Food

30 Amazingly Delicious Protein Shake Recipes For a Stronger and Leaner Life

7. Papaya and strawberry smoothie Papaya is very good for you. It’s full of fiber which is essential for a healthy digestive system. Not only that,… Simi - September 17, 2018

Protein foods are something all of us should include in our daily diet. We may get our protein from conventional sources such as eggs, dairy products, and red meat. But there are some alternatives that you can try. If you’re tired of eating the usual fare to get your daily protein quota, you could try a protein shake. They’re a great way to replace existing protein intake or the ideal way to replenish your protein levels after a strenuous workout.

Proteins contain rich concentrations of amino acids. Amino acids are an integral part of all the cells and tissue in your body. They also contain vital enzymes and antibodies that feed the immune system allowing it to fight off threats posed by germs, bacteria, and viruses. That’s why it’s important to make sure you include enough proteins in your diet.

Your recommended protein intake differs from person to person because it is calculated according to your weight. The Dietary Reference intake indicates that your body needs 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight. That’s 0.56g of protein per pound of body weight. Consuming more than this means that the excess is stored as fat which can lead to weight gain. The extra amino acids in your body from consuming too much protein are expelled from the body as waste.

There are plenty of protein shake recipes for you to choose from. Most require some protein powder which you can purchase at your local health store. Try some of these, then mix and match them to suit your own tastes.

1. A berry-concentrate chocolate protein smoothie

This smoothie is both healthy and able to satisfy a sweet tooth. If you’ve been indulging in too many sweet desserts, you’ll want to cut back to lose weight. This smoothie is the perfect way to start because it’s delicious but rich in the protein you need as well. Keep this smoothie in mind for those times where you feel you’ve earned a cheat treat. It’s sweet and divinely tasty, but not full of unhealthy ingredients.

What you’ll need:

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

½ a cup of organic strawberries (frozen)

½ a cup of organic raspberries (frozen)

A scoop of SFH chocolate protein powder (substitute with a scoop of vanilla protein powder and ½ a tablespoon of top-quality cocoa powder)

1 teaspoon of chia seeds

What to do:

Use a high-speed blender to combine all the ingredients until smooth.

You can add some freshly sliced fruit, whipped coconut cream, or chocolate drizzle.

For the purposes of environmental friendliness, serve the smoothie in a glass with a paper straw.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

2. Yummy banana split smoothie

This smoothie is healthy and tasty. Unlike a traditional banana split, it does not include the ice-cream. While ice-cream is delicious, it is not your friend if you’re trying to lose weight. It contains a lot of sugar. The banana split smoothie is quick and easy to make, which is perfect for when our on-the-go lifestyle means we’re always in a rush. It’s the perfect way to start your day. Put it in a reusable plastic container and use a paper straw. Then you can enjoy it on your commute to work!

What you’ll need:

2 scoops of chocolate protein powder

½ a cup of pineapple chunks (cut them fresh and freeze them for a few hours for the best results)

1 cup of sliced strawberries

1 banana

6 ice cubes (if your blender struggles to process frozen fruit)

What to do:

Peel and slice your banana.

Put all the ingredients in your blender and get blending!

Keep some of the strawberries aside and slice them to put on the top. You can even do that with some of your banana.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

3. Chocolate and kale shake

Sounds like an odd combination, doesn’t it? Yet these two principal ingredients of this shake complement each other and make a delicious drink. Kale is an important part of a healthy diet. It’s jam-packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for your body’s well-being. Kale is one of the latest trends in the pursuit of a balanced diet. But it’s not a fad, its benefits are real and very healthy. It’s not the tastiest of foods which is why the addition of chocolate makes it more palatable.

What you’ll need:

2 cups of freshly chopped kale

¾ of a cup of skim or almond milk

A scoop of chocolate protein powder

1 spoon of peanut butter (look for one that contains minimal ingredients and additives or substitute it with almond butter)

½ a banana

1 handful of ice

What to do:

Blend the kale and milk together first in your blender.

Add the remaining ingredients and blend until a smooth consistency is reached.

You can slice the remaining half of the banana and use it as a tasty, attractive topping.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

4. Almond cocoa protein-packed smoothie

This protein smoothie is a bit different to some of the others you might read about. The reason for that is that it contains no protein powder. It’s still a delicious way to start your day. It’s likely to be a hit with your children as it’s sweet and tasty. And that’s without the addition of unhealthy sugars that are bad for them. It’s so good, in fact, that it tastes a bit like a dessert!

What you’ll need:

¼ cup of milk plus another 2 tablespoons of milk (choose 2% cow’s milk or substitute it with soymilk or almond milk)

½ a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder

¾ of a cup of Greek yogurt

1 banana (sliced, then frozen)

2 teaspoons of ground flaxseed (not necessary, but definitely recommended)

¾ of a cup of ice cubes

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in your blender and let it do the rest of the work!

Serve with a sprinkling of unsweetened cocoa powder as a finishing touch. Or you can slice up some banana and dress the top of your smoothie with it.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

5. Coffee-kick protein shake

If you love coffee and can’t start the day without your caffeine fix, this is the shake for you to make first thing in the morning. Alternatively, have one in the afternoon when you need a boost to get you through the afternoon. It’s perfect for hot summer days when the last thing you feel like feeding your body is a hot beverage.

What you’ll need

½ a ripe banana

1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (one with no added sugar)

½ cup of vanilla almond milk (unsweetened)

½ a cup of brewed black coffee (cold or room temperature)

1½ cups of ice cubes

Optional extras:

Cacao nibs to sprinkle on the top of your shake

1-3 drops of stevia extract

What to do:

Put all the ingredients in your blender aside from the ice cubes.

Blend thoroughly until you reach a smooth consistency.

Add the ice cubes at intervals, blending each time you’ve added more ice. The mixture will look creamy.

Add the stevia extract at this point if you want your shake to be sweeter.

Pour into a glass and sprinkle the cacao nibs on top.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

6. Green kale shake

Don’t be fooled by the name. This shake has loads of other ingredients to make it tasty and delicious. The kale will dominate it though, so it’s going to be green in color. Kale is full of vitamins and minerals which are good for the body’s functioning. This shake is ideal after a strenuous workout when you need to replenish protein, vitamins, and minerals. Your body will need that extra compensation to recover after a workout. And it’s the perfect St. Patrick’s Day drink if green beer is not your thing!

What you’ll need:

2½ cups of fresh kale

½ a cup of fresh mango (sliced and frozen)

1 cup of fresh pineapple

1 banana (frozen)

A scoop of vanilla protein powder

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in your blender and blend them until it’s smooth. The kale may take a little extra time to blend completely. Pour it into a glass and add a straw.

Add some extra slices of banana, pineapple or mango as an attractive topping.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

7. Papaya and strawberry smoothie

Papaya is very good for you. It’s full of fiber which is essential for a healthy digestive system. Not only that, it contains antioxidants that are important to keep your body’s immune system functioning optimally. The wealth of vitamins and minerals it contains also make it a great addition to your diet. Don’t only include papaya into this delightful smoothie. It’s great in fruit salads as well. The coconut kefir that you include in this smoothie is packed full of antioxidants which fight off free radicals in the body. As this smoothie is dairy-free, it will be perfect for someone with a lactose allergy or intolerance. It is also gluten-free.

What you’ll need:

½ a cup of strawberries

1 cup of sliced papaya

1 cup coconut kefir

A scoop of vanilla bone broth protein powder

½ a cup of iced water

What to do:

Blend all the ingredients together on high until the consistency is smooth.

Pour into a glass and add some extra sliced strawberries to create a pleasing effect.

Serving size:

2 glasses

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

8. Cookie dough shake

Yes, you read it correctly. You can make a delicious protein shake that tastes like your favorite cookie. Instead of heading straight for the cookie dough and eating it, try this smoothie instead. There’s no cookie dough in the smoothie, so you won’t be left feeling guilt-ridden after enjoying it! So, don’t feel bad, this is the perfect way to indulge in your cookie dough cravings!

What you’ll need:

1 cup of milk (choose according to your preference)

⅛ teaspoon of salt

⅛ teaspoon of baking soda (for flavor)

Slightly more than a ¼ cup of vanilla protein powder (with a little bit of added sugar if you like it sweet)

Sweetener (1 tablespoon of sugar or 10 stevia drops)

Chocolate chips or raw oats for topping

Optional:

6 drops of maple extract (adds flavor)

What to do:

Put all the ingredients except the toppings into the blender and let your blender do the rest. Once blended, your consistency may be thick or quite runny. It depends on the protein powder you use. To make it thicker, partially freeze the milk before you use it. It adds a thickness to the shake that is reminiscent of ice-cream. Yummy!

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

9. Rich vanilla almond smoothie

This recipe contains a triple-whammy of vanilla. It makes the smoothie taste just as good as a vanilla milkshake. One of the key ingredients is vanilla yogurt. If you’re really on a health kick, don’t buy vanilla-flavored yogurt from the store. The brands on sale are often fully loaded with artificial sugar, flavors, and colorants. Make your own vanilla yogurt by buying plain yogurt and adding a few drops of vanilla essence to it.

What you’ll need:

A scoop of vanilla protein powder

½ a banana (it’s preferable to freeze it)

¼ cup fat-free vanilla yogurt

1 tablespoon of almond butter (or any other nut butter you prefer)

¾ cup vanilla almond milk (unsweetened)

About 3 or 4 ice cubes

What to do:

Combine all the ingredients in your blender. Blend on high until you have a smooth beverage.

Serve it in a glass with some almond slivers or cinnamon as a topping. You could also use the other half of your banana to cut and add as a topping.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

10. Quinoa smoothie

On its own, quinoa is a nutrient-rich substance that contains a whole lot of protein. In fact, it contains so much protein, that making a shake with it doesn’t require any protein powder at all! Combine it with a variety of fruits to make a deliciously decadent smoothie that packs a protein punch.

What you’ll need:

1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy depending on your preference)

½ a cup of plain yogurt (again, choose between dairy and non-dairy)

1 banana (freezing it is optional)

8oz. of mixed frozen berries

½ a cup of cooked quinoa

½ a teaspoon of honey (to sweeten the smoothie)

What to do:

Blend all the ingredients together with your blender set on high. Give it a taste when you’re done. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little extra honey and blend again. Save some of your frozen berries to use as a topping or use fresh berries to create a pleasing effect.

Serving size:

1 glass (but it can be shared between 2 as it’s quite rich).

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

11. The green warrior

It might sound a bit intimidating and combative, to say the least, but the green warrior is perfect after a strenuous workout. It’s definitely worth a try when you’ve finished a session at the gym. It’s not a well-known recipe, but you should try it if you’re tired of the same old smoothies and need a change. It’s all-natural and fully vegan as well.

What you’ll need:

½ a cup of fresh grapefruit juice (replace with orange juice if you prefer it)

1 cup of kale (dinosaur/lacinato) or baby spinach, stems removed

1 large apple with core removed, roughly chopped

1 cup of chopped cucumber

1 stalk of celery (medium or large)

3 tablespoons of hemp hearts (more or less according to your preferred taste)

¹/₃ cup of mango, frozen

2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves

About 4 ice cubes

Optional:

1½ teaspoons of virgin coconut oil

What to do:

Juice your grapefruit and place it in the blender.

Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and blend until it’s smooth.

Serving size:

1 large glass (but it can be divided into 2 smaller servings).

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

12. Piña Covado with kale

This is a tropical smoothie that will help you cast your mind back to lounging on an idyllic beach, even in the middle of winter! It’s full of healthy fruits to boost your vitamin and mineral intake. The addition of avocado gives the smoothie a very creamy finish. The fact that it contains kale as well gives it an advantage, as this is a healthy vegetable that contains a myriad of vitamins and minerals.

What you’ll need:

²/₃ vanilla almond milk (unsweetened)

2 handfuls of kale (works out to the leaves of 7-8 stalks of kale)

¹/₃ cup of pineapple chunks

½ an avocado (ripe)

A scoop of protein powder (vanilla is preferable)

A cup of ice cubes

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in the blender and allow them to blend until thoroughly combined with a smooth consistency.

Serving size:

1 large glass (but it can be divided into 2 smaller servings). If you don’t drink it all in one serving, you can keep it in an airtight container in your fridge for 2 days).

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

13. Green mint chocolate protein shake

Believe it or not, the main ingredient in this smoothie is spinach! But you won’t even be aware of that once you add the other ingredients. They make this smoothie taste like dessert. Parents, if you’re struggling to get your little ones to eat their leafy greens, here’s the answer! It’s also a great smoothie to have after a workout in the gym to replenish your protein levels.

What you’ll need:

A scoop of chocolate protein powder

1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed

1 banana (peel it, then slice it, and freeze the slices)

½ a cup of fresh spinach leaves

¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract

¼ cup of almond milk (unsweetened)

About 3 or 4 ice cubes

1 tablespoon of dark chocolate chips (pure)

What to do:

Place all the ingredients except the chocolate chips in your blender. It’s a thick mixture, so it might take some time to get it all blended into a smooth consistency. If it remains too thick for your taste, add some extra almond milk to it.

Add the pure dark chocolate chips as a garnish and serve.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

14. Protein smoothie with berries

This is a firm favorite for smoothie fans. It’s an easy go-to when you’re in a hurry. But that doesn’t make it any less delicious. The healing properties of berries together with their rich concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants make them a vital addition to your daily diet. So, why not go back to basics and incorporate them into a great smoothie? This particular smoothie is suitable for those following the paleo diet and is gluten-free as well.

What you’ll need:

¹/₃ can of coconut milk

A scoop of paleo protein powder (or substitute with 2 raw eggs if you prefer, provided the eggs are free-range or organic)

½ a cup of frozen berries (with no added sugar)

½ a teaspoon of cinnamon (for flavor)

Stevia to taste (works as a sweetener)

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in your blender and blend them into a delicious smoothie. Have a final taste before serving it. If it’s not sweet enough, add a few extra stevia drops.

Add some extra berries as a topping before serving your smoothie.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

15. Dairy-free cookie protein shake

The name alone makes this smoothie sound like a little slice (or glass) of heaven, especially for those with an insatiable sweet tooth. The use of coconut milk means that there’s no dairy in this smoothie which makes it ideal for people with a lactose allergy or intolerance. This shake tastes exactly what it sounds like: a delectable dessert. It contains a good deal of coconut which is great for reducing your risk of heart disease.

What you’ll need:

1-1½ cups of ice

¼ cup of full-fat coconut milk

½ cup of almond milk

2 scoops of dairy-free protein powder

1 tablespoon unsweetened coconut flakes

1 tablespoon paleo caramel sauce

1 teaspoon of toasted coconut flakes

1 tablespoon of dairy-free chocolate chips

What to do:

Blend the ice, coconut milk, almond milk, protein powder, coconut flakes, and paleo caramel sauce until smooth.

Serve in a glass garnished with toasted coconut flakes. Drizzle some extra paleo caramel sauce over the top. Melt the dairy-free chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top to finish off this delectable concoction.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

16. Almond protein shake

The delicious flavor of almonds is coupled together with some chocolate protein powder to create a shake that will have you coming back for more. Almonds are good for you because they contain healthy fats which can help to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They are also rich in fiber which is critical for a healthy digestive system. They are also rich in magnesium and Vitamin E. This shake is a perfect replenishment smoothie to replace the protein lost during a heavy workout. And it’s so delicious because it somehow manages to taste like dessert as well!

What you’ll need:

A scoop of chocolate protein powder

2 tablespoons of sliced almonds

2 tablespoons of shredded coconut

½ a cup of unsweetened almond milk (vanilla)

About 5 ice cubes

What to do:

Blend all the ingredients together in your blender until you have a smooth consistency. Keep a little of the sliced almonds and shredded coconut aside. Then you can use them as delicious toppings to give your smoothie that special finish.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

17. Oatmeal cookie shake

This delicious creamy shake is a healthy alternative to baking a batch of oatmeal cookies. You get the same taste but far more protein and less sugar. The taste of cookies will linger over your taste buds but won’t find its way down to your hips!

What you’ll need:

½ a cup of fat-free cottage cheese

A scoop of protein powder

Stevia (or a sweetener of your preference)

A handful of ice cubes (how many you use depends on how thick or runny you like your smoothie)

½ a cup of water (use 1 cup if you prefer your smoothie less thick)

2 tablespoons of good old-fashioned oats

1 tablespoon of cocoa powder (or substitute in 1 tablespoon of chocolate chips)

⅛ of a teaspoon of cinnamon

½ a teaspoon of vanilla extract (or almond extract)

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in the blender and let it get to work. Start off with a little ice and water. If your smoothie is too thick, add some more.

You can use some chocolate chips and cinnamon to garnish your smoothie.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

18. Protein shake with pumpkin

No, you don’t need that pumpkin-spice latte to start off your day. Rather consider using this recipe for a delicious pumpkin protein shake. It contains both pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice. Be aware of the difference between pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie filling. You need the former, not the latter. So, if pumpkin is your favorite vegetable, this is the shake for you. Pumpkin is rich in beta-carotene which the body converts to Vitamin A. Vitamin A makes sure your hair, skin, and eyes are healthy. It is also an important contributor to your body’s immune system.

What you’ll need:

1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

½ a cup of pumpkin puree

1 teaspoon of honey (or a sweetener of your choice)

A scoop of vanilla protein powder

½ a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice

1 banana

5-6 ice cubes

What to do:

Blend all the ingredients together well. Have a taste before you serve it. Add more honey or sweetener to your taste. Serve the smoothie with a little extra pumpkin pie spice sprinkled over the top.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

19. Protein shake with oatmeal and raisin

If the smell and taste of oatmeal cookies with raisins bring back happy childhood memories, you absolutely have to try this smoothie. Instead of taking the time to bake a batch (and feel guilty about all the sugar), you can make this delicious smoothie in minutes. Its flavor is delicious, and it also contains a healthy amount of protein. Old-fashioned oats are rich in fiber. If you struggle with digestive issues, this is the perfect smoothie for you.

What you’ll need:

A scoop of protein powder (choose a flavor such as vanilla, plain, or cinnamon)

1 cup of almond milk (unsweetened)

2 tablespoons of good old-fashioned oats (instant oats aren’t allowed!)

2 tablespoons of raisins (or substitute with 2 pitted dates)

¼ teaspoon of vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon of cinnamon

A cup of ice

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in your blender and put it to work! Blend the ingredients until you reach a smooth consistency.

Add a few extra raisins and a sprinkle of cinnamon to the top once you’ve served the smoothie in a glass as a final flourish.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

20. Peach pie shake

Who doesn’t love peach pie? The delicious scents and flavors of this popular dish appeal to just about every palate. But peach pie is full of calories. It contains loads of fat in the crust and let’s not even go into how much sugar it contains. But if you love peach pie, which most of us do, here is a smoothie you can try.

What you’ll need:

½ a cup of low-fat cottage cheese

2 tablespoons of protein powder (vanilla flavor)

¾ of a cup of peaches (fresh or frozen)

½ a teaspoon of cinnamon

¼ of a teaspoon of ground nutmeg

½ a teaspoon of vanilla extract

2 teaspoons of sugar (or another sweetener, such as honey)

1 cup of milk

Between 5 and 10 cubes of ice (depending on your preferred consistency)

What to do:

Place all the ingredients with 5 cubes of ice into your blender. Blend them thoroughly. Add extra ice cubes and blend them in if it’s too thick.

Serve the smoothie with an additional peach slice on top as a garnish.

Serving size:

1 large glass or 2 small glasses

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

21. Apple pie protein shake

Americans love their apple pie. And they’re not the only ones. Apple pie is a firm favorite in many countries across the world. But it’s full of fats and sugars, which doesn’t make it the healthiest choice. But if you love apple pie and can’t do without its soothing taste, try this protein-rich apple pie smoothie. It will give you the taste you desire, but it’s a whole lot healthier.

What you’ll need:

1 sweet apple (remove core and chop the apple finely)

¹/₃ cup of Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat variety)

½ a cup of almond milk (unsweetened)

A scoop of vanilla protein powder

1 teaspoon of stevia (or any low or zero calorie sweetener)

½ a teaspoon of cinnamon

A cup of ice cubes

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in the blender and let your blender do the rest. All the ingredients should be blended smoothly. Start with only a few of the ice cubes. If you feel the consistency is too thick, add the extra ice cubes.

Serve with a sprinkling of cinnamon to add to that home-made apple pie flavor.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

22. Strawberry and banana protein-rich smoothie

Strawberries and bananas make a delicious combination. But if you prefer, you can substitute the strawberries with any other berry you like. Alternatively, you can add a mix of different berries, depending on what you like. This creamy smoothie contains healthy Greek yogurt which provides the body with a huge boost of probiotics. These are essential for a healthy gut. And a healthy gut means a healthy digestive system in general.

What you’ll need:

2 cups of fresh or frozen strawberries (or berries of your choice)

1½ cups of fat-free Greek yogurt

½ a ripe banana

½ a cup of almond milk

2 teaspoons of honey

A cup of crushed ice (or 1½ cups of ice cubes)

What to do:

Blend all the ingredients except the ice in your blender.

Put the ice cubes into the mixture and blend for roughly a minute. Add them at intervals so that you can make your smoothie in a consistency that you like (either thick or a bit runnier).

Have a taste before you serve it. If you feel it’s not sweet enough, add a tiny bit of stevia (or any other sweetener of your choice)

Serving size:

2 glasses

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

23. Chia nut blackberry smoothie

The combination of chia seeds, blackberries, and hazelnuts creates a delicious smoothie which will become a firm family favorite. If you prefer, you can add almonds instead of hazelnuts. Nuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are vital to your body’s health. Chia seeds provide your body with the fiber it needs for a healthy digestive system. Blackberries are full of antioxidants which boost the body’s immune system.

What you’ll need:

¾ of a cup of blackberries (frozen or fresh)

1 tablespoon of chia seeds

½ a teaspoon of cinnamon

⅛ of a cup of hazelnuts (or almonds if you prefer)

A serving of vanilla protein powder

¾ of a cup of water

4-5 ice cubes (not necessary if you are using frozen berries)

Optional:

½ a teaspoon of vanilla powder or extract (a good idea if your protein powder is not vanilla-flavored)

What to do:

Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until it’s smooth. Sprinkle some chopped hazelnuts (or almonds) on top of your beverage as a delicious garnish.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

24. Green smoothie with orange, cranberry, and walnuts

This smoothie is a veritable fruit salad and has an exotic taste you’ll love. Citrus fruits such as oranges are a rich source of Vitamin C which is important for the optimal functioning of the immune system. Cranberries contain many phytonutrients. These offer the body antioxidants and function as an anti-inflammatory. Cranberries also contain high doses of Vitamin C. Walnuts are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These are the ‘good’ fats your body needs. The spinach has antioxidants and is full of Vitamin K.

What you’ll need:

¼ cup of cranberries

½ a cup of orange (peel and remove the seeds)

⅛ of a cup of walnuts (finely chopped)

1 teaspoon of orange zest

¼ teaspoon of cinnamon

1 cup of spinach (pack the cup measure full)

A serving of vanilla protein powder

½ a cup of water

4-5 ice cubes

Optional:

½ a teaspoon of vanilla powder or extract (a good idea if your protein powder is not vanilla-flavored)

1 tablespoon of chia seeds (for extra fiber)

What to do:

Blend all the ingredients together until they reach a smooth consistency.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

25. Café mocha protein shake

A hot café mocha on a cold morning is a great way to kickstart your day. But on hot summer days, you may prefer to have your café mocha cold. Instead of buying frozen café mocha from your coffee store, consider this smoothie with its added protein. It also includes all the health benefits of almonds which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

What you’ll need:

½ a cup of almond milk

½ a cup of brewed coffee (cold)

2 scoops of chocolate protein powder

1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder

A little stevia (to add as a sweetener to your taste)

A handful of ice cubes

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in the blender and blend thoroughly. Consider adding only a half of the handful of ice cubes to start. If the mixture is very thick after blending, add the remaining ice cubes and blend again.

Taste before serving. If it’s not sweet enough, add some more stevia or another sweetener such as honey. Don’t start off with too much sweetener. It’s better to start with less and add more as you go.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

26. Mint protein shake

If you love the flavor of chocolate mint ice-cream, this is a smoothie you’re going to enjoy. Choc-mint ice-cream is so delicious. But as it passes over the lips, it settles on the hips! This smoothie offers a far healthier option, as it includes extra protein and far less sugar. It’s also perfect for people with a lactose allergy or intolerance. They’re never able to enjoy the ice-cream delight of choc-mint. But with this recipe, there’s a way they can enjoy the delicious flavor without risking a nasty reaction.

What you’ll need:

½ a banana (frozen)

1 cup of almond milk (or substitute it with water)

2 scoops of chocolate protein powder

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder

¼ of a teaspoon of peppermint extract

Optional:

4-5 fresh mint leaves

What to do:

Blend all the ingredients together until they’re smooth. Use slightly less almond milk (or water) when you start if you prefer your smoothie a little thicker in consistency.

Serve your smoothie with the mint leaves as a garnish to give it that extra minty flavor.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

27. Peanut butter and jelly smoothie

The PB&J sandwich was a staple meal in everyone’s childhood. It’s the perfect sandwich. Not only do you get all the benefits of peanut butter which is rich in healthy fats and proteins. There’s also the jelly which is fruit-flavored and delicious. But as we grow older, the PB&J sandwich becomes less attractive if we’re trying to keep our weight down. The bread is laced with carbohydrates that we don’t want to include in our diet. And the sugar used to preserve the jelly can lead to weight gain too. But if you hanker after that familiar taste to remind you of happy childhood days, try this smoothie.

What you’ll need:

½ a frozen banana

1 cup of almond milk (or water if you prefer)

2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter

½ a cup of frozen strawberries

2 scoops of vanilla protein powder

A handful of ice cubes

What to do:

Combine the ingredients by blending them until smooth.

Garnish your smoothie with a sprinkling of cocoa powder. Or consider some freshly sliced strawberries. You could also use some finely chopped peanuts.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

28. Carrot cake shake

Ah, carrot cake. It’s so delectable, and it’s easy to convince yourself it’s good for you. After all, it’s full of carrot, isn’t it? And we all know that carrots are good for you. So, where’s the harm? Well, it’s in all the sugar and flour that goes into carrot cake. It’s worse if you’re gluten intolerant since you have to avoid floury products at all costs. If you want to enjoy the taste of carrot cake without the unhealthier ingredients, this is a smoothie you should try.

What you’ll need:

1½ cups of almond milk (or water if you prefer)

2 scoops of vanilla protein powder

¼ of a cup of carrot (well-shredded)

¼ of a cup of finely chopped walnuts

¼ of a cup of plain Greek yogurt

¼ of a teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Optional:

A pinch each of ground nutmeg and ground ginger to taste.

What to do:

Blend all the ingredients until they make a smooth, creamy consistency.

Add a sprinkling of ground nutmeg and ground ginger to the top of your smoothie before you serve it.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

29. Vanilla chai shake

Chai tea is fragrant and spicy. It is known to be good for the health of your heart. It also can lower your blood sugar levels which is good if you’re struggling with hyperglycemia. Another benefit of chai tea is that it helps people with hypertension get their blood pressure down. It’s good for your digestive system and can help you with weight loss. Not everyone is a fan of the taste, though. But it’s so good for you. How best to deal with this conundrum? Include it in a delicious smoothie, of course.

What you’ll need:

1 cup of almond milk (substitute with water if preferred)

2 scoops of vanilla protein powder

¼ of a cup of brewed chai tea (chilled)

¼ of a teaspoon of vanilla extract

A pinch each of cloves, ground cinnamon, and cardamom

A handful of ice cubes

A sprinkle of chia seeds

What to do:

Place all the ingredients in your blender and set it to work for a few minutes.

If you used water instead of almond milk, you can include a few finely chopped almonds as a garnish for your drink.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

30. Strawberry cheesecake shake

If you love strawberry cheesecake but can’t afford to eat it as it will pile on the pounds, try this smoothie. It has some alternative, far healthier ingredients. They’ll give you the delicious strawberry cheesecake flavor without too many calories. It’s the addition of the reduced-fat sour cream that gives this smoothie its creaminess and slightly tart flavor. Sour cream is rich in protein, calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin B12. Strawberries contain a lot of Vitamin K which helps with blood clotting.

What you’ll need:

½ a cup of water

1 cup of strawberries

4 tablespoons of reduced-fat sour cream

1 scoop of protein powder (vanilla)

A small amount of powdered stevia to taste (as a sweetener)

What to do:

Put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.

Start off with a very small amount of powdered stevia. Taste the mixture after blending. If you feel it’s not sweet enough, you can add a little more powdered stevia.

Add some sliced strawberries as a garnish before you serve this shake.

Serving size:

1 glass

Multiply the ingredients if you want to make more than one. But take your blender size into account. You might have to make each one separately.

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