Smoothies can be a healthy addition to your diet, even without added protein. Fruits and vegetables used in smoothies are packed with nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are essential to overall health. They can also help increase your daily intake of fruits and vegetables, which can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Additionally, smoothies can be a great way to stay hydrated and provide a quick and easy breakfast or snack option.
Smoothies (with and without protein powder) can be good way to give your body the fuel it needs to maximize your workouts. Smoothies do not require a lot of ingredients or kitchen supplies. The basic supplies you'll need to make a smoothie includes: a blender, your ingredients, and a nice, insulated cup that'll keep your smoothie fresh and cold for hours! Our Ice Shaker Bottle is the perfect insulated cup for smoothies as it's promised to keep your beverage cold for up to 30 hours and comes with a noise-free agitator that's made for blending protein shakes!! Our Insulated Flex Bottle is another good choice if you're looking for a bottle with a straw! Be sure to check them out at the bottom of this article!
5 Nutritious Smoothie Recipes (without protein powder)
1. Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 Banana
- 1-Cup Frozen Strawberries
- 1-Cup Almond Milk
- 1 Tbsp. Honey
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of the ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
2. Pineapple Mango Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1-Cup Frozen Pineapple
- 1-Cup Frozen Mango
- 1-Cup Coconut Water
- 1 Tbsp. Chia Seeds
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
3. Peach Ginger Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1-Cup Frozen Peaches
- 1 Banana
- 1/2-Cup Almond Milk
- 1 Tbsp. Fresh Ginger
- 1 Tbsp. Honey
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
4. Mango Turmeric Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1-Cup Frozen Mango
- 1 Banana
- 1-Cup Coconut Milk
- 1 Tbsp. Fresh Turmeric
- 1 Tbsp. Honey
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
5. Raspberry Coconut Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1-Cup Frozen Raspberries
- 1/2-Cup Almond Milk
- 1 Tbsp. Honey
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
5 Delicious Protein Powder Smoothie Recipes
1. Banana Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 Banana
- 1 Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
- 1 Tbsp. Peanut Butter
- 1/2-Cup Almond Milk
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
2. Berry Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1-Cup Mixed Frozen Berries
- 1 Scoop Vanilla or Strawberry Whey Protein Powder
- 1/2-Cup Greek Yogurt
- 1/2-Cup Almond Milk
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
3. Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1 Banana
- 1 Scoop Chocolate Whey Protein Powder
- 1 Tbsp. Cocoa Powder
- 1/2-Cup Almond Milk
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
4. Tropical Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1-Cup Frozen Mixed Tropical Fruit
- 1 Scoop Vanilla or Coconut Whey Protein Powder
- 1/2-Cup Coconut Milk
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
5. Green Protein Smoothie
Ingredients:
- 1-Cup Baby Spinach
- 1 Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein Powder
- 1/2 Avocado
- 1/2-Cup Almond Milk
- Ice
Recipe: Add all of your ingredients to your blender. Blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Should You Drink Your Smoothie Before or After Your Workout?
Drinking a protein smoothie before a workout can help provide your muscles with the necessary amino acids to fuel your workout and may prevent muscle breakdown during exercise. It can also help with recovery and reduce muscle soreness post-workout. If you're doing resistant training or high-intensity workouts, it can be particularly beneficial to consume a protein smoothie 30 minutes to an hour before exercising.
On the other hand, drinking a protein smoothie after a workout can help support muscle repair and growth, particularly if you're doing strength training. The protein can help stimulate muscle protein synthesis, which is the process that repairs and builds muscles. It's best to consume a protein smoothie within 30 minutes to an hour after exercising to maximize the benefits.