Vegan Protein Smoothie? Yes!

Michel has created many incarnations of the protein drink he’s been making for us each morning for the past few years.  It all started with a simple recipe given to us by an enthusiastic “recruiter” at our former gym. She suggested blending a banana, skim milk, peanut butter, and chocolate whey protein powder.  It was a tasty beverage but we soon figured out that the sugar/calorie numbers were too high for what we wanted.  Michel kept experimenting: water vs. milk, milk vs. pomegranate juice, with/without flaxseed oil, chocolate vs. other powder flavors, etc. 

The nutritional supplement market is saturated with various protein powder options.  As always, Michel did his research and discovered that consuming soy protein can be harmful for men.  (Soy powders are not an option anyway because of his allergy to soy products, period.)  He’s also careful to choose a protein powder that won’t elevate levels of creatine in the blood.  We've always used whey protein powder until we found a raw protein product at Whole Foods a few months ago that is vegan and all natural.  If you’re considering nutritional supplements, read the labels and do your homework.  There is such a thing as “too much of a good thing.” 

Michel has settled on the smoothie recipe below and it has served us well.  We don’t have scientific proof, but it seems to help keep colds at bay and it is filling enough to hold us through a good part of the day.  He adds turmeric and its spicy cousin, ginger, to prevent a host of nasty ailments you can Google if you’re in the mood to read more.  Turmeric and ginger have been used medicinally for centuries.  The flax milk is a more healthful option than cow's milk--which is only good for you if you're a cow.  

Grab your trusty blender and go for it.  We'd love to hear your smoothie recipe ideas, too.  Leave a comment if you like.  

 You will need:

• 1 banana, sliced
• 5 thin slices of fresh ginger
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ cup frozen blueberries
• 1 cup watermelon chunks (or cantaloupe, strawberries, mango, whatever you like)
• 1 ½ cups flax milk
• 1 heaping scoop protein powder

 In your blender, add: (see photos below)

• Banana slices
• Fresh ginger slices
• Turmeric
• Frozen blueberries
• Melon chunks or other fruit of your choice
• Flax milk

Blend just enough to break up chunky ingredients.  Add protein powder and blend until smooth. 

Fresh Ginger Slices

Bananas, Ginger, Turmeric

Frozen Blueberries

Watermelon

Pour in flax milk.

Blend to break up chunks.

Add protein powder and blend until smooth.  

Drink up!