Hi friends! Let's talk about smoothies!
I officially jumped on the smoothie train when I started working early mornings and had to get out the door by 7:30am for the day (sometimes as early as 6am, cringe!). Getting two kids plus myself ready and out the door (and trying to squeeze in exercise) does not lend itself to a leisurely breakfast.
The problem I have with most conventional smoothies is that they can be loaded with extra sugar (even too much fruit sugar can be overwhelming to the body) and calories, and devoid of protein and fiber. These two nutrients are absolutely essential to maintaining a sense of fullness, especially throughout the morning. We make better choices throughout the day when we are not ravenous by lunch.
You might ask, well, why not just drink a regular protein shake? They are widely available and popular - however I have not found one that contains both protein AND fiber. Boo.
I discovered Orgain protein about a year ago and have since fallen in love! (This post is not sponsored in any way - they don't even know I am writing it!). I just legitimately feel so good about their product and recommend it to all of my clients wanting to incorporate a protein powder into their daily routine.
Unlike many traditional protein powders on the market that are made from whey (which can cause bloating and can be difficult to digest) Orgain uses organic pea, brown rice, and chia proteins. Most whey protein powders also have 0g of fiber per serving - Orgain has 7g! It is also sweetened with organic erythritol and stevia which are safe and reputable nonnutritive (calorie free) sweeteners. I confidently recommend it to all of my diabetic patients because it doesn't not negatively affect their blood sugars.
As far as what else I put into this smoothie, I mix it with unsweetened vanilla almond milk. To bump up the fiber even more, and to make it extra thick and creamy, I also add a tablespoon of acacia fiber. Acacia fiber is derived from the sap of the acacia tree, which is native to parts of Africa, India, and Pakistan. It acts as a prebiotic fiber, which means that it feeds the good (probiotic) bacteria in the gut. Per tablespoon, it has 15 calories, 6g of carbohydrate and 6g of fiber which translates into 0g net carbs! Unlike many other fiber supplements, it mixes SO well and is smooth and creamy. I'm seriously obsessed with it!
For the peanut butter, I simply use whatever we have. I often reach for powdered peanut butter because it adds a few more grams of protein per serving compared to regular peanut butter, and mixes into smoothies really well. But if we are out I use 2 tsp of Jif or Skippy! Really I just want some peanut taste so I'm not super particular here!
Now for my secret ingredient - frozen riced cauliflower! Don't judge until you've done it guys! You seriously can not tell its there - its kind of like blending in spinach - and it adds another 2g of fiber, 2g protein, 300mg of potassium, and 80% of the daily requirement of vitamin C! I use it in place of ice, and I love the end results. If this is not your jam, just use 5-6 ice cubes or crushed ice!
I also add a teaspoon of Hershey's dark chocolate baking cocoa for that super chocolatey taste! It adds extra antioxidants and is so tasty.
Okay now, that's enough talking, let's get to the recipe! This makes one HUGE smoothie - you will be full for hours, I promise! :)
Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
Makes 1 large serving
Ingredients:
1 serving (2 scoops) Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder, Creamy Chocolate Fudge
12oz unsweetened vanilla almond or coconut milk
1 cup frozen riced cauliflower or 5-6 ice cubes
2 tsp peanut butter OR 2 Tbsp powdered peanut butter
1 Tbsp acacia fiber
Optional: 1 tsp dark chocolate baking cocoa
Combine all ingredients into a high speed blender (this is the one I love and recommend) and blend very well. ENJOY!
Nutrition facts:
Calories: 305
Protein: 27g
Fiber: 16g (using cauliflower rice)
Net Carb: 7
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