Smoothie Recipes

This post is sponsored by Viiva, all opinions are my own.

Smoothie Recipes

Start your day off right with a delicious smoothie recipe that gives you high-quality plant based protein, nutrition, and the energy you need to kick-start your day. 

Mornings are hectic. Always. Especially with kids. So finding a quick solution to getting a great, wholesome start to my day is essential. 

Which is why I am so excited to share these fun smoothie recipes with you. There is a flavor profile for everyone, and each of these smoothies are rich in protein, are organic, and offer awesome nutrition so you can start the day feeling great. 

We love a good smoothie in the mornings, this Strawberry Orange Mango Smoothie, Mango Green Smoothie, and Caramel, Coconut, Cashew Smoothie are some of our favorites, and honestly we just can’t get enough of these smoothies.

Note: If you are looking to lose weight, you would want to avoid the smoothies with added higher calorie ingredients like coconut and avocado, and focus on those with the lower calories. 

Smoothies make a great breakfast, but I especially love pairing them with a muffin, which I often make ahead and freeze for easy mornings:

• Easy Banana Bread Muffins
• Dried Blueberry Muffins
• Blueberry Sour Cream Lemon Muffins
• Spiced Bacon Muffins
• Triple Berry Muffins

Smoothie Base

The base for all of these smoothie recipes is a plant based protein powder made with yellow peas called Viiva. All of today’s smoothie recipes use the Vanilla flavor! 

 

Choose Your Protein

Choosing the right protein powder can be a daunting task with so many options available on the market. Whether you’re looking to build muscle, lose weight, or simply supplement your diet, here are some key factors to consider when selecting a protein powder:

1. Identify Your Goals: Are you looking to gain muscle, lose weight, or supplement your protein intake for overall health? Different protein powders are formulated for different purposes. For muscle building, look for powders with higher protein content per serving. For weight loss, consider powders with added fiber and fewer carbohydrates.
2. Consider the Source: Protein powders come from various sources, including whey, casein, soy, pea, hemp, and rice. Whey and casein are dairy-based and rich in essential amino acids, making them ideal for muscle recovery and growth. Plant-based options like pea, hemp, and rice are great for vegetarians, vegans, or those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
3. Check the Ingredients: Read the label to ensure the protein powder doesn’t contain unnecessary additives, fillers, or artificial sweeteners. Look for powders with minimal ingredients and those that are free from allergens if you have dietary restrictions.
4. Assess the Protein Content: Check the amount of protein per serving. A good protein powder typically provides 20-30 grams of protein per serving. Make sure it aligns with your daily protein requirements.
5. Flavor and Texture: Protein powders come in various flavors and textures. Choose one that you will enjoy drinking regularly. Some powders mix better in water, while others are designed to blend seamlessly into smoothies or recipes.
6. Test for Digestibility: Some people may experience digestive issues with certain protein powders. If you have a sensitive stomach, opt for powders that are labeled as easily digestible or have added digestive enzymes.
7. Budget-Friendly Options: Protein powders come in a wide range of prices. Determine your budget and find a high-quality protein powder that fits within your financial plan without compromising on essential nutrients.
8. Read Reviews: Look for reviews from other consumers to see how the protein powder performs in terms of taste, mixability, and effectiveness.

By considering these factors, you can find a protein powder that meets your nutritional needs and supports your health and fitness goals.

Smoothie Tips and Tricks

Ok, now that you understand why I recommend Viiva Protein Powders for your smoothie base, let’s talk about how to get great tasting smoothies that are still wholesome. 

Most pea proteins or vegan protein supplements do not taste very good. And most have a bit of a chalky texture or aftertaste. 

While I won’t claim Viiva is the most amazing tasting protein powder I have ever tried, or is totally chalk texture free, I will say it is the best I have tried.

For me it  is a bit too sweet, so I like to add some fresh greens, fruits, and berries to get a more balanced flavor.

With a little help of mix-ins and extra ingredients, I look forward to drinking it each day. 

Liquid:

The liquid you use in your smoothie can impact flavor, thickness, and nutrition. My favorite liquid to use is almond milk or coconut milk. But depending on the smoothie I am making.

I will mix up the liquid to either add or subtract calories, change the flavor, or alter the texture. 

Here is what you should know about each of these: 

• Almond Milk: 
  • Look for an unsweetened variety so you do not add unnecessary calories.
  • Almond milk makes smoothies creamy without adding unhealthy fat, rather omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. 
  • Lactose Free
• Coconut Milk:
  • Look for unsweetened. 
  • Lactose Free
  • Full of nutrients
  • Full fat, healthy fats
  • Does have  a strong flavor, you will taste it, and it is harder to mask in a smoothie. 
• Soy Milk:
  • Look for unsweetened. 
  • Look for one that is fortified with calcium
  • Low calorie, much lower calorie that most nut milks
• Water:
  • No calories
  • Super Easy
  • Not creamy, no flavor
• Fruit Juice:
  • Look for organic fruit juices
  • Using fruit juices will make your smoothie higher in sugar. 
  • Adds awesome flavor, very kid friendly. 

Healthy Fat Options:

If you are on a diet, like keto, where you need a good amount of fats in your diet, or are just looking for a way to add healthy fats (great for brain function) to your diet, here are a few simple ideas. 

• Add a quarter to half an avocado- loaded with heart healthy mono-saturated fatty acids, as well as potassium, fiber, and more. Such a great addition. 
• A couple tbsp of nut or seed butter – Look for sugar free versions. These are loaded with antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients. 
• 1/4 cup of nuts works well too! This will change texture, but adds some flavor and thickness. 
• You could add chia seeds, ground flaxseed or hemp seeds
• Flaked coconut or cacao nibs. Just add a Tablespoon.  

NUTRITION BOOSTERS ARE FUN

Smoothie extras, like green powders, and vitamin and mineral boosters can be fun additions too. They can alter the flavors of the smoothies, so taste them first to decide if you would like them mixed with your smoothie. They can also  be added to water.

Smoothie Recipes: 

Ok, now that  you understand what goes into these smoothies, are you ready  for the recipes?

Green Smoothie

3/4 cup frozen mango chunks 

1 cup frozen pineapple chunks 

1 Tbs Lime Juice

2 cups fresh spinach 

1 2/3 cup almond milk 

1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder 

This green smoothie is a nice smoothie consistency, it is fairly sweet, so adjust the lime juice to your preference to tone down how sweet it is. I love this green smoothie for getting more greens into my diet with ease.

Fruit Smoothie

12 oz coconut milk

1/2 cup spinach

1 cup grapes

1/2 cup frozen mango chunks

1 whole lime, or just the lime juice (the rind is slightly bitter)

1/2 avocado

1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

Ice as needed

This smoothie is a little tart, a little sweet, and a nice thick consistency. It is delicious. My favorite green smoothie that is chock full of fruits.

Berry Blast Smoothie

12 oz almond milk

1 cup spinach

1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

1/4 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)

1 1/4 cups frozen strawberries

1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

1 tbsp walnuts

Get all your favorite berry flavors with a little extra nutrition from the spinach, and extra protein from the walnuts.

Just Peachy Smoothie

1 medium banana 

1 ripe peach, pitted and sliced

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 cup frozen  pineapple (optional, but helps it not be so sweet)

1 cup ice cubes

1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder

12 oz coconut milk

This was my kid’s favorite  of the smoothies, and was very refreshing. You can’t really taste the pineapple, but the tartness of it helps balance out the sweetness from the vanilla protein  powder and peaches.

Other Smoothie Recipes:

• Freezer Smoothie Packs
• Pina Colada Smoothie Bowl
• 10 Smoothie Recipes
• Green Smoothie Pops
• Slimming Green Smoothie
• Lunch Lady Peanut Butter Bar Smoothie
• Cereal Smoothie Bowl- Raspberry Vanilla!