Fruit & Veggie Protein Smoothie

I made this smoothie with my mom the other day before we ventured out for a long hard day of... shopping!  Lol!  Basically, we just went through my mom's fridge and grabbed whatever fruits and veggies we could find, threw it in the VitaMix blender, and voila!  It turned out excellent; a perfect consistency and really yummy!  So, I figured I'd share it with you.  This is a great energizing smoothie to have pre or post workout due to the fact that it contains protein, quality carbohydrates, and natural sugars.

Fruit & Veggie Protein Smoothie

Serves 4

 Ingredients:

- 2 scoops of Vanilla Whey Protein Powder 

(I use VPX SRO Zero Carb)

- 2 cups of Organic Spinach

- 2 medium Carrots

- 1 medium Organic Apple, cored

- 1 small Banana

- 1/2 cup Celery

- 1/2 cup Strawberries, frozen

- 1/2 cup Blueberries, frozen

- 1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

   

Instructions: 

Blend all ingredients in a VitaMix blender until smooth.

*Note*

You will need a high performance blender in order to emulsify the carrots and apple!

 

Nutritional Information:

Per Serving

111 calories, 0g fat, 100mg sodium, 343mg potassium, 

19g carbohydrates (4g fiber, 13g sugar), 12g protein.

But wait!  Before you chug down your delicious smoothie why not read up on how healthy it is!  You know I don't like to give you a recipe without some information on the ingredients :)  Below I have listed some of the key nutritional facts about the fruits and vegetables used to make this Fruit & Veggie Protein Smoothie.

Almond Milk: Almond milk is great to add to any smoothie because of its richness and creaminess.  It is lower in calories and fat than cow’s milk yet high in vitamins and nutrients such as Vitamin E and Calcium.

Carrots: Carrots are a good source of a variety of vitamins such as A, C, and K. They promote good eye health, a strong immune system, and are rich in fiber which supports bowel regularity and help control blood sugars.

Spinach: Low in calories and high in vitamins, spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense foods in existence.  It is packed with cancer fighting antioxidants, protects against aging, and promotes improved cardiovascular health and brain function.

Celery: Celery has been known as a staple diet food due to the fact that it is incredibly low in calories and carbohydrates.  But, did you know that celery is packed with powerful antioxidants?  Recent research has illustrated celery's anti-inflammatory health benefits, including its protection against inflammation in the digestive tract itself.

Bananas: Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, fiber and many vitamins and minerals. They are a terrific addition to any smoothie because they’re filling, nutritious, and contain natural sugars which are a great source of energy.

Berries: Berries give sweetness to the smoothie and contain high levels of nutrients and fiber. They are also rich in antioxidants and support healthy skin.

References:

http://www.livestrong.com/nutrition-information-for-fruits-and-vegetables
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=14

Enjoy!
 

Triple Chocolate Proats

It's no secret I have a super sweet tooth!  I'm pretty much a certified chocoholic :) lol!  So, this is an absolutely delicious breakfast, or perhaps a post workout meal, that I came up with to satisfy my chocolate craving I was having this morning.

I've been doing a lot of various proat recipes lately because they are so quick and easy to prepare.  I loving how nourishing and filling proats are.  They are very versatile too; you can pair oatmeal with any flavor of protein you desire and incorporate your favorite fruits, nuts, or seeds to suit your own taste.  Personally, my favorite flavors are chocolate, cinnamon, and peanut butter, so that's what's in this particular recipe <3

Triple Chocolate Proats 
w/ Banana & Graham Cracker Topping

Ingredients:

- 1/3 cup Quick Cooking Oats

- 1/8 tsp Cinnamon

- Water (depends on how wet or dry you'd like)

- 1/2 scoop Chocolate SRO Zero Carb Whey Protein

- 1/2 tsp Chocolate PB2

- 2 oz Chocolate Protein Rush Shake (liquid)

- 1/2 Banana, sliced

- 1/4 Organic Chocolate Graham Cracker, crushed

Instructions:

- Combine oats, cinnamon, and water in a bowl.

- Cook in microwave on high for 1 minute 30 seconds.

- Mix in Chocolate SRO, Chocolate PB2, and Chocolate Protein Rush Shake.

- Top with banana slices and crushed chocolate graham cracker.

Ta da! Super easy, and VERY yummy!

Serves 1

Nutritional Information:

233 calories, 3g fat, 5g cholesterol, 107mg sodium, 246mg potassium, 31g carbohydrates (5g fiber, 8g sugar), 20g protein