Whether you decided you were going to lose weight this New Year or just wanted to kick up you healthy eating regimen, then you may well have decided to add a few smoothies into diet.
There are obviously the usual ingredients, such as fruit and vegetables that we will often reach for when making a smoothie but have you thought about adding protein? Protein keeps you full and energized and can elevate a smoothie and make it a complete meal or a filling snack.
Here’s a few ideas that you may not have contemplated before.
Tofu
Believe it or not adding tofu to a smoothie creates a wonderful velvety texture. What is also great about this high quality protein is that it actually takes on the flavors of the other ingredients instead of competing with them. So if you love bananas and blueberries adding tofu will give you the protein but not alter the taste but you may be surprised by the wonderful silky textures it adds.
Legumes
Ever tried adding beans to your smoothie? Well now is the time as beans are a nutritional powerhouse, not only packed with protein but wonderful filling fiber. As with tofu, beans are pretty much flavorless so again won’t interfere with your favorite ingredients but they will enhance the texture. Cannelloni and garbanzo beans are good choices.
Greek Yogurt
You just have to add greek yogurt to your smoothie! Adding a whopping 17 grams of high-quality protein with each serving will definitely manage hunger pangs. The addition of greek yoghurt creates more of a meal replacement type smoothie that keeps you full and helps avoid high-calorie meals later in the day.
Nut Butter
So delicious and totally satisfying! Add a generous dollop of peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter or walnut butter to your favorite pairing and you get the added bonus of adding protein and heart-healthy fats.
Cottage Cheese
I am sure many of you are turning your nose up at the thought of adding cottage cheese to your smoothie. However, give it a whirl as with13 grams of protein, it’s the perfect ingredient to keep your hunger pangs at bay.
Seeds
There are so many seed options easily available today. Hemp, sunflower, pumpkin, chia, and flax. Adding seeds will turn your watery smoothie into a thick velvety meal replacement with added protein, fiber and healthy fats.
Milk
Of course don’t forget good ole cow’s or soy milk. It is an excellent replacement for water in your smoothie that, once again, will add a good source of protein.