Banana Split Protein Smoothie

As part of a healthy diet, protein powders will be a great accompaniment to your lifestyle. This is especially important for those just starting out on a vegan diet and not quite sure where to get high amounts of protein in one snack or meal. They also benefit the busiest or laziest person by ensuring that with one smoothie a day you can meet a good portion of your protein needs. And if using a protein meal powder you will also be getting plenty of vitamins and minerals as well. Protein powders are essential, making it easy for you to get a good amount of protein without much hassle. And they taste great too! This is just one version of many protein smoothie recipes. All you need for this smoothie is some fresh or frozen fruits and you've got yourself a great snack, meal or dessert!

For a great list of vegan protein powders for smoothies and such be sure to check out this post from Lunchboxbunch.com: Vegan Protein Powders for Smoothies: My Big Guide!

Banana Split Protein Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 banana (frozen or fresh)
• 4-5 organic strawberries (frozen or fresh)
• 1/3 cup pineapple (frozen or fresh)
• 1 heaping teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 medjool date or 1 tablespoon maple syrup, optional sweetener
• 1 scoop protein powder
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or water (or half milk & half water)
• cherries, to garnish

Place ingredients in blender, except for the cherries, and blend until smooth (if using all fresh fruits, you may want to add 1/2 cup or so of ice cubes along with the water or milk, or use it in place of some of your liquids). Pour into serving glass and enjoy. Makes just over 2 cups. 

A note on the protein powder: Currently I use this Raw Meal from Garden of Life and prefer the Real Raw Original which doesn't contain stevia sweetener and has only a little vanilla. Depending on your protein powder you may adjust the recipe accordingly.

If using chocolate protein powder, you will most likely want to omit the cocoa powder and optional sweetener.

If using vanilla protein powder, you may want to skip the vanilla and optional sweetener. 

You get where I'm going with this. Use your best judgment subtracting anything that your protein powder already has unless you want the extra flavor.

Also make this a simple flavored smoothie omiting the fruit. 

Enjoy your protein in a glass!