Tropical Green Protein Smoothie

I love a good smoothie. And as the weather gets warmer, I crave them more and more. They are super customizable, loaded with vitamins and minerals, and can make an easy meal or snack. And this green protein smoothie is so delicious!

There is something about a green smoothie that makes me feel refreshed and rejuvenated. They are a great way to get in some greens early in the morning and get your body/digestion going.

Sometimes smoothies are loaded with fruit though, which essentially translates to sugar. This spikes your blood sugar, causing it to fall fast, and making you feel tired and sluggish. I tried to pack this green smoothie with not a lot of fruit, healthy fats, fiber, some protein, and lots of nutrients!

I love it for a quick and easy nutrient-dense breakfast or an easy post-workout snack. Feel free to add more protein powder to up the protein!

Are green protein smoothies good for you?

Green protein smoothies are a great healthy addition to any diet when made with the right ingredients. They can be loaded with vitamins and minerals due to adding fruits and veggies. When making smoothies, it’s also important to have protein, fat, and fiber so they fill you up, digest slowly, and don’t spike your blood sugar.

When making them at home, you have full control over the quality of the ingredients. Read more below on what each ingredient brings.

Benefits of this healthy green protein smoothie

This pineapple green smoothie is loaded with so many benefits!

• coconut milk – is a good source of copper and manganese and full of healthy fats. Fats help slow down digestion, keep us full longer, and give us long-lasting energy. MCT fats (medium-chain triglycerides) in coconut milk are easier to metabolize and are preferred to be used as energy than stored as fat. Some studies have shown they can even help boost metabolism.
• spinach – a low-calorie leafy green providing one of the best sources of vitamin K, which is critical for building strong bones. It’s also a good source of calcium, vitamin A, folate, and manganese. It also contains flavonoids, which function as antioxidants and anticancer agents.
• pineapple – full of bromelain which can help aid digestion, help reduce inflammation, and speed wound healing. It also contains manganese, vitamin C, and potassium. It is thought to be a libido-boosting food.
• apple – loaded with antioxidants and phenolic compounds, helping fight cardiovascular disease and having cancer-fighting properties.
• ginger – helps stimulates digestion and boosts circulation. By increasing circulation, ginger helps a systemic cleansing through the skin, bowels, and kidneys.
• avocado – is full of healthy monounsaturated fat, which can help lower cholesterol. They are a good source of fiber and lutein, which is great for your eyes and skin.
• chia seeds – packed with omega 3s, antioxidants, and fiber.
• lime – is very similar to lemon and can aid digestion by stimulating the flow of saliva, thus easing the work of the liver. It also works as a diuretic and laxative if you are constipated.
• vanilla protein powder – our protein source which will help slow down digestion and keep you full.

All of these ingredients are great in the morning to get your digestion system revving for the day!

Is it OK to drink a green smoothie every day?

Yes, if you enjoy smoothies, they are a great addition to your diet. It is an easy way to pack in lots of vitamins and minerals with fruits and veggies, some healthy fats, and protein. It is important to be mindful of what you are putting in them and make sure they are well balanced with protein, fiber, and, and healthy fats so they fill you up and keep you full.

Ingredients

• lite coconut milk
• spinach
• frozen pineapple
• green apple
• avocado – helps give this green smoothie a creamy texture!
• chia seeds
• ginger
• lime juice
• vanilla protein powder – for our protein source and adds a nice touch of vanilla flavor. I used this plant-based protein.
• pinch of salt – optional, but brings the flavors together
• ice – not something I usually add in smoothies, but since this one doesn’t have a ton of frozen things, it helps chill it and add more bulk.

How to make a green protein smoothie

1. Blend smoothie. Add all the ingredients in the order listed to a high-powered blender (I used my Vitamix) and blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Enjoy! Drink or top with some toppings and enjoy!

How to make a protein shake without protein powder?

Protein is essential to have at every meal. It’s the building blocks of our body, helps blood sugar balance, helps fill us up, and keeps us full to name a few. Protein powder is an easy way to add protein to smoothies, but there are other ways as well. Here are some suggestions:

• greek yogurt – opt for greek yogurt which has more protein than regular yogurt. This will also add some creaminess.
• cottage cheese – 14 grams of protein per 1/2 cup!
• kefir – drinkable fermented milk with a great source of probiotics.
• milk – cow’s milk will have more protein than your typical plant-based milk
• nuts, nut butter, and seeds – peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, tahini, chia seeds, hemp hearts, flax seeds, sunflower seeds…
• tofu – a good vegan option and blends up super creamy with a neutral taste.

Meal prep smoothies

Smoothies are actually a pretty great option for meal prep. While they are easy to make on the fly, prepping some ingredients in advance will make them even easier. Here are a few options to prep this pineapple spinach smoothie:

• freeze your fruits, veggies, and ginger in one bag – in a large bag, add your frozen pineapple, apple (I would suggest chopping it up some), spinach, avocado (just remove the skin and seed), and ginger. Place in the freezer and when ready to use, just add it to your blender. The frozen avocado will make the smoothie even more creamy!
• portion out your protein and chia seeds – place them in a small container or bag for an easy grab-and-dump option.

In the morning, all you have to do is grab your bag of frozen fruit and veggies, your protein, liquid, lime juice, and ice. Dump in the blender and blend for an easy healthy breakfast!

More healthy protein smoothie recipes

• coffee protein smoothie
• chunky monkey protein smoothie
• orange creamsicle smoothie
• favorite chocolate protein smoothie
• chocolate beet smoothie

If you love quick and easy meals and want to learn how to build a balanced plate, check out our FREE How to Build a Balanced Plate Guide!