The human body needs protein, and generally speaking, the more you get, the better off you’ll be. Your body relies on a steady supply of protein to help build and repair cells, create enzymes and hormones, and support the skeletal, muscular, and circulatory systems. And, given the fact that the body has no process for storing protein, it makes sense that health-conscious individuals of all lifestyles are turning their attention towards increasing their daily protein intake, and for many, this means making and ingesting protein smoothies.
Unfortunately, every different dietary lifestyle comes with its own focuses and restrictions, and it can be difficult to find high-quality protein smoothie recipes that takes these stipulations into account. Well, Blendtec is here to help. We’ve come up with seven high-protein smoothie recipes, each designed to fit a specific dietary lifestyle. So, no matter how you choose to nourish your body, you’ll have the delicious, high-protein smoothies you need to help keep it happy, healthy, and looking its best.
1. Weight Loss Protein Smoothie
Protein: 27 grams
Whether you want to lose weight for health reasons, or just to be able to fit back into your favorite pair of jeans, you’re not alone, it’s estimated that over 50% of Americans would like to shed some unwanted pounds. And while protein smoothie recipes for weight loss are not difficult to come by, we wanted to share one of our personal favorites to help get this list started.
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2. Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Protein: 23 grams
Just as being overweight can have a negative impact on an individual’s health, weighing too little can likewise lead to dangerous complications. For those who are working to bring their own weight up to suggested levels—or for exercise enthusiasts who want to pack on a few extra pounds of pure muscle—we’ve developed a high-protein shake perfect for assisting in controlled weight-gain lifestyles.
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3. Gluten-Free Protein Smoothie
Protein: 16 grams
For those who have celiac disease, or who suffer from a gluten-sensitivity, eating gluten-free foods is a prerequisite to feeling healthy. Even among those without any sort of gluten-sensitivity, adopting a gluten-free diet may be a path to a healthier lifestyle, simply because it provides a framework around which to construct a nutritious-conscious diet. Whatever the reason for going gluten-free, this smoothie recipe with whey protein will help you enjoy your decision. *Be sure to avoid any protein powders that contain peptide bound glutamine derived from wheat protein.
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4. Cherry-Mango Green Smoothie
Protein: 23 grams
Although there aren’t many smoothies that actually incorporate meat (as far as we know), vegetarians tend to want more servings of vegetables in their shakes than many other dieters. Likewise, having fewer available sources of protein, vegetarians who incorporate smoothies into their meal plans should focus even more heavily on high-protein recipes than those of certain other lifestyles. This recipe, which contains a full serving of green vegetables and roughly the same amount of protein as 8 ounces of chicken, should help you maintain your vegetarian lifestyle, while also maintaining your health.
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5. Juicy Ginger & Pear Vegan Smoothie
Protein: 17 grams
All of the cautions associated with a vegetarian diet can also be said for a vegan diet, only more so. Eschewing all forms of animal products, vegans have an even-more difficult time filling the body’s dietary protein requirements. Of course, just because it is difficult, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it is impossible, and many who live the vegan lifestyle have no problem balancing a nutritious diet. This vegan smoothie recipe includes a significant amount of protein from non-animal sources, and it tastes fantastic too.
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6. Paleo Fruit Smoothie
Protein: 12 grams
The Paleo Diet is a unique approach to nutrition. It focuses only on foods that would have been available to our pre-agricultural ancestors, such as nuts, berries, and meats. Harvested crops and produce, in addition to milk and other dairy products, are avoided. The paleo diet has gained quite a following in the last few years, especially with Crossfitters and other exercise enthusiasts, but that doesn’t mean that regular folks can’t also enjoy a bit of Paleolithic goodness in the form of our Paleo smoothie!
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7. Low-Carb Protein Smoothie
Protein: 44 grams
(Carbs: 13 grams) For those looking to lose weight really fast, there isn’t really a quicker way to accomplish the goal than by adopting a zero (or close to zero) carb diet. Unfortunately, many of the staples of smoothie creation fail the no-carb test. And to be honest, a totally carb-free smoothie would probably be stomach-clenchingly awful (unless you like drinking fish-oil and vinegar). We’re not going to put you through that. Instead, we’ve developed a smoothie recipe that is low-carb and isn’t too bad on the taste-buds, either.
*Zero carb vanilla protein powder can be difficult to find in stores; consider purchasing online.
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