra protein and lots of creaminess. Don’t worry if you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, once it’s blended you can’t even tell it’s cottage cheese. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup, or as much as you prefer.
• Hemp seeds: Add a 1/2 to 1 tbsp for plant-based protein, healthy fats, omegas, and minerals.
• Chia seeds: Blend in a 1/2 to 1 tbsp for a boost of healthy fats and fiber.
• Spinach: To get more veggies into your diet, add a handful of baby spinach leaves. It changes the color of your smoothie but you’ll never be able to taste it.

How to make this recipe

In just 5 minutes you’ll be sipping on a refreshing, tasty shake that is good for you too! I love this as a super quick breakfast idea or as a pre or post-workout meal. Here’s how to make it:

1. Blend oats: Add oats to a blender and blend for 10 seconds or until the oats are broken down to a powder.
2. Add all other ingredients: Add the frozen banana, peanut butter, almond milk, and cinnamon to the blender. If using protein powder, add this in as well.

3. Mix and serve: Blend for 30 seconds or until everything is well combined and you have a thick and creamy oatmeal smoothie. Serve and enjoy.

Expert tips

• High-powered blender: To easily break down all of the ingredients and make a creamy, well-blended smoothie, use a high-powered blender such as Blendtec, Vitamix, or Ninja.
• Use frozen fruit: For a thick, cold and creamy drink, it’s always best to use frozen fruit. It’s much better than adding in ice. Ice doesn’t blend as well and can decrease the fruit flavor.
• Blending: To fully incorporate all of the ingredients, start with the blender on low speed, then gradually increase it to high speed, then move it back to low speed to finish.
• Make ahead: You can pour your smoothie into an ice cube tray and freeze for a few hours, overnight, or longer. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge for about 1 hour, then transfer the cubes to the blender, add a bit of extra milk (start with just a splash, you can always add more as needed) and blend, then enjoy.

Variations

• Nut butter: Use almond butter, cashew butter or sunflower seed butter, instead of peanut butter.
• Fruit: Change up the fruit depending on what you’re craving! About 1 cup of any frozen fruit will be delicious. You can still add in about 1/2 of the banana or omit the banana. We love berries, mango, peaches, pineapple and cherries.
• Milk: Any milk works, but unsweetened almond milk will keep the calories and fat low, and also make this vegan and dairy free. In addition, it has a neutral taste. Other great options are unsweetened cashew milk, unsweetened oat milk, or use cow’s milk to increase the protein.

More breakfast recipes with oats

• Mango Overnight Oats
• Oat Flour Banana Bread
• Spinach Oatmeal Pancakes
• Creamy Cauliflower Oatmeal
• Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats

WATCH MY OATMEAL SMOOTHIE RECIPE VIDEO

Thanks so much for reading! If you make this recipe I would love for you to give it a ★ rating below.  And be sure to follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for more healthy food inspiration. Cheers!

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5-Minute Breakfast Smoothie with Rolled Oatmeal

This 5-Minute Breakfast Smoothie is made with rolled oatmeal, frozen bananas, peanut butter, and almond milk! Want to bump up the protein? Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder and enjoy! Quick, healthy, and delicious – it's the perfect recipe for a busy morning.

Course BREAKFAST, protein shakes + smoothies

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 smoothie

Calories 297kcal

Author Dani Spies

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup 20 grams rolled oats
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
• 1/2-3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• *Optional: 1 scoop about 28 grams vanilla protein powder

Instructions

• Add oats to a blender and blend for 10 seconds or until the oats are broken down to a powder.
• Add the frozen banana, peanut butter, almond milk, and cinnamon to the blender. If using protein powder, add this in as well.
  
• Blend for 30 seconds or until everything is well combined and you have a thick and creamy oatmeal smoothie. Serve and enjoy.
  

Video

Notes

Nutritional information calculated without protein powder.

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 234mg | Potassium: 590mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 2mg

© Clean & Delicious

The post 5-Minute Breakfast Smoothie with Rolled Oatmeal appeared first on Clean & Delicious.

I love an easy, thick, protein-packed smoothie for breakfast and this blueberry banana smoothie (with hidden cauliflower) is my new favorite. Like all of my Clean & Delicious smoothies, this is a super flexible recipe; so you can easily tweak the ingredients to use what you have on hand (don’t you just love an easy, doable recipe?!).

This recipe includes bananas, blueberries, cauliflower, protein powder, and almond milk. Yes, cauliflower! I figured if I could sneak it into taco meat, scrambled eggs, and my morning oats, I could certainly add some to my morning smoothie!

Adding frozen cauliflower to smoothies might sound crazy and perhaps not very tasty, but, I promise you that you can’t even taste it! Plus the cauliflower makes the texture of the smoothie super creamy – it’s a great option for those who don’t like green smoothies (although, this green smoothie recipe is great for beginners!).

Reasons to love this recipe

• Easy cleanup! All you need is a blender.
• This gorgeous purple-colored smoothie is packed with flavor AND nutrients.
• It’s high in protein, so it will keep you satisfied and help build your muscles
• Great for an on-the-go breakfast or snack.
• It’s very simple to make!

Ingredients needed

This delicious blueberry banana smoothie recipe is made with just five simple ingredients! It also just so happens to be dairy free, vegan, and perfect for adding your favorite mix-ins. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

• Banana: A frozen, extra-ripe banana makes all the difference in this smoothie. Be sure to freeze your bananas without the peel and when they’re extra ripe, and use only when completely frozen. Bananas truly thicken up healthy smoothies like nothing else.
• Blueberries: The beautiful color comes from frozen blueberries! You can also use a frozen variety of mixed berries and keep a similar flavor.
• Cauliflower rice: Use frozen cauliflower instead of ice to thicken this smoothie while sneaking in extra veggies. You won’t taste it at all and it thickens it up without making it watery like ice can.
• Vanilla protein powder: I prefer whey protein as it is extra creamy, but to keep this smoothie vegan-friendly, be sure to use a plant-based protein powder. You could also omit the protein powder if you’d like.
• Almond milk: Any milk will work. We love the flavor and creaminess of almond milk, but cashew milk or oat milk are great options.

How to make this recipe

This blueberry smoothie recipe is quick, easy, and simple to make. Here’s how:

1. Add all of the ingredients to a blender.
2. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
3. Once the shake is blended, pour into a glass and enjoy!

Expert tips

• For ease, cost, and convenience, we typically just buy frozen riced cauliflower from the grocery store. However, if you’d like to rice your own cauliflower, here’s a guide on how to make cauliflower rice at home. Keep in mind, that you can also use whole frozen cauliflower florets as well.
• For best results, use a high-powered blender. The easiest way to make a super creamy, well-blended protein shake is by using a high-powered blender (Blendtec, Vitamix, or Ninja) to break down all of the ingredients.
• I don’t recommend adding ice to smoothies. Frozen fruit is best, as it helps keep the smoothie cold and thick. Sometimes ice doesn’t blend as well and can detract from the fruit flavor, so it’s best to avoid it. 
• If the smoothie seems too thick, you can add more liquid to get the blender going again.
• To blend, start with the blender on low speed, then gradually increase it to high speed. This will help fully blend and incorporate all ingredients really well. End with the blender on low speed.

Customize this recipe

• Add greens: If you’re looking to get more vegetables in your diet, try adding a handful or two of baby spinach or baby kale leaves. It will turn the smoothie a greenish color, but you won’t be able to taste the greens.
• Different fruit: Feel free to sub strawberries, raspberries, cherries, pineapple, peaches or any other favorite fruit for the blueberries. And you can substitute mango for banana. Just be sure to use frozen fruit for the best results.
• Add an extra boost of nutrition: Try adding in a serving or half of a serving of ground flax seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, almond butter, or oats for additional nutrients.

If you like the idea of sneaking cauliflower into your everyday favorites, be sure to watch this video below. It’s a great way to add more fiber, veggies, and volume to your meals – which can help support health, wellness, and weight loss goals! XO – Dani

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Blueberry Banana Cauliflower Smoothie

This blueberry banana smoothie with cauliflower rice is an easy and delicious way to enjoy a (sweet!) high protein and veggie-packed breakfast. Using just five ingredients (blueberries, banana, riced cauliflower, almond milk, and protein powder); this deliciously creamy protein smoothie will keep you satisfied for hours – and I promise – you can't taste the cauliflower.

Course BREAKFAST, protein shakes + smoothies

Cuisine American

Diet Gluten Free, Vegan

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 smoothie

Calories 265kcal

Author Dani Spies

Ingredients

• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup frozen cauliflower rice
• 1 serving (~28 grams) vanilla protein powder
• 1 cup almond milk you may need an extra 1/4 cup or so to get the right consistency

Instructions

• Add all of the ingredients into a high-speed blender. 
  
• Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 
  
• Once the smoothie is blended, pour into a glass and enjoy!
  

Notes

Start the blender on low speed, then gradually increase to high to help blend all ingredients. Finally, end with the blender on low speed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 427mg | Potassium: 630mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 78IU | Vitamin C: 51mg | Calcium: 479mg | Iron: 1mg

© Clean & Delicious

The post Blueberry Banana Smoothie (with Cauliflower) appeared first on Clean & Delicious.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day—but between work, family, and busy mornings, it can be tough to make something nourishing. That’s why I’ve rounded up five of my go-to healthy breakfast smoothie recipes that are quick, delicious, and packed with protein.

Each smoothie is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that keep you full and energized for hours. I keep these smoothies on rotation in my own life because a little variety makes healthy eating more fun, more flavorful, and a whole lot more sustainable.

Is it Healthy to Have a Smoothie for Breakfast?

As long as you are using real, whole foods when making your smoothies, they will be considered healthy.  You’ll want to stick to smoothies that are low in sugar and high in fiber, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. If you can avoid adding sweeteners, even natural ones like honey and fruit juice, you should. Also, be aware of hidden sweeteners in yogurt and protein powder. Sugar can make you feel hungry quicker due to a drop in insulin. 

This article focuses on five different smoothie recipes with a variety of flavors and ingredients. Including a traditional green breakfast smoothie with spinach, banana with PB fit powder, and even a high protein mixed berry hemp smoothie!

Is it bad to drink a smoothie every morning?

Nope! You can enjoy a smoothie every morning without any guilt or worry about any negative impacts on your health. As I mentioned above, you just want to make sure that you’re using real, whole foods when making smoothies without added sugars. 

The key to a healthy and successful breakfast smoothie habit is to make sure you are including plenty of nutrient-rich ingredients in each recipe!

Do Smoothies Really Provide Energy In the Morning?

Yes, a healthy, well-balanced smoothie can provide a real boost of energy in the a.m.! However, if you include sugary ingredients or too much fruit juice in your recipe, then that could have the opposite effect and leave you feeling tired and sluggish.

It all boils down to what ingredients you include in your smoothie. If you make a healthy, balanced smoothie with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, then it will definitely provide you with energy to start your day.

WATCH MY 5 HEALTHY SMOOTHIE RECIPES IN THIS VIDEO

Should You Use Protein Powder In Your Morning Smoothies

A lot of people ask me if I recommend adding protein powder to my breakfast smoothies, and here are my thoughts – real whole foods are always my first choice; that’s always your best option, BUT if you are looking for a convenient way to get more protein into your diet I believe that protein powders can be a great supplement.

You’ll see, I am using vanilla whey protein in each of these morning smoothie recipes. I love whey protein, it’s super-rich and creamy, and I’ve never met a plant-based protein that I enjoy as much (although I am open to your suggestions!). If you tolerate dairy, a good high-quality whey protein is my first choice – BUT you can of course sub in a plant-based protein as well (I recommend this one or this one).

5 Healthy Morning Breakfast Smoothies for a Boost of Energy

1. Chocolate Raspberry Smoothie

The first thing into the blender is two cups of frozen berries; I always recommend using frozen fruit when making smoothie or protein shakes because this will keep your shakes nice and thick and creamy without watering them down, 2 cups of almond milk or any milk you prefer, 2 servings of protein powder – I am using a vanilla whey protein – and then for the chocolate flavor, I’ll add in 2 tablespoons of cacao powder.

Blend it all up until it’s thick and creamy, and then I love to top this smoothie with raw cacao nibs – this adds a great crunch and texture – plus an extra boost of antioxidants!

This smoothie makes two servings and packs in 24 grams of protein, 11 grams of fiber with just 7 grams of sugar and is perfect for starting your day off with a boost of natural energy!

2. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

I love pumpkin pie smoothies and sometimes have to remind myself that I don’t have to wait until October to enjoy it – and neither do you! 

The first ingredient in the blender is 2 frozen bananas. If you don’t like bananas, you could swap in some frozen mango. Both will help to create a nice sweet, cream base – then I have 1 cup of pumpkin puree – which is rich in vitamin A, C, E and is also a great source of beta carotene, 2 tablespoons of almond butter for some healthy fat, two serving so vanilla protein powder, 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and then 1 cup of almond milk.

Blend it up, and you have a pumpkin pie smoothie that pretty much tastes like dessert for breakfast -but has 26 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber! 

It is a bit higher in sugar than the others – so I really like to use this one as a post-workout meal, but it is a great starter smoothie recipe for mornings if you’re used to sweeter breakfast foods.

If you want to make a single serving, be sure to cut this recipe in half.

3. Hemp Berry Smoothie

This smoothie gets a good dose of protein from the hemp seeds, so we’ll only need half the amount of protein powder that I use in the other smoothie recipes.

So first into the blender goes 2 cups of frozen mixed berries. You can, of course, use all one type of berry as well; it all works, so do what you love! Then I have 1/4 cup of hemp seeds which are rich in protein and essential fatty acids, 1 serving of vanilla protein powder, and then 2 cups of unsweetened almond milk or any type of milk you prefer.

This protein-packed breakfast smoothie makes two servings and has 21 grams of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 16 grams of healthy fats per serving! 

Remember, healthy fats are great for your body and can really help you to stay satisfied after a meal. Plus, they provide an amazing boost of energy that helps keep you focused throughout the day. 

If you grew up in the ’80s like I did, where we were told that fat is the enemy – remind yourself that is not the case. A good quality source of healthy fat is essential to a healthy diet that feels sustainable.

4. Peanut butter banana Smoothie

4. Peanut butter banana Smoothie

PB & Banana smoothie – such a classic and so easy to make! And you only need 4 ingredients.

So first into the blender; are 2 frozen bananas – which I recommend you always have in your freezer – not only are they great for smoothies, but they are also great when you are craving some nice cream, then I add 2 tablespoons organic peanut butter powder – which is essentially dehydrated peanuts, so you get lots of peanut butter flavor with quite a bit less fat and calories – THERE is nothing wrong with the fat and calories from peanut butter. You can easily and happily sub in two tablespoons of peanut butter if you prefer.

I just wanted to give you some fun options to play with! Then you could add one serving of chocolate protein powder if you have it, but since I’m making this all with vanilla as the base, I’ll add one serving of vanilla protein along with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.

Finish with 1 cup of milk and blend it all together. Rich, creamy, and just like a chocolate peanut butter cup but in smoothie form! It’s the perfect healthy smoothie for a full boost of morning energy.

5. Green Breakfast Smoothie

You can’t go wrong with a good old-fashioned green breakfast smoothie. Spinach is one of my favorite ingredients to add to any smoothie because it’s low calorie and high in fiber, as well as vitamins A, C, and K.

You’ll want to add one of those frozen bananas we talked about having on hand earlier to your blender, followed by a scoop of protein powder, almond butter, and hemp hearts for some healthy fats.

Top it off with a big, heaping handful of energy-boosting baby spinach greens and some unsweetened almond milk or your milk of choice.

This morning breakfast smoothie is packed with 30g of protein, 21g of healthy fats, antioxidants and makes for a great mid-day snack when you need an energy boost but don’t want something too heavy.

So there you have it! Five breakfast smoothie recipes for you to try out and find your favorite! I think it’s fun to switch them up every once in a while and change up the flavor profile or ingredients.

Remember, as long as you have a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber in your smoothies, they will always make for a satisfying and energizing breakfast!

Tips For Making the BEST Healthy Breakfast Smoothies

• You can add a handful of baby spinach or some frozen zucchini or cauliflower to all of the smoothies
• I’ve shared –  if you want to up the veggie content, it’s such an easy way to get in some extra nutrients.
• If you want to have flavor variety but don’t want to invest in different flavored protein powder, always buy vanilla b/c you can turn vanilla in to any flavor that you want! All 5 smoothie recipes I shared today have their own delicious and diverse flavor using vanilla protein as the base!
•  I use a high-speed blender when making my smoothies. Although any type of blender would work, and each smoothie makes 2 servings.

Healthy Morning Breakfast Smoothies FAQs

Is a smoothie an adequate morning meal replacement?

Yes! Smoothies are oftentimes better than traditional breakfast meals because they are nutrient-dense, satisfying, and energizing. They provide you with all of the nutrients you need to start your day off right – including protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins and minerals!

Can I add greens to my smoothie?

Yes – adding greens is a great way to up your smoothie’s nutrient content and add some extra fiber. You can use any type of greens that you like, such as spinach, kale, or chard.

Can I make my smoothie ahead of time?

Yes! If you have a busy morning, you can easily make your smoothie ahead of time by meal prepping your smoothie. To do this, you will want to add all of your ingredients (minus your liquid) to a reusable freezer bag. Store in your freezer until you are ready to make it in the morning.

What’s the best blender for making smoothies?

Any type of blender will work, but high-speed blenders that include a tamper are usually better at ensuring that everything is blended smoothly and thoroughly without any chunks or pieces left behind. I recommend using a Vitamix or Blendtec blender.

Do I have to add protein powder to my smoothie?

No – you don’t have to add protein powder if you don’t want to. However, adding a scoop of protein powder is a great way to ensure that your smoothie is satisfying and provides you with all the nutrients and added energy you need for breakfast. You can use any type of protein powder that you like, such as whey, casein, plant-based, or collagen.

What are the healthiest things to put in a smoothie?

While fruit is healthy for you, it does contain a large amount of natural sugar. For this reason, I recommend adding a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber to your smoothies in order to make them more satisfying and nutrient-dense. This will help you to stay fuller longer and prevent any blood sugar spikes. Some of my favorite additions include chia seeds, hemp hearts, flaxseeds, avocado, nut butter, kale/greens.

What are some other good smoothie recipes?

I shared my top five favorite healthy breakfast smoothies in this post. But, I also have several other smoothie recipes that you can browse through to find your next favorite recipe! 

• Green Smoothies 3-Ways (video)
• Chocolate Protein Shake
• Chocolate Almond Butter Smoothie
• Matcha Berry Protein Smoothie
• Cranberry Kale Smoothie
• Kale Banana Smoothie
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie

© Clean & Delicious

The post 5 Super Healthy Breakfast Smoothies appeared first on Clean & Delicious.

One of my favorite ways to increase my protein intake is to make a delicious protein shake for breakfast (or after a great workout!). I’ve experimented with a variety of different ingredients and combinations and dare I say, this is the best chocolate protein shake I have made to date.

I’m so happy to report that this is a super flexible recipe. Take the base recipe and make it your own. If you prefer something fruity, you can always make my strawberry banana smoothie recipe with an added scoop of protein powder for a boost. Or if it’s cold outside, a protein hot chocolate is another excellent healthy breakfast option!

Smoothie vs. Protein Shake

The biggest difference between a smoothie and a protein shake is the addition of protein powder. Often when we make fruit smoothies, they don’t include very much protein, fiber or fat. They can definitely be delicious, but they’re usually not super satisfying and you may find yourself hungry shortly after enjoying your smoothie, which can make health and weight loss goals feel very challenging.

A protein shake typically contains ingredients that offer a substantial amount of staying power. For this particular chocolate protein shake, we’re using a high-quality protein powder, nut butter, plus nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables as well.

There are also other optional mix-ins that you can choose to increase the protein, fat, and fiber even more! I love hemp, chia, and flax seeds, nut and seed butter, tofu, and/or Greek yogurt (just to name a few).
Let’s get to all of the delicious details!

PRO TIP: I find the protein in combination with some healthy fat and fiber helps to keep me feeling satisfied for longer, so I don’t find myself hungry an hour or two after breakfast. I’m hoping this will help you as well!

Chocolate protein shake for weight loss:

Remember, the key to sustainable weight loss is NOT trying to eat as little as possible. Instead, you want to focus on the abundance of beautiful, delicious, nutritious real food ingredients we have to choose from.

I want you to nourish yourself and enjoy real foods that leave you feeling satiated and satisfied.

This easy, healthy chocolate protein shake is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that help you to feel great and you might already have most of them in your fridge and pantry. You’ll need:

1. Frozen banana – using frozen fruit is best in smoothies to make it thick and creamy. Just be sure to peel the banana before freezing it!
2. Baby spinach – just a handful adds a good amount of nutrients. It may turn your shake an interesting color, but don’t worry, you can’t taste it!
3. Frozen cauliflower – fills this shake with extra vitamins and minerals and also makes it extra creamy. You won’t be able to taste the cauliflower at all. PROMISE!
4. Almond butter – a bit of almond butter (or your favorite nut/seed butter) adds a bit of protein and healthy fats, plus a delicious creaminess to this shake. Use any favorite brand of all-natural nut butter, which should be just nuts or just nuts + salt (or make your own!)
5. Chocolate protein powder – You can use any type of protein powder you like. I really like the flavor and texture of whey protein powder. 
6. Cacao or cocoa powder – for enhancing the chocolate deliciousness!
7. Cinnamon – for an additional flavor boost.
8. Almond milk – feel free to use any milk you’d like. I prefer unsweetened vanilla almond milk, but coconut, cashew or oat milk would also be great choices.

Chocolate protein shake without banana:

This is a request I get a lot! People seem to love or hate bananas in their protein shakes and smoothies. If you happen to be someone who does not like bananas in their frozen treats, have no worries, this is an easy fix. Simply swap in an equal amount of frozen mango or frozen avocado. Both of these options will give the same thick, creamy texture without banana.

How to make a chocolate protein shake:

This is one of the easiest recipes ever! Simply add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. I like to use a high-speed blender, but any blender should get the job done.

If you prefer a step-by-step, here’s the simple breakdown:

1. First up, add the milk. Pouring the liquid in first helps the protein shake blend more easily.
2. Then, a handful of baby spinach goes into the blender. You can make this a big handful or a small handful. Baby spinach is very sweet and mild, so it’s a great way to work some greens into your shake without changing the flavor.
3. Next up, a serving of chocolate protein powder. I personally prefer whey protein powder because it’s super rich and creamy, but you can use a plant-based protein powder, if you prefer. Use any favorite, just be sure to look for simple ingredients and a short ingredient list.
4. Kick up the chocolate flavor, I am adding a tablespoon of cacao powder. Cocoa powder works as well.  
5. Bulk up the volume of this shake, and add about 3/4 cup of frozen cauliflower. You cannot taste it at all, but it makes the shake nice and creamy and adds a good amount of fiber, as well – one of those magical ingredients that help us feel satisfied for longer after a meal. If you don’t like or have cauliflower, try some frozen zucchini!
6. For some good healthy carbs and natural sweetness, throw in 1/2 frozen banana. If you don’t like bananas, try subbing in some frozen mango. 
7. Now, add a big fat dollop of almond butter or whatever nut or seed butter you love and have on hand.
8. And finally 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for a bit of extra flavor.
9. Blend that all up – let it get nice and rich and creamy. If you prefer it thinner, you can always add an extra splash of milk!

Tips for the best protein shake:

Protein shakes are really easy to make, but here are some recommendations for a perfect shake every single time!

• Use frozen fruit. Blending fresh fruit in your shake can make it thin and watery. Frozen fruit is best, as it helps keep the shake super cold and thick. Also, keep in mind that ice doesn’t blend well and can also make your shake watery, so it’s best to skip unless absolutely necessary.
• Add more milk. Feel free to add more liquid if your shake is too thick or won’t fully blend. High-powered blenders tend to blend frozen fruit much better, so if you have a regular or personal-sized blender, you may need to add more milk.
• Blender settings. For a thick and creamy shake, start the blender on low speed, then gradually increase to high to help blend all ingredients. Finally, end with the blender on low speed.
• Sweetener. If your shake doesn’t taste sweet enough for your liking, you can add a 1/2 tablespoon of honey, pure maple syrup, 1 pitted Medjool date, or other sweetener of your choice.
  

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Add extra nutrients to this chocolate protein shake

It’s easy to add extra vitamins and minerals to any shake or smoothie by adding some nutrient-rich ingredients. Here are some suggestions:

• Ground flaxseed – add up to about a tablespoon to give your shake a boost of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
• Chia seeds – you can mix in up to a tablespoon of chia seeds to give your shake extra healthy fats and fiber.
• Hemp seeds – another seed that will add extra healthy fats, omegas and minerals.
• Oats – rolled or quick oats can be blended in your shake to really give it staying power! You can add up to about 1/3 cup of oats. Do not use steel-cut oats, as they will not blend well.
• Avocado – adding about 1/4 or 1/2 an avocado adds healthy fats and will make your shake extra thick and creamy.

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Quick Creamy Chocolate Protein Shake (30 grams!)

This protein-packed, delicious chocolate protein shake is a great recipe to help support health and weight loss goals and is perfect for anyone who is looking for a simple, tasty breakfast idea that is quick, easy, nourishing and satisfying.

Course BREAKFAST, snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 serving

Calories 327kcal

Author Dani Spies

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk
• handful baby spinach
• 1 serving chocolate protein powder I use Tera’s Whey – 2 scoops is one serving
• 1 tablespoon cacao or cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup frozen cauliflower
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

• Pop everything in a blender and blend until rich and creamy. The shake will blend best if you add the ingredients in the order listed above. Add milk, then spinach, then protein powder and then all of the other ingredients.
  
• Pour into a large glass and enjoy!
  

Video

Notes

• This is a super flexible recipe! If you don’t like cauliflower, swap in frozen zucchini or avocado.
• Don’t like bananas?  Frozen mango is the perfect swap!
• I am a big fan of whey protein (this is one of my favorites).  If you prefer to keep this shake plant-based and vegan, swap in your favorite plant-based protein.

Nutrition

Serving: 1recipe | Calories: 327kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 405mg | Potassium: 641mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 393mg | Iron: 2mg

© Clean & Delicious

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This PB Fit Powder Banana, PB Fit Powder & Chocolate Protein shake recipe is a healthy and delicious way to get your protein in for the day. This shake combines some of my favorite ingredients: bananas, peanut butter powder (PB fit), chocolate protein powder, and milk.

It’s a kid (and adult) friendly smoothie recipe that’s perfectly sweet and takes less than 5 minutes to make. It makes a tasty, satisfying breakfast or snack!  This peanut butter protein shake recipe is definitely one of my go-to’s when I need a breakfast on the go.  You’ll want to keep this recipe on hand and easily accessible!

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Protein Shake Recipe

We are absolutely obsessed with this peanut butter banana smoothie! My 11-year old daughter created it and if you make it on the thicker side, it tastes just like soft-serve ice cream. Let me tell you all of the reasons why this smoothie is our new morning and snack time favorite:

• It’s full of protein rich foods, making it very filling.  Between the protein in the chocolate powder and milk, you’re looking at a whopping 25 grams of protein.    You won’t be hungry for anything else until lunch!
• It’s an indulgent combination of incredible flavors, and you won’t feel any guilt while enjoying it.  If you’re a fan of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, this peanut butter chocolate shake is for you!
• It’s easy to make (all you need is a blender), and doesn’t require much cleanup.
• It can be enjoyed at home or on the go.
• The ingredients are easy to find at any grocery store. 
• It’s a good way to use your bananas!  You know, the ones that are sitting on your counter about to turn brown?  Peel them and throw them in the freezer to keep them on hand for this delicious smoothie.
• Everyone in your family – both kids and adults – will love this shake.
• It’s perfect for customizing – Make this smoothie your own! You really can’t go wrong! Use your favorite milk, your go-to protein powder and feel free to bulk up the nutrients by adding a handful of spinach.

Equipment Needed To Make PB Fit Powder, Chocolate & Banana Protein Shake

• Blender – I reccomend a high speed blender if you have one. My Vitamix 5200 is a go-to kicthen staple!

Ingredients For Your Peanut Butter Protein Shake Recipe

• Bananas – using frozen fruit is best in smoothies to make it thick and creamy. Just be sure to peel the banana before freezing it!

• Chocolate protein powder – You can use any type of protein powder you like. I really like the flavor and texture of whey protein powder. 

• Peanut butter powder – you’ll love the tasty peanut butter flavor paired with the chocolate from the protein powder. So good!

• Milk – feel free to use any milk you’d like. I like organic 2% milk to make this smoothie extra creamy and rich, but unsweetened vanilla almond milk, coconut, cashew or oat milk would also be super yummy.

How To Make A Banana, PB Fit Powder & Chocolate Protein Shake

Smoothies are extremely quick and easy to make, and this one is no exception.  It’s important to use frozen bananas to get that perfect smoothie texture.  

Step 1: Combine all of the ingredients in a blender.  

Step 2:  Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Serve and enjoy!

Tips For Making The Best PB, Banana & Chocolate Shake 

These tips are helpful when making almost any smoothie – you’ll want to keep them on hand!

• Feel free to add in a cup or so of ice or frozen cauliflower to make the smoothie super cold and thick.

• You can add a bit more milk if your smoothie is too thick or won’t fully blend.  High-powered blenders typically do a great job of blending frozen ingredients, but if you have a regular blender, you may need to add more milk to get things moving.

• To blend, start with the blender on low speed, then gradually increase to high speed.  This will incorporate all of the ingredients really well.  End with the blender on low speed.

What to Serve/Pair with Your Smoothie With PB Powder

This Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie is very filling on its own, but we all have those mornings where we just want something a little extra.  If that’s you in the morning, you can pair this yummy shake with a freshly cut apple.  I love the flavor combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and apples – yum! 

If you’re in a rush and are enjoying your smoothie on the go, grab some granola to eat with your smoothie.  It will give you an extra boost of energy while also helping you stay full until lunch.

Another great idea would be har boiled eggs! They are packed with protein and would add a savory balance to this sweet smoothie.

Popular Substitutions & Additions

This peanut butter smoothie recipe is very easy to customize!  Here are some things that you could try:

• Instead of chocolate protein powder, feel free to use vanilla or another flavor of protein powder.  If you really love peanut butter, Fit Crunch makes a delicious Peanut Butter flavored protein powder that’s got a great flavor and is low in sugar.

• If you don’t have peanut butter powder, or you have an allergy, you can substitute 1-2 tablespoons of almond or cashew butter.

• If you have a nut allergy, you can enjoy this recipe with sunflower butter instead of peanut butter.

• Looking for an alternative to bananas?  You can use up to about 2 cups of frozen cauliflower.  It will thicken this smoothie while sneaking in some extra veggies.  For some healthy fats, you can add in a scoop of avocado.  You won’t taste it at all!

Wanting to add some extra nutrition to your Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie?

You can give any smoothie a boost of vitamins and minerals by adding some nutrient-rich ingredients.  Here are some suggestions:

• Ground Flaxseed – this is a great ingredient to add to smoothies for a boost of fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

• Chia seeds – another healthy seed to add in!  Feel free to add in a tablespoon of chia seeds to give your smoothie plenty of healthy fats and fiber.

• Hemp seeds – throw in a tablespoon for extra healthy fats, omegas, and minerals

• Spinach – sneak in some veggies by adding a handful of spinach.  This will turn your smoothie a funky color, but you won’t taste it at all.

• Oats  – to really give your smoothie staying power and help thicken it, you can add in ⅓ cup of oats.  Use rolled oats or quick oats.  Steel cut oats will not blend well.

• Avocado – adding about ¼ or ½ of an avocado adds healthy fats and creates a thick, creaminess to your smoothie.

How To Store Banana, PB Fit Powder & Chocolate Protein Shake

If you aren’t ready to drink your shake as soon as you make it, you can store it in the fridge.  Sometimes I will do this the night before if I know that I am going to have a hectic morning.  Just blend the ingredients and store them in an air-tight container in the fridge.  You won’t want to keep them in there for long – no more than 2 days.  Keep in mind that you can taste the difference – this shake is definitely better when enjoyed fresh.  Give it a good stir before drinking it leftover in case anything has separated.

You can also freeze this PB smoothie mixture.  After blending, pour it into an airtight container and place it in the freezer.  It will last up to 3 weeks.  When you’re ready to drink it, let it thaw in the fridge until it’s back to smoothie consistency.  If you think it’s too thick, you can blend it with a little milk to thin it out.

Peanut Butter Protein Shake Recipe FAQs

How do I know when the shake is blended enough?

This is a personal preference – some people like their shakes runny, and other people like theirs to be thicker.  For me, when I see that everything has blended together and I don’t see pieces of banana anymore, it’s at just the right consistency.

Do my bananas have to be frozen?

I highly recommend that your bananas are frozen.  If they’re not, you can still throw them in the blender, but you’ll want to add a few ice cubes, too.  Keep in mind that this method may water it down a little.  Try to keep some bananas on hand in the freezer for when you’re ready for a smoothie.

Would this smoothie make a good post-workout drink?

Sure!  If you like to have a high-protein drink after you have completed a workout, this would be a great (and delicious) choice.  I’d definitely work out if I knew that I could have one of these afterward!

Is PB Powder actually good for me?

Yes, it is!  It’s essentially just pressed peanuts that have been ground to a powder.  When they are pressed, most of the oil is removed, which means that most of the fat is removed.  This gives you a powder that is full of protein and low in fat.  I love to use this in place of regular peanut butter whenever I can.

Other Delicious Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love

• Clean Eating Sweet Green Smoothie
• Hemp + Berry Smoothie
• Chocolate Almond Butter Cup
• Vanilla Refresher Protein Smoothie

Thanks so much for reading! You can watch the video down below and if you make this recipe I would love for you to give it a ★ rating below.  And be sure to follow me on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for more healthy food inspiration.

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Banana, PB Fit Powder & Chocolate Protein Shake

This simple smoothie recipe is rich, creamy and kid-friendly. My 11-year old daughter created it and if you make it on the thicker side, it tastes just like soft-serve ice cream.

Course protein shakes + smoothies

Cuisine American

Prep Time 2 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Calories 284kcal

Author Dani Spies

Ingredients

• 2 frozen bananas
• 2 scoops chocolate protein powder*
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter powder* I used this one
• 1 cup 2% milk or any milk you prefer

Instructions

• Place all ingredients into a blender, pop on the lid and blend until thick and creamy.
  
• Pour into your favorite glass and enjoy!
  

Video

Notes

• You can use any type of protein powder you like.  Personally, I enjoy the flavor and texture of whey protein powder.  This is a brand I really enjoy.

 

• Peanut butter powder is essentially dehydrated peanuts that are ground into a powder.  It is low fat and high protein, so it’s a fun way to add flavor and protein to your smoothies.  If you don’t have any, simply sub in 1-2 tablespoons of all-natural peanut butter.

 

• If you want to add a nutritional boost to your smoothie,  toss in a big handful of baby spinach.  You won’t even taste it!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5recipe | Calories: 284kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 227mg | Potassium: 817mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 221IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 355mg | Iron: 1mg

© Clean & Delicious

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If you want to eat better, lose weight or simply enjoy a delicious and nutritious breakfast, a green smoothie is a great way to start the day (if chocolate is more your thing, then this may be the recipe you are looking for!).  While there is no magical, unicorn food when it comes to weight loss, this green breakfast smoothie recipe is jam-packed with nourishing ingredients that taste great. An added bonus?  It can be made quickly, won’t mess up your whole kitchen, and can be enjoyed on the go. I love a good, filling breakfast, especially when I’m really focused on eating healthy or working on weight loss.  The added protein from the almond butter and vanilla protein powder in this breakfast smoothie will help keep you from getting too hungry before it is time for lunch.

This green breakfast smoothie is simple, nutritious and so delicious! It’s a great way to start your day and can help support your health and weight loss goals.  Just throw baby spinach, hemp hearts, almond butter, protein powder, and a banana in a blender with a few pieces of ice, and you have a nutritious green breakfast smoothie – easy as that!   If you liked my go-to green smoothie recipe, I know you will love this recipe as well.

Why You’ll Love This Protein Rich Green Smoothie

• All you need is a blender (talk about easy cleanup!)
• This green smoothie is packed with flavor AND nutrients
• The protein content from the hemp hearts, protein powder, and almond butter will keep you satisfied and satiated until lunch.
• It is a great option if you’re on the go.
• This smoothie is very simple to make!

Equipment Needed To Make Your Healthy Green Breakfast Smoothie

Blender – I like to use a high-speed blender (this is the one I have) but any blender will get the job done.

Ingredients For Your Green Smoothie with Protein

• big handful of baby spinach
• 1 banana, frozen
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
• 1 cup water, almond milk, oat milk, etc
• 1/4th teaspoon cinnamon

How To Make A Healthy Green Smoothie

Prepare yourself for easy peasy!

Step 1: Place all of the ingredients into the blender. Add a few ice cubes and blend until light and creamy. Pour and enjoy!

Tips For Making the BEST Green Breakfast Smoothie

I always like to have frozen bananas on hand for my smoothies.  Something that I learned (the hard way) is that you’ll save yourself a lot of trouble if you peel them, cut them in half, and bag them before putting them in the freezer.  Otherwise, the peel can be tricky to get off.

You can also freeze your greens!  Measure out your spinach into portions and put them in individual bags in the freezer.  This will keep you from wasting them and having to throw them away when you forget about them in the fridge.

What to Serve/Pair with Your Green Protein Smoothie

This smoothie is really meant to be a complete meal, but if you want something to munch on with your smoothie,  enjoy half of a smoothie and try it with one of our energy bites.  They are all simple to make and are great on the go.  My personal favorites are these No-Bake Oatmeal Energy Balls.  Yum!

This may sound silly, but don’t forget to pair your breakfast smoothie with a bottle of water!  Sometimes, because we drink the smoothie, we tend to think that we are hydrated and don’t drink as much water as we should.  Water will not only keep you hydrated but will also help you stay full.

Popular Substitutions & Additions 

• I love all of the health benefits and the texture of baby spinach, but if kale is your favorite, or just happens to be what you have on hand, feel free to substitute that for the spinach.
• I always top my smoothies with a little bit of cinnamon.  You can also add a little dash of turmeric on the top.  You’ll barely taste it, and it has tons of health benefits.  If you have a powder, such as collagen powder, that you mix into a drink each day, you can also add that into this smoothie.
• For some additional health benefits, you can also add in flax or chia seeds.  You won’t even taste them!
• If you have a nut allergy or sensitivity, you can switch out the almond butter for sunflower butter. Because sunflower butter is not quite as thick as almond butter, this may change the texture a little.

How To Store Your Green Smoothie

If you can, you’ll want to enjoy this smoothie right when it’s made.  That’s when it will taste the best.  If you need to store it for a few hours in the fridge, that’s okay, too.  Just make sure that it is in a sealed container and give it a good stir before enjoying.  The longer this smoothie sits, the more that the ingredients may start to separate. If you’re wanting to make your smoothie in advance for meal prep or just to save time in the morning, you can always combine all of the dry ingredients (don’t add the ice and liquid) in a sealed container.  When you’re ready to make your smoothie, pour them into the blender and add the liquids.

Healthy Green Smoothie FAQs

Is it Healthy To Have A Smoothie For Breakfast?

Having a smoothie for breakfast is very healthy (depending on the type of smoothie you make).

When I make breakfast smoothies I make sure it has a great balance of protein, healthy fat and plant-based carbohydrates. Not only is this delicious and very enjoyable but, I find this combination helps to keep me feeling satisfied for hours!

Do Smoothies Help You Lose Weight?

There truly are no miracle foods when it comes to weight loss. Ultimately, we have to take in less energy than we burn AND be in an easy, relaxed state of being.

However, I have found that focusing on real, whole, foods that are both nourishing and delicious is the key to maintaining a healthy weight without a lot of effort.

So yes! A well-balanced smoothie, with plenty of protein and healthy fat, can absolutely help you lose weight. And this recipe has become one of my favorites!

Can I use a flavor of protein other than vanilla for this smoothie recipe?

Sure!  I like the neutral, sweet taste of the vanilla mixed with the other ingredients, but if you have a different preference, feel free to switch it out!  Be sure to come back and let me know what you try.

Where do I find hemp hearts?

You can find these at most grocery stores.  I get mine at Walmart on the same aisle as the oatmeal.  If you can’t find them there, check the organic section.  They’re usually near the other seeds (chia, flax. etc.).  You can also order some on Amazon.

How are hemp hearts healthy?

Hemp hearts are packed with nutritional benefits – that’s why they’re a superfood!  They’re rich in omega-6 and omega-3.  They’re a great source of protein.  They also contain vitamin E and a long list of other healthy nutrients and minerals.  Trust me on this one, you’ll want these in your diet!

Should I use milk or water in this smoothie?

You can use whichever you prefer!  I like the creamy taste of adding almond or oat milk, but if you’re counting calories or just don’t have any milk on hand, water will work just fine.

Can I add other fruits to this smoothie?

Of course!  If you want a sweeter, fruity taste, add whichever frozen fruits you would like.  

Will I taste the spinach in this smoothie?

Nope!  When you blend spinach with something sweet, the taste of the spinach is overpowered.  In this smoothie, the protein powder, banana, and almond butter all outweigh the taste of spinach.

More Green Smoothie Recipes:

• Clean Eating Sweet Green Smoothie
• Chocolate Almond Butter Cup
• Vanilla Refresher Protein Smoothie

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Green Breakfast Smoothie (Protein Rich!)

This green breakfast smoothie is simple, nutritious and so delicious! It's a great way to start your day and can help support your health and weight loss goals. This smoothie recipe has a great balance of protein, healthy fats and plant-based carbohydrates.

Course BREAKFAST, paleo, protein shakes + smoothies

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 1 serving

Calories 437kcal

Author Dani Spies

Ingredients

• big handful baby spinach
• 1 banana, frozen
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
• 1 cup water water, almond milk, oat milk, etc
• 1/4th teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

• Place all of the ingredients into the blender. Add a few ice cubes and blend until light and creamy. Pour and enjoy!

Video

Notes

• You can use any liquid you like for this smoothie; oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk, and or water all work well.
• I prefer the taste of whey protein (this is one of my favorites), but a plant-based protein powder works well too.
• If you are not a fan of bananas, frozen mango is a great sub!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 437kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 665mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 231IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 251mg | Iron: 5mg

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Acai Bowls seem to be the latest and the greatest when it comes to smoothie bowls and for good reason.  They are delicious, nutritious and make a beautiful and tasty base for a smoothie (or smoothie bowl).

What is Acai?

Acai is a tiny little berry that looks like a little blueberry. They grow on palm trees that thrive on forest edges near rivers and streams in places like Brazil and South America.  And unless you live in those areas, it’s very unlikely that you will ever find fresh acai berry local to you, because they are very perishable and difficult to transport.  This is why here is the US, our access to acai is usually in a powder, juice, supplement or frozen pulp form.

Some Nutritional Benefits of Acai

• High levels of anti-oxidants; more then blueberries, cranberries and strawberries

• Low in sugar

• Rich in calcium, fiber and vitamin A

• Healthy fatty acids, similar to those found in a good quality extra virgin olive oil
• Help boost energy levels
• Help improve sleep

But most importantly for those of us who enjoy delicious food, they taste great. The flavor is a cross between a berry and a pice of chocolate, all in one! #yumscrum

I love buying the frozen acai pulp to make a smoothie bowl, just like this one.  The key os to keep the smoothie thick and creamy so you can add some toppings and eat it with your spoon.  Enjoy!

[ytp_video source=”WVNVVPleY4U”]

Continue Reading: How To Make a DIY Acai Bowl

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This green smoothie is light and refreshing while being rich and creamy all at the same time.

The combination of protein and healthy fats will keep you fueled and satiated while the greens promise to keep your body nourished and satisfied.  I love making this combo for breakfast when it’s warm and sunny outside.

Want more Fat BuRning Smoothie Recipes? Try these!

• Matcha Berry Protein Shake
• Chocolate Almond Butter Protein Shake

Continue Reading: Vanilla Refresher Protein Smoothie

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The post Vanilla Refresher Protein Smoothie appeared first on Clean & Delicious.

This berry delicious smoothie gets it’s rich, creamy texture from the combination of chia seeds and frozen berries.

The matcha powder adds a sweet earthy flavor and lends a host of health benefits including; increased metabolism, immunity support and boosted memory.

Sometimes, I’ll double or triple the recipe and pour them into popsicle molds for a cold and creamy ice-pop option. #sogood

Want to learn more about matcha?

• Check out my Matcha 101 + learn how to make a Matcha Latte.

Want More Fat Burning SMoothies?  Check These OUT!

• Chocolate Almond Butter Cup Smoothie
• Vanilla Refresher Protein Smoothie

Continue Reading: Matcha Berry Protein Smoothie

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I love a healthy, tasty recipe that is both easy to make and can be enjoyed on-the-go.  This Berry & Hemp Protein Shake is definitely one of those recipes.  With just a few ingredients mixed in the blender, you have a nutritious breakfast (or even snack!) ready to go in minutes.  This smoothie is so delicious you’ll forget it’s a healthy, protein-packed shake.

Did you know that just three tablespoons of hemp seeds has nearly 10 grams of protein?  That makes hemp seeds a great plant-based, protein-packed addition to smoothies (move over protein powders, we’ve got a new kid on the block!). Because of this high protein content, this smoothie will keep you full much longer than most fruit smoothies.   Not only do you have the health benefits of the hemp seeds, but with the antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C in the mixed berries, this shake is a delicious, nutritional treat!

Why You’ll Love This Hemp Protein Shake Recipe

• You only need one thing – a blender!  This makes for easy cleanup.
• It aids in healthy digestion.
• This hemp berry shake is packed with protein and healthy nutrients.
• With its protein content, this smoothie will keep you full for hours.
• It doesn’t take long to make and can be enjoyed on the go.
• It’s a delicious combination of vanilla and berry flavors – yum!

Equipment Needed To Make Hemp Mixed Berry Smoothie

• Blender – I like to use a high speed blender (this is the one I have) but any blender will get the job done.

Ingredients For Your Hemp Berry Smoothie

• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any milk you prefer)
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 1 serving vanilla protein powder

How To Make A Hemp Protein Smoothie

Step 1: Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until you have a thick, creamy smoothie. Add an extra splash of water (or more milk) to thin out as needed.

Step 2: Serve and enjoy!

Tips

Remember, whenever you are making a smoothie, ALWAYS use frozen fruit.  The result?   A rich, creamy, smoothie that won’t get watered down with a bunch of ice.

What to Serve/Pair with Your Hemp Protein Shake Recipe

This shake is very filling on its own, but I know that sometimes you just crave something a little extra to go with it.  To keep this a nutritious meal, pair it with some harboiled eggs for a bit of extra protein.

Another protein-packed option to enjoy to pair with this smoothie is a handful of raw almonds.

You can also add some veggies into this smoothie! No so much a pairing, but an eays way to add more volume and nutrients.  Think frozen cauliflower, baby spianch or avocado!

Popular Substitutions & Additions

For this smoothie, I added a few tablespoons of hemp seeds in place of protein powder and was super excited with the results.  Rich, creamy, cold, and delicious (and 100% plant-based and vegan!)

Want your smoothie to be extra smooth and creamy?  Add in half of a frozen banana or a scoop of avocado.  This will also give you some extra nutrients!  You can even add in a scoop of frozen cauliflower for a thicker, creamy texture.

I like to top my smoothie with raw, shaved coconut or a dash of chia seeds on top, just to give it something a little extra.  

How To Store Your Hemp Protein Smoothie

While this mixed berry protein shake tastes best when you enjoy it fresh, it can also be stored for up to two days in the fridge.  Just make sure that it’s in an air-tight container.  You can drink your leftover smoothie straight out of the fridge, just give it a little stir first.

You can also store your smoothie in a sealed container in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.  Let it soften in the fridge before enjoying.  If it is too “slushy,” you can add more milk and throw it in the blender until it’s smooth again.

Mixed Berry & Hemp Seed Protein Smoothie FAQs

Can I use another frozen fruit other than berries?

Sure.  If berries aren’t your thing, you can try this with any other frozen fruit.  I think that it would also be delicious with frozen, mixed tropical fruit.  

What’s the difference between hemp seeds and chia seeds?

Hemp and chia seeds are very similar, especially in appearance and texture.  They’re both tiny and have a crunch to them.  Hemp seeds are creamier and have more calories than chia seeds but pack in more protein per calorie.  They both contain healthy fats, with chia containing more omega-3 and hemp containing more omega-6. Chia seeds come from the chia plant, scientifically known as Salvia hispanica. Hemp seeds come from the hemp plant, scientifically known as Cannabis sativa.

Where can I find hemp seeds?

You can find these in the organic section at most grocery stores.  If you have a Whole Foods near you, they have a wide variety to choose from.  And of ocourse, you can alwasy order them on Amazon.

Does it matter what brand of protein powder I use?

Yes and no.  Since this smoothie is vegan, you’ll want to choose a plant based protein powder (like this one).  If you are not vegan, you could opt for a whey protein powder (like this one). 

I always recommend that you look for high quality protein powders with minimal ingredients.

Can I add greens to this hemp shake?

Sure!  I’m all for adding greens to just about anything.  Mix in raw kale or spinach for some extra nutrition.  Keep in mind that this addition may require additional liquid in this recipe.  Just add milk (or water) a little at a time until you’ve reached the consistency that you want.

Is this smoothie vegan-friendly?

It sure is! Just be sure to use your favorite vegan protein powder (I like this one and this one) or add some extra hemp in place of the protein.

Other Healthy Smoothie Recipes You’ll Love

• Green Breakfast Smoothie
• Chocolate Protein Shake
• Strawberry Banana Smoothie
• Pumpkin Pie Breakfast Smoothie

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Mixed Berry & Hemp Seed Protein Smoothie

This nutrient-packed smoothie is packed with berries, vanilla protein powder, and superfood hemp seeds comes together in just minutes! Perfect for a healthy breakfast on the go.

Course BREAKFAST, DIET, drinks, LUNCH, protein shakes + smoothies

Cuisine American, nut free, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 servings

Calories 317kcal

Author Dani Spies

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 2 cups unsweetned almond milk or any milk you prefer
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds
• 1 serving vanilla protein powder

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until you have a thick, creamy smoothie. Add an extra splash of water (or more milk) to thin out as needed.
  
• Serve and enjoy!
  

Notes

• If you are looking for a plant-based protein powder, I recommend Truvani or Garden of Life.
• If you are not vegan and like a whey-based protein, I really like Tera's Grass-Fed Whey.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5recipe | Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 145mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 201IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 424mg | Iron: 4mg

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