3 Protein-Packed Vegan Smoothie Recipes
People are becoming more conscious of their meat conception. Through social media movements like “Meatless Mondays” and other efforts, there appears to be a greater awareness of the negative environmental and health impacts a carnivorous diet has. In fact, according to Paul Shapiro, vice president on The Humane Society of the United States, half a billion animals were not slaughtered in 2014 because humans are eating less meat.
Common complaints people have of meatless diets include it being hard to get protein, boring taste and a lack of satisfaction. Luckily, there are tasty ways to stay full and be meat-free. And one of my favorite solutions to these complaints are protein-packed smoothies!
These vegan smoothie recipes are tasty and filled with plant-based protein. The secret protein-rich ingredient is tofu.
I know what you’re thinking: Who the hell puts tofu in a smoothie?!
Trust me. Your smoothie will not taste any different but you will feel significantly more satisfied.
In the vegan smoothie recipes below I call for a slice of tofu, which is about 3 ounces. Add more though if you’re extra hungry, and less if you’re not very hungry.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
My favorite smoothie recipe is, by far, peanut-butter banana. It tastes like an old school malt. I’m not the type of chick to sub a meal for a smoothie, but you definitely can with this recipe without feeling like you’ll need to demolish a hunk of meat by dinner. It’s simple, easy and delicious.
SERVINGS: 1
Ingredients
1.5 bananas, sliced
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 cup (6 oz.) nut milk
1 slice tofu
4 ice cubes
1 tablespoon chia seed
Directions
Place all ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth.
Citrus Mango Smoothie
For a fruity, citrus smoothie that screams tropical paradise, try this citrus mango smoothie recipe. The citrus mango smoothie is perfect before or after a run. Its light ingredients will not weigh you down but allow you to work out without feeling weak. It’s a healthy, revitalizing snack that can also keep you full between meals.
SERVINGS: 1
Ingredients
1 banana, sliced
1 tablespoon chia seed
3 slices of pineapple
1 mango, sliced
1 cup (9 oz.) kale
1 slice tofu
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 cups (6 oz) nut milk
Directions
Place all ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Classic, strawberry banana: What’s not to like? Whether you are looking for a light breakfast or a bedtime snack, this smoothie is a great choice for any fruit lover.
SERVINGS: 1
Ingredients
1.5 bananas, sliced
1 cup (9 oz.) strawberries, sliced
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 cup (6 oz.) nut milk
1 slice tofu
4 ice cubes
1 tablespoon chia seed
Directions
Combine all ingredients in the blender. Blend until smooth.
While meat will likely remain center stage in many peoples’ diets, I expect fruits and veggies will begin to share the spotlight.
Do you know any scrumptious leafy green or berry sweet recipes? Let us know! —Alex