The Perfect Protein Smoothie to Boost Energy and Digestive Health

If you are looking for a healthy and quick breakfast smoothie that is nutrient-dense and protein-rich, then I have a perfect recipe for you—and you don't need any protein powder. This plant-based creamy on-the-go drink is full of vitamins, easily adaptable and a great way to give you the energy you need to start your day! Let's dive right in!

A GREAT BREAKFAST OR POST WORKOUT SMOOTHIE

I often do my most challenging workout routine in the early hours of the morning. Working out before breakfast not only makes me feel great but it also helps me with losing stubborn pounds faster, especially after a long Holiday. Although I am a morning person and hardly ever sleep in, waking up before 6 am is still a challenge for me—and I don't always succeed at it. My internal clock wakes up around 7-ish. But I have to work out before my daughter wakes up and our routine of the day starts. Otherwise, it will not happen until the evening or late afternoon.

I usually don't make myself any breakfast until around 10-ish, when my hunger creeps in, but that sometimes changes depending on the type of workout in the mornings. Some days I feel that I have to give my body some replenished energy and besides a lot of water, I need to provide it with something extra to nourish it. I like juices or smoothies that are easy to make yet packed with a lot of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Because I don't have a lot of time in the morning, I often prefer a quick smoothie that keeps me full yet doesn't make me feel bloated—juicing takes a little bit more time in my kitchen.

HEALTHY EASY SMOOTHIE RECIPE

The recipe below is a perfect protein smoothie drink that you can change up by adding one or two more ingredients:

• It is packed with nutrients my body craves after a good workout and gives me enough natural energy to kick off the day.
• It also contains the necessary amount of fiber to keep me regular. Let's face it, folks, having one or two smooth bathroom brakes a day is essential.

I have noticed that I often feel bloated when I increase my protein intake without adding the necessary fibers. With regular meals, I can quickly resolve that with a beautiful green salad, but with post-workout smoothies, I have to balance the ingredients more carefully. I rely on:

• hemp seeds,
• flaxseeds,
• sunflower kernels, and
• chia seeds to opt my protein intake, give me plenty of fiber and an excellent balance of healthy fats, like omega-3 and 6.

These seeds not only contain:

• a high amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,
• but they give a sweet, nutty flavor to the smoothie.

I usually buy them in bulk and store the seeds in the fridge to maintain their freshness. They have become an essential in my kitchen not only for smoothies but also to make:

• puddings,
• desserts,
• yogurt parfaits
• as a supplement to maintain healthy skin and hair.

WHAT IS IN MY PANTRY TO MAKE THIS HEALTHY BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE?

THE FRUITS IN THIS BREAKFAST SMOOTHIE

BANANA

The banana in this recipe gives it an extra smooth consistency. My body loves a banana as an energy snack or even for breakfast. It contains a fair amount of fiber and potassium—this fruit is my secret weapon to help me maintain regular bowel movements.

ORANGE

One small orange adds not only extra vitamin C but gives this breakfast smoothie a smooth sweet taste. When peeling the orange, keep as much as possible of the white part between the fruit and the peel. It contains vitamin C, fiber and is rich in citrus flavonoids (Read the power of flavonoids in citrus)

CHANGE FLAVORS

To change the flavors, you can opt to:

• add a small amount of vanilla extract or
• refresh it with some fresh lemon juice.
• Another option is to replace the orange with a slice of fresh cantaloupe.

Play around with the consistency and add water if you prefer a thinner smoothie versus a thicker one.

PLANT MILK

My two favorite kind of plant milk for this drink is unsweetened almond milk and protein-rich pea milk. If you choose regular milk, leave out the coconut water—the flavors of these two ingredients do not go well together.

NUTS

If you love and have them on hand, try adding some raw hazelnuts (optional). In case you add the nuts, I highly recommend the pea milk over regular milk. It just makes the drink super creamy! The taste is out of this world!

Enjoy this super simple breakfast recipe that is so easy to incorporate into your post-workout morning routine or to start your day healthy!

Don't forget to also check some of my other protein-rich breakfast smoothies:

Protein-rich breakfast coffee smoothie

Creative Energy-Boosting Collagen and Cocoa Smoothies

An Energizing Cantaloupe-Ginger Smoothie with Fresh Almonds