The Green Hemp Protein Smoothie. Vegan.

IMG_6247

It’s that time of year again, right?  You vow to eat more veggies, less sugar.  You commit to being healthier.  That “D” word is thrown around like crazy.  The intention ~admirable.  But I’m going to let you in on a little secret.  It isn’t a diet, it’s a lifestyle.  That’s what the commercials, the ads and everyone won’t say!  Honestly, there is no magic pill, diet, cleanse or what have you.  I know, I was 33 lbs heavier 3.5 years ago than I am right now.

I don’t really like to share my raw images but I did a few weeks ago, if you follow me on Instagram.  It some how added some validity to my journey, the food I blog about and recipes I create. Most followers of my IG account just assumed that I always looked this way.  And how would anyone know, right?  I felt overweight and unhappy.  In hindsight, I ate too much sugar and food.  One interesting note:  I trained then the same as I do today.  Make sure you actually read that – my training hasn’t changed from 33 lbs ago however my running has gotten faster due to the weight loss.  I hit a point that I was sick and tired of feeling that way so I decided to start on my journey to change.  I went from hardcore carnivore to the person sitting here typing this blog post today – a plant-based vegan.  I realize extreme to some but this has been an ongoing metamorphosis over 3.5 years.  I happily celebrate my vegan 1 year anniversary this month and have never felt better in my life.

FullSizeRender-2

So my biggest obstacle removing meat and dairy from my diet was my protein source. How was I going to get enough to help rebuild muscles that I tear up running and at the gym?  I discovered Hemp Protein from Bob’s Redmill and loved it.  It had a great texture and wasn’t gritty (some on the market are very gritty and just nasty).  The flavor blended perfectly into my smoothies and I have it each and every morning.

The proteins found in hemp are similar to those proteins found in the human body. This is critical because hemp provides the correct amino acids in the right quantities to help our bodies make the proteins required. Hemp protein consists of globulins and albumin. These are two of the three most common types of proteins found in the human body, and hemp has more of these than any other plant-based source of protein. Hemp is also a quality source of the amino acids arginine and histidine, required for growth, and it is a good source of branch-chained amino acids, needed for repair and growth of lean body tissue. Hemp protein provides the essential fatty acids (EFAs) omega-3 and omega-6 in a healthy 3:1 ratio.  And finally, each 30 g (2 Tbsp) serving of hemp protein delivers 8 g of fiber, almost one-third of the total daily requirement of 30 g. This plant protein also provides antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and chlorophyll. And it’s totally vegan.  

So onto this decadent, yet deceptively healthy smoothie that’s one of my favorites.  Plus perfect post recovery drink for your healthy new year- and new you!

Ingredients:

1 cup of unsweetened almond or cashew milk (I use vanilla, unsweetened)
6 ice cubes
2 giant handfuls of baby organic spinach or kale leaves
1 tablespoon of cacao powder
2 heaping tablespoons of Bob’s Redmill hemp protein powder
1 banana, very ripe – peeled
1 teaspoons of mini vegan chocolate chips
1 teaspoon cacao nibs
1 tablespoon of almond, peanut or cashew butter

IMG_0303-2

Directions:

Add all ingredients to your Vitamix or blender and blend on the smoothie setting. Pour immediately into a large glass. Recipe makes one serving. You can top with raw cacao nibs if you like too!  Enjoy!

signature

 

 

— Knead to Cook

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

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

5 Comments

  1. My husband has been making Hemp Protein Smooties, but I just don’t like the taste. Excited to try your recipe and Bob’s to see if it will change my mind. Thanks for sharing!

  2. Robin,
    I am really looking forward to making this smoothie! My question for you: I live in Lancaster county and I wondered if you found the bobs redmill hemp protein powder locally or if you ordered online? Thanks for your help! Also thanks for your blog, you have inspired me!

  3. Hi Robin- I’m loving all of your info, recipes and pics..SO inspiring. I’m trying to get back on the ‘healthy train’ and you’re really helping with that