Protein Enriched Smoothie Recipes

If you're looking for a healthy, refreshing treat, you'll want to have some smoothie recipes in your kitchen arsenal. All you need to make this simple treat is a few ingredients which are usually available in most kitchens. They don’t take much time to prepare which makes these recipes all the more popular. You blend fresh fruits or vegetables with a liquid to produce a thick nourishing drink, boosted with a shot of protein. Favorite liquids to use are milk, soy milk, rice milk, yogurt and fruit juice. Smoothies are widely regarded as an excellent healthy drink, especially when the ingredients are carefully chosen. It is a good way to increase your consumption of fruits and vegetables and protein enriched smoothies are great for muscle building. Below are 5 recipes you can try for a dose of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and protein.

Protein Enriched Berry Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup of strawberries, blueberries or raspberries
• 2 cups soy milk
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon soy protein powder

Place the berries and soy milk in a blender. Blend until smooth. Add in the soy protein powder and yogurt. Blend for 30 seconds. Pour into a glass and serve.

Protein Enriched Banana Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized banana
• 2 cups skim milk
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tofu powder
• 1 teaspoon chocolate powder

Chop the banana into small pieces and place in a blender. Add in the milk and blend for 30 seconds or until all the banana is pureed. Add in the yogurt, tofu powder and chocolate powder. Blend for another 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth with no color streaks. Pour into a glass.

Protein Enriched Fruit Medley Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 small banana
• 5 peach slices
• ½ cup strawberries
• 2 cups skim milk
• 1 tablespoon soy protein powder

Blend the fruit and skimmed milk for about 1 minute. Add in the soy protein powder and blend for 30 seconds. When smooth, pour into a tall glass and serve.

Protein Enriched Mango Smoothie

Ingredients

• 5 mango slices
• 2 cups soy milk
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 tablespoon soy protein powder

Blend the mango and soy milk on high speed for 30 second. Add the yogurt and soy protein powder. Blend for a minute or two and pour into a glass.

Protein Enriched Peanut Butter Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 small banana
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 cups orange juice
• ½ cup yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tofu powder

Place the banana, peanut butter and orange juice in a blender. Mix for 1 minute or until smooth. Add in the yogurt and tofu powder. Blend for 30 seconds then pour into a glass.

Tips

• You may sweeten the drink with sugar or honey.
• You may also choose to add crushed ice for a quick chilled effect.
• Spices such as nutmeg, cardamom and ginger can also be used to enhance the flavor of the drink.
• It is best to consume smoothies soon after you make them. This ensures that you get as many of the nutrients as possible. If you must store the drink, keep in the refrigerator for not more than 2 days.