Smoothies

I love, love, love my smoothies!  Making a smoothie takes no time at all and they will ensure you get a ton of nutrients all at once.  As a holistic nutritionist I often get asked about what protein powders are best, should I supplement with them and what to look for in them?  Post- or pre-workout, snacks and for those meals on the go, smoothies are my go-to for easy energy and wholesome nutrition.  Unfortunately all protein powders are not created equal and it can be very confusing.  Forget those gross, gritty, flavourless protein powders, or the ones that taste like ice cream and shouldn’t!  I have a few favourite protein powders and want to share them with you.

My ultimate favourite is Sunwarrior, the “Classic” blend, in vanilla or chocolate.  It’s made from sprouted brown rice protein and contains 16g of protein per scoop, so I generally use 1.5 scoops for a meal.

Runner up is Genuine Health Vegan Proteins+ in chocolate or vanilla.  It’s made from a variety of vegan proteins like hemp, quinoa, mung bean sprouts, yellow pea kernel and spirulina and contains 20g of protein per scoop, so I use a heaping scoop for a meal.

Last but not least is Progressive Harmonized Vegan Protein Powder in chocolate or vanilla.  It’s made from pea, amaranth, quinoa, millet and pumpkin seed proteins and contains 23g of protein per scoop, so 1 scoop is perfect!

Although there are many different kinds of protein powders; the most common being whey protein, vegan is favorable for everyday use.  I talk A LOT about digestive health and these protein powders are very beneficial to the overall health of your digestive system and thereby healthy gut bacteria.  When food is fermented, the nutrients are better assimilated because fermented foods are easier to digest.  Vegan protein powders are a safe bet for many people as common powders like whey and soy are tough to digest, causing bloating and gas.  As well, many people develop food sensitivities to whey which can cause a whole host of undesirable symptoms in the body.  YOU CAN ONLY ABSORB WHAT YOU CAN DIGEST, so choosing an easily digestible protein powder like the ones listed above is a good idea.  All my favs are all GMO- and soy-free, non-allergenic, fermented, free of nasty artificial sweeteners, flavours or colours, contain a balanced amino acid profile and most importantly, taste delicious!

Here are a few of my favourite smoothies!

Berry Delight Smoothie:

• 1 cup unsweetened nut or seed milk
• 1 tbsp. chia seeds
• 1 scoop Progressive vanilla protein powder
• 1/2-3/4 cup chopped mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1″ chunk ginger
• 2 large handfuls mixed greens (spinach, romaine, baby kale)
• 1/4 avocado
• 1/2-1 tsp spirulina or chlorella (optional)

Blend all ingredients with ice and add liquid to desired consistency.

Sexy Chocolate Smoothie:

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla nut or seed milk
• 1 scoop Sunwarrior chocolate protein powder
• 1 tbsp. raw cacao powder
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 tbsp. almond butter
• 1.5 tbsp. collagen (I use Great Lakes)
• 1 tsp of ground flax
• 2 large handfuls mixed greens (spinach, romaine, baby kale)

Summer Refresher:

• 1 cup coconut water
• 1 heaping scoop Genuine Health vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup cubed watermelon
• 1/3 large cucumber
• 1/2 small green apple, cored and chopped
• 1/4 large avocado
• 1/2 lime, peeled
• 5 large mint leaves
• 1 tsp liquid chlorophyll (optional)

Blend all ingredients with ice and add liquid to desired consistency.

By blending all of these delicious ingredients together, you not only get loads of nutrition, but also a very hormonally balanced meal, meaning they won’t spike your blood sugar.  When you combine your proteins, fats and carbs in a balanced ratio, your hormones are balanced, you’re satisfied and sugar cravings diminish.

I hope this info has helped clear-up some of your questions regarding protein powders so that you can feel confident the next time you go to buy one.