Smoothies can be an amazing, nutrient-dense snack. When you make them at home, you can incorporate so many different healthy ingredients like your favorite greens, fruit, nut butters, seeds, nuts, protein powders, and milk. A smoothie snack truly is one of the easiest, most delicious ways to get a nutrition boost into your morning or afternoon. And if one of your specific health goals is to increase your daily protein count, a homemade, high-protein smoothie recipe is a simple way to do this.
What are some of the reasons you may be thinking about eating more protein on a daily basis? For one, protein is necessary for building muscle and leaning out in a healthy and sustainable way. Getting enough protein is also beneficial for your bone health, making it a helpful nutrient to focus on as you age. And on top of all that, protein is also helpful in boosting metabolism and reducing hunger levels. It’s exciting to think that this nutrient plays such a key role in our health, especially because so many delicious foods are protein heavy, like milk, eggs, fish, tofu, poultry, nuts, etc. However, getting enough protein throughout your day can be difficult for some.
How much protein you need depends on your individual health needs, age, and goals, as everyone’s requirements are different. The absolute best way to determine your own daily requirements is to talk with a doctor or dietitian, but if you need a bit of guidance in the present moment, Harvard Health has a simple guideline to follow. According to them, the recommended dietary allowance for protein is about 0.8 grams for every kilogram of body weight.
Why should you drink high-protein smoothies?
To get you started on consuming more protein today, we rounded up a list of 19 high-protein smoothie recipes for you to try. Some of these incorporate your preferred protein powder, while others just get their protein from food sources. Read on, and for more healthy eating tips, make sure to check out 15 High-Protein Breakfasts To Help you Lose Weight Today.
Protein: 9 grams (or 29 with a scoop of protein powder)
Enjoy the decadence of chocolate, the healthy fat from coconut, and the helpful antioxidants from the banana in this delicious smoothie. Nine grams of protein may not be enough for some, but this recipe would taste delicious with your favorite chocolate protein powder, which could add upwards of 20 grams to your total.
How much protein do you need in a day?
Get our recipe for Chocolate-Coconut Banana Smoothie.
19 High-Protein Smoothie Recipes
Protein: 11 grams
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more refreshing that will help you reach a few servings of vegetables in one sitting, try this peach and kale smoothie, which gets some natural protein from Greek yogurt. You can add whatever toppings you prefer, but we recommend some almond slivers or chia seeds.
Get our recipe for Peaches and Kale Smoothie.
Protein: 11 grams
Another decadent chocolate option, this Mexican chocolate smoothie bowl tastes like a dessert, but with an added 11 grams of protein. Similar to our other chocolate smoothies, this one would taste even more decadent with a scoop of protein powder.
Get our recipe for Mexican Chocolate Smoothie Bowl.
