This is my go-to smoothie! It tasted delicious, takes a few minutes to prepare and is full of protein!
Protein smoothies don't need to just be with protein powder - we call this one a protein smoothie because it is packed with ingredients that are full of protein! Interchanging these ingredients in your smoothies adds extra protein, and you can customize it to how you like. You can use chia seeds, hemp seeds, ground flaxseeds, oats, greek yogurt, nut butter, and soy milk!
Using ground flaxseed in this smoothie adds to both the protein and fiber elements. Flaxseed is packed with fiber, which is necessary for maintaining a healthy digestive tract, keeps you full for longer and decreases your risk of cardiovascular disease. They are also chock full of antioxidants, which are important for our health as they reduce the risk of cancer. Flaxseed are also a good source of healthy fats, which we need for protecting our organs and producing energy. Specifically, they contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are a super important fat as it maintains healthy cholesterol levels, reduces inflammation and tumor growth. Flaxseeds are also full of vitamins and minerals, contributing to your overall health and wellbeing. They also have tons of other health benefits, such as reducing your risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and their lignan content reduces the risk of different types of cancer.
Hemp seeds are another fantastic source of protein, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They also have tons of other nutrients, like potassium, magensium, calcium, iron and zinc. Hemp seeds are great for reducing inflammation, are full of antioxidants and improve neurological health. Hemp seeds are rich in fiber too, which makes this smoothie even more filling!
Using greek yogurt in this smoothie not only makes it super creamy, it also increases the protein content. Greek yogurt is strained, which makes it different to regular yogurt, as it has double the protein amount! Greek yogurt also has tons of probiotics, which are a type of good bacteria that have lots of health benefits. Probiotics are a good mood booster and help with cognitive function. They also combat stress, control blood sugar and pressure levels, boost immunity and battle inflammation.
We need protein for a number of different reasons. Protein is one of the three main macronutrients (fat and carbs are the other two!). Our skin, hair, nails, organs, cells and muscles are all made up of protein, so we need to eat it because protein helps grow, repair and maintain these parts of our body. Protein allows our body to make energy and carry oxygen throughout the body and into our bloodstreams, and it also makes antibodies which we need to fight infections. Protein is also important for maintaining our blood sugar levels.
The bananas and strawberries are a great combo for this smoothie, but feel free to mess around with whatever fruit you have! I like bananas because they are full of potassium and vitamin B12, and strawberries for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
If you recreate this recipe, be sure to post it on Instagram and tag us @lorrainekearneynutrition; we love to see you eating delicious, nutritious foods!
Strawberry banana protein smoothie
Total: 5 mins
Serves 1
Ingredients
1 tablespoon flaxseed (ground)
½ cup strawberries
1 banana
½ cup unsweetened almond milk
¼ plain low fat greek yogurt
2 tablespoons hemp seeds
Directions
Add all the ingredients into a blender and blend on high. Pour into a glass and enjoy!
Serving suggestions
Feel free to switch out the flaxseed or hemp seeds for chia seeds
Switch out the almond milk for soy milk for added protein
Switch out the greek yogurt for nut butter if you want another type of protein instead
