3 Ways To Boost The Protein In Your Smoothie

If you’re looking for ways to boost the amount of protein in your morning smoothie (of your post-workout smoothie) then you’re in luck. There are a variety of different ways you get add protein, ranging from high quality whey protein, vegetable based protein powder, hemp powders. You can also add oats or seeds. Here is a selection of ideas for your smoothie to boost the protein and help you maintain muscle mass and lose fat.

 

Hemp Protein Powder

Hemp is one of the most popular vegan protein powders. It’s super rich in amino acids, and doesn’t have the allergens that soy and dairy have. This hemp protein powder also has a lot of fiber, which is great when you are adding protein powder to your smothie since you don’t want to have too high an imbalance between protein and fiber. This hemp protein powder will blend up with your smoothie and not taste bad, it’s an awesome way to get healthy protein (many protein powders might not be bad for you, but they are not healthy…this one is). It’s also processed without any of the harsh and dangerous chemicals that are use during the soy protein and lesser grade hemp protein powder mixes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hemp Seed – Protein plus Omega Fatty Acids

Another interesting way to incorporate hemp protein into your smoothies is to add actual hemp seeds. This is instead of hemp protein powder. When you add the whole hemp, not just the protein powder, you are also getting omega fatty acids. These are tremendous for your heart health. Hemp is rich in omega fatty acids, particular Omega 3 and Omega 6. In addition to being good for your heart, these healthy fatty acids are excellent for joints. So, if you are running or lifting weights and want to protect your joints, then this is an excellent addition to your smoothies.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flax Seed

Another great option for getting vegan, organic, high quality protein into your smoothies is to use flax seed. Flax seed is super healthy. It’s been linked to lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, and even preventing cancer. Additionally, flax seed has been shown to help prevent liver disease and even reduce depression. Really, its a super food.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vegan Protein Powder

If you want an actual protein powder, but don’t like whey or soy because of the allergies (or because you are a vegan) then a vegan protein powder is the best alternative. These are made with organic peas, and other non-dairy sources. They are also packed with nutrients that most whey proteins lack, so they are actually good for you. They can be a bit thick if you only mix them with water—whey is the better tasting option if you are only mixing with water–but if you are making a smoothie, then these vegan protein powders are perfect.  Some of them, including this amazing vegan protein powder from Garden of Life, even has  probiotics and live enzymes . It’s a good way to get health protein, without the added sugars that you find in some whey protein mixes.  If you blend it up with strawberries, bananas, some coconut or almond milk, or coconut water, you will have an awesome protein smoothie. If you prefer to make a green smoothie, and don’t think that the vanilla will mix well, then you can instead get a plain vegan protein powder. But, this vanilla flavor is really great if you are making a fruit smoothie with lots of berries, bananas, or even if you are making a green smoothie with a heavy green apple and banana mix. Something along the lines of a kale, green apple, banana, and coconut water smoothie.