Smoothies are a refreshing summer snack, but a smoothie from a juice bar or even one you can pick up at your gym can come loaded with sugar and carbs that aren’t doing your weight loss efforts any favors. Make your smoothies at home instead so you’ll have total control over the ingredients.
Three protein-packed smoothies to keep you cool this summer.
Peanut Butter Cup
(Recipe from Zero Belly Smoothies)
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 258 calories, 6 g fat, 21 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 30 g protein
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla or chocolate plant-based protein powder
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1/2 tbsp natural unsalted peanut butter
- water to blend (optional)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender then blend until smooth.
French Toast Protein Smoothie
(Recipe from Dashing Dish)
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 235 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 12 g carbs, 1.2 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 42 g protein
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp maple extract (or 2 tbs sugar-free maple syrup)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Dash nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
- 3-5 Stevia packets (or sweetener of choice to taste)
- 1/2-1 cup water (for desired consistency)
- 5-10 ice cubes (Add more ice for a thicker consistency)
- 1/2 tsp xanthan gum (optional)
- 1/2 tsp butter extract (optional)
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender then blend until smooth.
Sunrise Smoothie
(Recipe from Iowa Girl Eats)
Serves: 1
Nutrition: 209 calories, 1.8 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 42 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 28 g sugar, 8 g protein
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic frozen mixed berries
- A single frozen banana
- One orange, peeled and segmented
- 4 – 6 oz vanilla Greek yogurt
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a blender then blend until smooth.
