• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
live love fruit logo

Live Love Fruit

Eat Vibrantly. Live Vibrantly

About Start Here Work With Me

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • About
  • Health
  • Remedies
  • Recipes
  • A-Z Conditions
  • Fitness
  • Environment
  • Self Improvement
  • My LLF
  • Shop
Category: > Remedies > 8 Ways To Add Clean Plant-Based Protein To Your Smoothies Without Powders

8 Ways To Add Clean Plant-Based Protein To Your Smoothies Without Powders

Jan 11, 2015 Carly Fraser Save For Later Print

Last Updated: Oct 31, 2018

449 shares
  • Facebook409
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Plant-Based Protein

Forget The Whey Protein! These 8 plant-based protein sources are all you need to turn your smoothie into a muscle-building, cell-repairing, immunity-boosting nutritional powerhouse.

Save yourself money on the fancy protein powders – you don’t need them! There are so many ways to add clean, plant-based protein to your smoothies that will not only help you build muscle, but will clean out your colon to ensure faster nutrient absorption, better recovery, and a clear brain.

Creating smoothies with whey protein isolate powders leaves your body confused, mainly due to the fact that whey protein passes through our GI tract far too quickly, and only a small amount of protein can be absorbed during normal transit time. That, combined with the fact that whey is a low-quality protein (especially compared to its clean plant-based counterparts), should be enough to have you ditching whey-fraud.

Here are 8 ways to add clean, plant-based protein to your smoothies without those crazy expensive powders!

Chia Seeds

These powerful little seeds are a wonderful source of amino acids, the building blocks of creating strong, healthy muscles. Just 2 tablespoons contain over 5 grams of protein. Create a chia seed gel out of 1/3 cup chia seeds, and 2 cups of water, let soak, and then use as you would in smoothie recipes, raw cereals, chia puddings, or whatever else you have in mind!

Spirulina

Technically this stuff comes in the form of a powder, but it isn’t actually a “protein powder.” Spirulina is a blue-green freshwater algae that is over 60% protein by weight, composed of beneficial amino acids. It is also high in B12 and iron, two essential compounds for healthy blood.

Hemp Seeds

No where else can you find a more complete protein source than hemp seeds. Like chia, they contain 5 grams of protein per 2 tablespoons. This superfood also contains a perfect balance of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids which promote heart health, lower triglycerides, help reduce inflammation, nourish the brain and support the immune system.

Leafy Greens

This is one of my favourites! I stuff my smoothie containers with leafy greens, whether it is spinach one day or romaine the next. I like to switch up the greens I eat every day, because then I ensure that I am getting a wide variety of amino acids, minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients. I often put around 3-4 cups of greens in a smoothie when I make one.

Almonds

Adding 1/2 cup of soaked almonds to your smoothie, or simply adding almond milk will provide you with over 15 grams of protein! In addition to protein, almonds are also rich in fibre, and heart-healthy unsaturated dat, which can prevent your risk for heart disease. They are also loaded with calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium and vitamin E!

Sprouts

Sprouts contain as much as 35% protein! They are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, enzymes, antioxidants and chlorophyll. Sprouting is a great way to consume your greens because it helps to enhance the nutritional value of the seed. For example, broccoli sprouts contain even more nutrition than the mature broccoli itself! I love to add broccoli, radish, and red clover sprouts to my smoothies. This website has a good guide on how to save money and grow your own sprouts!

Oats

Oats are a wonderful way to pack in beneficial plant-based protein in your smoothie. Not many people think to add oats to their smoothies, but it actually tastes pretty good. 1/2 cup of steel cut oats contain around 14 grams of protein, so you could technically make a seriously protein-packed smoothie with oats. If you want to make a smoothie that tastes like cookie dough, make the combination of oats, dates, bananas, vanilla and some raw almond milk or coconut milk – you won’t be disappointed!

Avocado

If you are interested in making a really tasty, creamy smoothie (or if you are just obsessed with avocado like the rest of us), then adding avocado to your smoothie might not be such a bad idea. Avocados contain all 18 essential amino acids necessary for the body to form a complete protein. 1 avocado contains 4 grams of protein, and also contains carotenoids, anti-inflammatories, and oleic acid, which improves cardiovascular health.

449 shares
  • Facebook409
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

Filed Under: Nutrients & Supplements, Remedies Tagged With: best protein powders, chia seed protein, homemade protein smoothie, plant-based protein, protein smoothie recipes, protein without powders, whey protein

Carly Fraser

About the Author

Carly Fraser has her BSc (Hons.) Degree in Neuroscience, and is the owner and founder at Live Love Fruit. She currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba, with a determined life mission to help inspire and motivate individuals to critically think about what they put in their bodies and to find balance through nutrition and lifestyle. She has helped hundreds of thousands of individuals to re-connect with their bodies and learn self-love through proper eating habits and natural living. She loves to do yoga, dance, and immerse herself in nature.

View Profile

Reader Interactions

Related Posts

  • plant-based protein
    Plant Protein: Your Guide To 24 Protein-Packed Plant Foods!
  • The Many Health Benefits of Consuming Lentils For A Plant-Based Diet
  • 10 Tips On How To Be Successful On A Plant-Based Diet
  • chocolate with cacao beans
    5 Plant-Based Aphrodisiacs For A Better Sex Life
  • These 15 Plant-Based Foods Contain More Iron Than Meat
  • carrot seed oil
    Top 10 Best Plant-Based Natural Sunscreens
  • Three Ways You May be Sabotaging Your Plant-based Eating (and Not Even Know It!)

Comments

  1. Cindy says

    Jan 12, 2015 at 4:27 am

    Oats, as in oatmeal? My oatmeal says 5 grams of protein per 1/2 cup. I am just interested in more protein packed oats!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Carly Fraser says

      Jan 13, 2015 at 9:46 pm

      Hey Cindy!

      I just corrected the article – it is closer to 14g of protein per 1/2 cup instead of 16. Also, steel cut oats! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Page says

    Jan 15, 2015 at 3:38 am

    I’m relieved that you didn’t list flax seed oil. Some people like to add that but most humans can’t even digest it. Definitely recommend almonds for banana smoothies!

    Reply
    • Carly Fraser says

      Jan 15, 2015 at 8:02 pm

      Hey Page! Yes, I agree 🙂 I am allergic to almonds, but they are a great option for those who aren’t!

      Reply
  3. Alison says

    Oct 25, 2018 at 7:33 pm

    Hi Carly,
    Do you have recipes for smoothies using the above foods.

    Reply
    • Carly Fraser says

      Oct 31, 2018 at 1:09 pm

      You can check my recipe section and type in the ingredients to find whatever you’re looking for!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. The "Incredible Hulk" Strawberry Mango Protein-Packed Green Smoothie - Live Love Fruit says:
    May 6, 2015 at 12:04 pm

    […] hulk didn’t get strong by drinking whey protein – his secret is in the greens! This strawberry mango protein-packed green smoothie contains […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Free Ebook

Success! Please check your inbox to download your FREE eBook.

Reduce Chronic Inflammation Naturally!

The Ultimate Guide to Fight Inflammation and Restore Your Health!

21 Ways to Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Recent Posts

visual illustration of toxins stored in fat cells in body

How to Eliminate Toxins From Fat Cells That Are Making You Fatigued and Swollen

foot with demonstrated achilles pain

This One Stretch Relieves Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, Achilles Pain, and Heel Pain

Neutrogena and Aveeno sunscreens recalled by Johnson & Johnson

Latest Sunscreen Recall Raises Concern Over Chemicals

lemongrass plant in garden

How to Plant Lemongrass to Repel Mosquitoes

Female Reproductive System next to adrenal glands representing organs in the body responsible for hormone production

10 Natural Ways to Balance Your Hormones

freshly pressed pineapple juice

15 Impressive Health Benefits of Pineapple Juice

Popular Posts

Man spraying pesticides on tea plants with other side of image showing dry loose tea bags

Pesticides in Tea: Is Your Favorite Tea Contaminated with Harmful Chemicals?

glyphosate in wine

Monsanto’s Harmful Chemical Glyphosate Found In 100% Of California Wines Tested

whole dandelion plant with flowers and roots on cutting board on a table

Dandelions Are Not Weeds! Top 10 Health Benefits of Dandelion

johnson & johnson baby products in pharmacy

Johnson & Johnson Finally Admits: Our Baby Products Contain Cancer-Causing Ingredients

10 Plants That Attract Dragonflies for Mosquito Control

companion planting chart

Use This Companion Planting Chart to Help Your Garden Thrive

France Bans Neonicotinoid Pesticides

France Bans All Five Neonicotinoid Pesticides Linked to Bee Deaths

Glyphosate in Food: Complete List of Products and Brands Filled with Dangerous Weed-Killer

whales dying from plastic pollution

Whales Dying From Plastic Pollution Are a Grave Reminder to Give Up Our Addiction to Plastics

illustrated piriformis muscle showing trigger points and radiating pain

How To Get A Deep Piriformis Stretch To Get Rid of Sciatica, Hip & Lower Back Pain

RECOMMENDED

Thank you! Please check your inbox to confirm your subscription!

Want to reduce inflammation and restore your health?

Join Live Love Fruit and we'll show you how!

Footer

Stay Connected!

Follows
  • 316k Followers
  • 1.9k Followers
  • 110k Followers
  • 607 Followers
  • 11.5k Followers
  • Home
  • About
  • Start Here
  • Write For LLF
  • Contact

Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
Content on Live Love Fruit may not be reproduced in any form.
Ads provided by AdThrive. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Live Love Fruit.

Copyright © 2012 - 2022 Live Love FruitPrivacy Policy | Terms of Service | Full Disclaimer | Affiliate Disclosure

449 shares
  • 409