21 High-Protein Smoothies With No Protein Powder
There are other 'wheys' to go about it.
Breakfast smoothies are a terrific idea for so many reasons. They're easy, fast, and perfect for on-the-go. They're a great way to sneak tons of fruits, vegetables, and other good-for-you ingredients into your first meal of the day, because pretty much anything can be a smoothie if your blender is strong enough. If you're not hungry for something super filling, it's easy to make a smoothie that'll keep you sated for at least a couple of hours. And, maybe best of all, smoothies are easy to prep ahead of time, in bulk (the holy grail of weekday breakfasts, amirite?).
All that said, fruit smoothies are often high in sugar and low in protein, which makes them...less of a good idea if you want to stay full and satisfied for longer. "Many people fall short on protein at breakfast," says Alissa Rumsey, M.S., R.D. "Protein helps with satiety so you stay full for longer, and research shows that it is better to spread your protein intake evenly throughout the day, rather than having protein be the focus of just one large meal." Just because you eat lots of protein at lunch and dinner, doesn't mean you can get away with skimping on protein for breakfast. Rumsey recommends getting at least 15-20 grams of protein at breakfast.
Most protein powders pack at least 15 grams of protein per serving. But, many are filled with sugar, which you're already getting enough of from the fruit in your smoothie, or artificial sweeteners. Also, lots of people just...don't like protein powder. (I am among them.) Which is totally fine, because there are plenty of other options. "It's simple to add protein to a smoothie without using protein powder," says Rumsey. "Try a 6- or 7-ounce container of plain Greek yogurt(15 to 20 grams of protein) or a half-cup of cottage cheese (12 to 13 grams of protein). Silken tofuis a great smoothie add-in that gives the drink a creamy consistency. You can also add a few tablespoons of nuts and seeds. Using cow's milk or soy milk for a liquid source adds an additional eight grams of protein per cup." Here are a few quick and easy ways to get your blend on, powder-free.
1
Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie from Desserts With Benefits (pictured above)
This smoothie calls for peanut flour, which might not be something you have in your pantry all the time. It's made from peanuts (and nothing else!) with some of the fat removed, and you can also use it in baking to add a peanut flavor without adding as much fat as peanut butter would. Get the recipe here.Per one serving: 29 grams protein
All the protein in this fall smoothie comes from oats and Greek yogurt, but canned pumpkin purée is the secret to its pumpkin flavor. Get the recipe here.
Per one serving: 22 g protein
3
Roasted Strawberry Smoothie from Jo Lynne Shane
Roasted strawberries make this sweet smoothie extra delicious, while cottage cheese adds protein. Get the recipe here.Per one serving (no whipped topping): 17 grams protein*
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4
Gingersnap Green Smoothie from SELFstarter
Greek yogurt, almond butter, and oats add protein to this smoothie, while a bit of ginger and vanilla give it that gingersnap flavor. Get the recipe here.Per one serving: 23 g protein
5
Greek yogurt, almond butter, and oats add protein to this smoothie, while a bit of ginger and vanilla give it that gingersnap flavor. Get the recipe here.Per one serving: 23 g protein
5
Banana Green Smoothie from BuzzFeed Food
This super simple smoothie is sweet, satisfying, and it's got a serving of vegetables. It's also easy to prep these in bulk. Make freezer smoothie packs by freezing the banana, baby spinach, vanilla extract, and almond butter together in a single resealable bag. In the morning, add almond milk and yogurt, and blend! Get the recipe here.
6
This super simple smoothie is sweet, satisfying, and it's got a serving of vegetables. It's also easy to prep these in bulk. Make freezer smoothie packs by freezing the banana, baby spinach, vanilla extract, and almond butter together in a single resealable bag. In the morning, add almond milk and yogurt, and blend! Get the recipe here.
6
Cherry Chia Smoothie from SELFstarter
There's an unexpected ingredient tucked away in this smoothie: avocado gives it a great creamy texture without impacting the tart cherry flavor. Greek yogurt adds protein. Get the recipe here.Per one serving: 20 g protein
For recipes #7-21, visit the article page: CLICK HERE
SELF Food||By Christine Byrne
There's an unexpected ingredient tucked away in this smoothie: avocado gives it a great creamy texture without impacting the tart cherry flavor. Greek yogurt adds protein. Get the recipe here.Per one serving: 20 g protein
