Protein Booster Almond and Banana Smoothie

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I kept this Protein Booster Almond and Banana Smoothie healthy with low-fat milk and just a touch of honey. Silken tofu, almond butter and hemp seed boost the protein in this breakfast and after-workout drink.

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 In the world of healthy smoothies there are some winners and, well, losers. Sorry kale sludge healthy beverage! (Just kidding, I love a green smoothie too!) I'm also all about a smoothie that packs in the vitamins and flavor and works as a breakfast meal on the go, midday snack or even an after-workout booster. 

In comes this protein booster power smoothie with sweet bananas and healthy tofu. Tofu in a smoothie, you say? You bet, let me tell you about this!

How to make healthy smoothies:

Include some of the following to make a healthy smoothie

• Greens (kale or spinach)
• Tofu
• Bananas
• Seeds (hemp, chia or flax)
• Nuts or nut butters
• Nutrient dense fruits and veggies (beets, berries, carrots, avocado)
• Yogurt, milk, soy or nut milks

I am thrilled to tell you that you can have healthy smoothies without kale or spinach. It's true! Nutritious ingredients come in all forms and not just hearty greens. Tofu happens to be one of them. Silken tofu comes in block form and is usually found in the health food section of the grocery store. It's soft, off-white and relatively tasteless. However, it packs a protein booster punch! It also contains all eight essential amino acids, kills it with calcium, iron and other minerals.

This protein booster smoothie also gets some healthy help from hemp seeds

I typically include bananas in a healthy smoothie because...potassium. Sweet, creamy-when-blended and packed with this essential mineral, bananas are usually a staple in a meal-replacement drink or nutritious smoothie. Potassium helps muscles contract and repair after a workout, maintains healthy blood pressure and regulates fluids and minerals in the body.

This protein booster smoothie also gets some healthy help from hemp seeds. These nutty-tasting little seeds are rich in essential fatty acids and healthy fats (similar to an avocado). And bonus for this protein booster almond and banana smoothie, they are a great source of protein.

What can I substitute for milk?

Even though I love it, I rarely drink milk. However, milk can be a healthy ingredient for smoothies. I use low-fat 1% milk in this recipe to keep it from turning into a milkshake, but you can swap that healthy milk for a nut milk.

I am thrilled to tell you that you can have healthy smoothies without kale or spinach. This protein booster almond and banana smoothie packs in the vitamins with a touch of sweetness.

Nut milks like almond, cashew, or hazelnut milk are pretty great tasting and perfect subs for dairy milk in a drink. You could also use another milk alternative like soy milk, coconut milk, or even hemp milk.

Adding almond butter, cinnamon and honey to this protein booster smoothie just makes it more delightful. Enjoy!

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Recipe and Food Styling by Tara Teaspoon. Photographs by Ty Mecham. Prop styling by Veronica Olson.