I like a cup of coffee first thing in the morning. However, I rarely make a coffee smoothie for breakfast. It’s not that I’d don’t make them, but I’ll often do one for lunch, especially if I’m late having lunch and feeling tired. I know it’s a great pick-me-up if I’ve still loads to do.
Today’s original recipe suggests using chocolate-flavored almond milk beverage. However, you’ll reap more health benefits – and save money – if you use dairy milk and add 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa/cacoa powder. But the choice is yours.
Krista at JoyfulHealthyEats, whose recipe this is, says …
I usually start my morning with either a smoothie or a cup of coffee. Well this Smoothie has the best of both worlds, espresso, chocolate, and protein all packed into one powerful drink.
Please turn to the Next Page (click button below) for the Krista’s Cafe Mocha Smoothie recipe …
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Recipe: Krista’s Cafe Mocha Smoothie
Serves 1; approx 370 cals
All calorie calculations are an estimate. Calorie-content varies according to product and accuracy of measurement. Check the info on your packaging if you require exact numbers for what you eat.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup chocolate Almond Milk Beverage
OR 1 cup Milk plus 1 Tbs raw Cacao powder - 1 Banana
- 1 tablespoon ground Espresso powder
OR 1-2 small Espresso Coffee(s) - ¼ teaspoon ground Cinnamon
- 4 oz. / 1/2 cup plain Greek Yogurt
- 1 scoop vanilla Protein Powder*
- 1½ cup Ice cubes
Blend until smooth and enjoy.
Note: Chocolate Almond Milk beverages contain approx 100 cals per cup. The other values are similar to 1% dairy milk (85 cals) although the latter also has less sugar and salt and 8 times as much protein; plus no additives, ‘natural’ or otherwise.
Protein can elevate any smoothie from a mere snack to a complete meal—as long as it has some essential protein. But that doesn’t mean you have to pour on the whey, soy, hemp, or whatever protein powder is currently trending. “Protein powder can be a convenient way to boost your smoothie’s protein content, but it’s not necessary,” says Jennifer McDaniel, RD, spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “Many whole foods offer protein, and they’re perfectly packaged by nature with nutrients that work as a team to support health.”
from Stephane Eckelkamp, health coach, writing at Prevention.
Check out our post: 10 Substitutes for Protein Powders in Smoothies.
A Few Protein Powder Substitutes
(Protein content varies according to source therefore these are guidelines)
Exchange or include some of the following instead of using protein powder:
- 1 cup dairy Milk instead of almond milk beverage = 10 grams protein
– choose any level of fat content as the protein does not change, only the calories and how full you will feel - 6 oz / 3/4 cup Greek Yogurt = 18 g protein
– again, as noted above for milk - 2 Tbs Hemp Hearts = 10.6 g protein
- 1-2 Tbs Nut Butter = 4 g per Tbs
Remember: The body metabolizes excess protein in the diet just like SUGAR.
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Weight Loss Program: Skinny PB Banana Chocolate Smoothie
Protein-Rich-Without-the-Powder Berry Smoothie
Creamy Cinnamon Pear Smoothie for Under 220 Calories
Based on Source: JoyfulHealthyEats; TheHealthyHomeEconomist
Photo: JoyfulHealthyEats
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