put the best protein possible into your smoothies
Protein is needed in virtually every part of our body. Our bones, skin, muscle — you name it — all need protein.
Our bodies don’t store protein the same way as they store fat, so it’s important that we consume quality protein daily, as part of a healthy diet. The more physically active we are on a particular day, the more important it is to pay attention that day to our intake of protein.
2 Great Protein Options
for Your Smoothies
A smoothie can be a great way to top-off your daily dose of protein.
There are two forms of protein, in particular, that you might find useful for your smoothies:
Smoothie Protein Option #1: Powders
Your first option is to add a protein powder. This can be made from whey, hemp or other plant protein powders. You can even make your own powder by putting flaxseeds into a spice or coffee-bean grinder.
“a smoothie can be a great way to
top-off your daily dose of protein.”
When you’ve chosen a powder (I usually prefer soy-free plant-based mixes), try adding a tablespoon or two to the blender and work from there to find your ideal ratio. If you’re exercising on that day, you might want to add a bit more.
Your smoothie’s taste will not be effected by the powder at all. Hemp powder can be a bit bitter on its own, but the fruits in your smoothie will render the hemp’s taste invisible.
Smoothie Protein Option #2: Seeds and Nuts
Your second protein option is nuts and seeds, which are actually pretty yummy on their own and can enhance the texture to your smoothie.
seeds and nuts are good protein for smoothies
Nuts and seeds are an excellent source of protein. For instance, just one ounce of raw pecans contains 2.6 grams of protein.
Eventually, over time, as you become more experienced and adventurous in your smoothie-making, you might find that you get the most out of your nuts and seeds when you soak-and-sprout them.
“quality protein in your smoothies
is an easy way to strengthen
and nourish your body.”
Advanced-Level Smoothies: Soaking & Sprouting!
Soaking your own nuts and seeds is super-easy and a common practice among smoothie aficionados.
The main reason to soak your nuts and seeds is because they contain enzyme inhibitors. These enzyme inhibitors are intended to protect the nut until it has the right conditions to grow (conditions like: enough sun or rain).
The benefits of soaking and sprouting are:
- Reduces phytic acid (enzyme inhibitors)
- Allows better digestion
- Reaches the ideal protein state
To soak your nuts and seeds, you place them in a jar of water for a few hours. Make sure to replace the water every once in a while to wash away the anti-enzymes.
To sprout, leave the nuts and seeds in water for a day or so until they swell to almost twice their size and you see a little tail.
Now experiment with your protein sources, and feel the results of vitality and energy!
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Many raw foodists I’ve spoken with think protein is overrated, and that fruits and veggies have all the protein our bodies need. Ideally, how much protein should one have? And does your body know the difference if it’s plant or animal based protein?
Yes, Tanaz, so many opinions out there about this — and it seems like each one has solid research to back it up.
Ultimately, I think that what matters most is that almost any regimen is better than the SAD (standard American diet) which has become astoundingly bad for one’s health. Currently, I eat mostly raw/vegan for breakfast and lunch (usually in the form of Green Smoothies), and have a big salad each night. On days when I workout, however, that salad is topped with fish or free-range turkey. Thanks for your comment, Tanaz!
people with hypoglycemia have to include protein with every meal, and the carb content must be lower ….so it’s very important
thanks to Sean Cameron for his help with this feature and video
I love cashews in my smoothie as it adds a milkshake like quality.