This plant-based powerhouse is deliciously smooth and creamy, a satisfying vegan meal replacement, and made with only 7 amazing ingredients!
Okay, so I may have overdone it a bit naming this smoothie, but ya know what? It deserves a ridiculous name because it is ridiculously good, not to mention nourishing and filling enough to help you power through the afternoon.
Lean Green Protein Machine Breakdown:
- LEAN- naturally sweetened and refined sugar free
- GREEN- full of healthy, nutrient dense greens
- PROTEIN- packed with vegan protein
- MACHINE- 100% plant-based powerhouse!
I’ve been drinking it (or some variation of it) after my workouts/yoga practice every day for the last year or so.
For more insight into why I chose to live a completely plant-based lifestyle and how it can benefit you, head over to Adopting a Clean, Plant-Based Diet.
So, let’s get down to business. What makes this my go-to smoothie?
Properly Combined
It is properly food combined. If you noticed, the only fruit in this smoothie is banana. This is because fruits typically do not combine well with protein.
Bananas are sort of an exception because they have a lower water-content than many other fruits. Food combining has many other facets to it, as discussed here. To optimize digestion, I follow food combining principles pretty religiously.
Nutrient Dense
Leafy greens provide tons of micronutrients. I use a mix of baby kale, spinach, and chard. You can add as many as you want and your smoothie will still taste delicious, just be modest with spicier greens such as arugula. I like to rotate different types of greens to get lots of nutritional variety. (And to mix it up!)
Vegan Protein
The GLPM smoothie packs approximately 25 grams of protein, perfect for refueling after workouts. I like to use organic pea protein, but you can use any protein powder you like. I also recommend hemp or sprouted brown rice protein.
Electrolytes
Coconut water is nature’s Gatorade. It replenishes electrolytes lost through sweat and is very high in potassium. I love it for rehydrating after running or hot yoga. Harmless Harvest is my absolute favorite brand of coconut water. I like to use almost two cups of liquid so I yield a lot of smoothie, however you can use less liquid if you prefer a thicker smoothie.
Secret Ingredient
Frozen riced cauliflower may sound strange in a smoothie (I promise you won’t taste it!), but it adds thickness and fiber, along with the frozen banana that adds sweetness and extra potassium as well.
Again, you can adjust the thickness and the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less liquid or frozen cauliflower, and adding dates to sweeten it up, but it is usually sweet enough without them, for my taste.
Naturally Sweet
Speaking of sweetness, this smoothie is low in sugar and sweetened naturally with banana, coconut water and dates (if you chose to use them).
Vegan Omega-3's
Chia seeds are amazing, especially for a plant-based diet. They provide 39% of your daily fiber and are an excellent source of Omega-3’s. They expand when hydrated so they are really effective at keeping you full!
Tip: Hydrate your chia seeds in water before using in your smoothie for easier digestibility. See recipe note on how to make “chia gel.”
Antioxidants
Ceylon cinnamon adds in a slew of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits to support immune health. Plus, it adds flavor and mild sweetness.
Tip: I choose Ceylon cinnamon over other varieties (collectively known as Cassia cinnamon) because I use it every day and Cassia versions have higher coumarin levels, which can be toxic in large amounts.
Anti-Inflammatory
Ginger is a true superfood. I recently started peeling, chopping and freezing fresh ginger root and adding it to my smoothies. I love the spiciness and interesting flavor it adds, plus it is a fabulous immune booster, anti-inflammatory, and can help reduce muscle pain and soreness, making it the perfect add-in to your post-workout nourishment.
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