Protein Packed Purple Smoothie

The idea for this smoothie came about this morning, knowing I needed a healthy protein packed snack after my mid morning cardio workout. I usually have to plan what my post-workout snacks are going to be ahead of time because after my cardio sessions, nothing sounds all that delicious. I have also found that planning or at least thinking about what you'll refuel with ahead of time leaves you feeling better during and after you've eaten the snack.

Here's what you'll need for this protein packed snack:

1 tbsp chia seed

1 c vanilla hemp milk

1/2 frozen ripe banana 

1 c greens (I used romaine lettuce)

3/4 c frozen blueberries

3 tbsp hemp protein powder

For this smoothie, you'll need to do just a bit of prep work, but it will be well worth it in the end! Are you ready?

Mix the chia seed and 1/3 c hemp milk in a bowl. Place in the fridge. (Yup, that's it!)

I let mine sit for about 2 hours, you don't need to wait this long but make sure to let it sit at least 15 minutes so that the chia begins to form a gel. It works great to throw this together before your workout, put it in the fridge, and it will be ready when you get home!

To Prepare the Smoothie

When you get home and are ready to make the smoothie, throw the chia gel and the rest of the ingredients (including the remaining 2/3 c hemp milk) into the blender and mix until smooth. The consistency of this smoothie is pretty thick (I actually ate mine with a spoon!). If you aren't a fan of super thick smoothies add extra hemp milk, juice or water until you reach the thickness you like. 

Now, to please those of you who always like to know the nutrition info on what you are eating, and because I'm claiming this smoothie as being "protein packed", I thought I'd break it down for you.

Protein:

Hemp milk - 3g

Chia seed - 3 g

Hemp protein powder - 11g

----------------------------------

Total Protein = 17 grams

Fiber:

Chia seed - 5g

Blueberries - 4g

1/2 Banana - 2g

--------------------------------

Total Fiber = 12 grams

Go ahead and cheer... I already know you are ;-)

To break it down even further... my workout consisted of a 20 minute cardio challenge on the stationary bike followed by 15 minutes of inclined running on the treadmill followed by a 5 minute cool-down walk. With a total of 40 minutes of cardio and 17 grams of protein in this smoothie... that means I got just about 2 grams of protein for every 3 minutes I worked out. How's that for a post workout snack?? 

Protein up and enjoy!

Strawberry, Orange, Carrot Smoothie

Settle down now... I know seeing "carrot" in the name for a smoothie threw you a little off-guard. Rest assured that this smoothie is sweet, delicious, and ever so good for you!

Here are the simple ingredients that I'm sure you already have on hand!

5-6 fresh strawberries
5-6 baby carrots or 1 regular sized carrot
1 cup orange juice (I used Tropicana, less sugar and only pure ingredients)
1 small ripe frozen banana

First, you'll need to steam (or microwave - I'll admit this is how I did it because I wasn't patient enough for steaming!) the carrots until tender and can be pierced with a fork. Run them under cold water and let sit a few minutes. Place all ingredients in the blender and process until smooth. Add more fruit or more OJ to get the smoothie to your preferred thickness. That's it!

I enjoyed this smoothie as a post-workout snack along with Soy Crispettes from Whole Foods. (One serving of these light delicious crisps gives your body 8 grams of protein!) Enjoy!

Decadent Raspberry Chocolate Smoothie

This smoothie tastes so decadent and dessert-like I just had to put it into a wine glass!

I needed a morning snack that was quick and something I could take on the go (and no I didn't take the wine glass in the car.. the smoothie got transferred into a plastic cup). What comes to mind? A smoothie of course! Although this one really tastes more like a milkshake, it contains only healthy ingredients and is not too thick so.... a smoothie it is.

What you'll need:
6-10 fresh raspberries
1/2 ripe banana (fresh or frozen is fine)
1/4 c vanilla hemp milk + water as needed for the right consistency
1 packet (or 2 tbsp) Justin's Chocolate Hazelnut Butter

Put all ingredients into blender and blend until thoroughly mixed. Feel free to add any extra fruit, I personally think mango would be delightful ;) The combination of hemp milk and nut butter adds a decent amount of protein but if you are looking for more of a protein shake you can add hemp protein powder but make sure to also add more liquid as well so it doesn't get too thick.

That's it, now go enjoy!

Green Smoothie - YUM!

I got home from a good swim and was craving something filling, good for me and oh so delicious! I got out a banana and thought okay this is good but I want something crunchy... I took out a piece of celery and took a bite... yummy and healthy... keep going... SMOOTHIE! I've never just thrown together my own green smoothie before, I've always looked up recipes but they never seemed to suit me. Most suggest only water but it seems to take a lot of the flavor away. Here's what I settled on:

1 banana
1 celery stick (roughly cut into pieces)
handful of raw (shelled) sesame seeds
handful of romaine lettuce or spinach
fresh or frozen mango
1/4 c. vanilla hemp milk (I use Pacific Foods Vanilla Hemp Milk) + a little water

Blend until smooth and enjoy! I was literally scraping it out of the bottom of the glass to get every last drop!


[You can add more liquid if you like... this was pretty thick but I must admit it makes the smoothie stick with you long enough until your next snack ;)]