Green smoothies are dense sources of vitamins and minerals that are easy to absorb. However, they’re not always so tasty!
A green smoothie with added protein powder is a great way to get your micros in a flavorful way while also consuming more protein to increase satiety. This recipe was created by Ketogains’ Luis Villasenor, who has been using this same recipe for +10 years himself!
Spinach is an excellent source of folate, iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K1. Cucumbers are rich in vitamin C, K, magnesium, fibre and water.
Protein powder supplies ample amounts of bioavailable protein and a complete profile of amino acids. The flavour may also make vegetables that are undesirable for some more palatable.
Many people are intolerant to milk, and whole milk is relatively energy-dense and easy to overconsume. For those reasons, this recipe uses almond milk. Feel free to use your favourite plant-based milk.
If you’re looking to switch up the nutrient profile, feel free to add in other low-carb green and leafy vegetables like kale, celery, parsley, or beet greens. Add your favourite flavours like cinnamon or matcha as finishing touches, and… voilà!
Scorecard
- Diet Quality Score = 89%
- Satiety Index Score = 100%
- Protein = 60%
- P:E ratio = 2.6
Macros
One serving provides 170 calories, 25 g of protein, 5 g of fat, 5 g of net carbs and P:E = 2.6.
Micros
The Cronometer screengrab below shows the nutrients provided by 2000 calories of this recipe relative to the Optimal Nutrient Intakes.
Ingredients
SERVES 1
- 100 g (3.5oz) spinach (fresh)
- 40 g (1.4 oz) cucumber
- 30 g (1 oz) protein powder
- 240 mL almond milk (unsweetened)
- Stevia or your preferred sweetener (to taste)
Directions
- Place ingredients in a blender and blend on high until smooth.
- Add extra almond milk and/or water until you get the desired consistency.
- Add cinnamon or matcha powder (optional).
More
- Want more amazing recipes like this that focus on satiety (feeling fuller for longer with less calories/energy) and the critical nutrients you’re probably missing? Check out our NutriBooster recipe books (including free recipe samples).
- If you want to finally lose excess weight without hunger using a guided program, including personalised personalised satiety reports, check out the Macros Masterclass.
Hi,
Wondering where the high calcium comes from. I always thought the amount of calcium in 100gr fresh spinach is about 99mg. Or does it come from the almond milk with added calcium?
Thanks!
Just checked. Seems the Crono analysis includes fortified almond milk which provides most of the calcium.
Is there a brand of Protein powder that you recommend?
I tend to go for NZ Why (happy cows, lotza green grass). The flavoured stuff is super tasty but easy to overdo an more expensive. Looks like you’re in Aus, so you may be able to get this via Ebay, which is the one I use. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/293679585590?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D241918%26meid%3D7938d2c067ac40dfb7eeda42ea26f3b6%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D303644901939%26itm%3D293679585590%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuAspectsV202110NoVariantSeedKnnRecallV1%26brand%3DPure-Product&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A2936795855907938d2c067ac40dfb7eeda42ea26f3b6%7Cenc%3AAQAHAAABYMFr2e4EmAnM%252ByHZkULYKDIJ4L66fOjNL0iupgt%252BzO1%252F3AE1t3mNirUYB96NktMCicMagiS6mbeTl0xquGODv9kSXlqCrlPzyUL0Btxw2N8t6gdLjkc6HYovki1YIDLOBO4zpxkFgsGBg9eZoOYYPg%252BqjyuzqgmclhvKimtfpm4L6uD5cw1XZvbM%252FxAnSKenuIIsgr3RWiGouMkcHsfVR4NGFsZlw9G8sOuekwYRdm1shXFb4R0K3WFLSuUJfTNay6MiLXdfkD4LHe%252FS%252BH2RRVvNyWQMhOXtzWZyH6Jv0Ms%252FI70y%252BIPblUbTrXJspcZ7goRfNy3w7WAlTJhqFmSqiQVwA%252BS87BJKtNgKIMzhaxNx0huTZn5QrS9N9zOSZwmZDrcl7TueIB1Eas9G82u4b5zItjp2H64Vdvu7MCyl4ifn8R%252FQm9Pfq8Kf1OVXL73nQiaos4VU0XwKvsT5dBL1n3o%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675
Which protein powder do you use for this? A whey plain, whey flavored, or egg white or something else?
Just unflavoured whey will be great!
I have read that whey increases insulin levels. Love your recipes and your community!!!
Thanks Rosanna. Glad you’re enjoying the recipes. Our community is our greatest asset.
Protein will raise insulin a little in the short term to help you use the protein to build muscle. Whey protein does this more rapidly.
However, protein is the most satiating macronutrient, so we tend to eat less and insulin levels over the long term decrease. See more at https://optimisingnutrition.com/category/insulin/