This Strawberry Protein Smoothie packs in 27 grams of protein naturally, without any protein powders. Breakfast is the perfect opportunity to pump up your body with good nutrition. Now that the weather is getting warmer, I’ve been enjoying more smoothies for breakfast. Smoothies are an easy way to ensure you’re getting a good amount of protein and nutrients all in one glass. The key is to be mindful of each and every ingredient you use. Sponsored by Munchkin Grass Fed.
I started making smoothies for my family when my kids were young as an easy way to get them to eat fruit and drink their milk all in one sitting. Smoothies are like milk shakes, and who doesn’t love a milk shake. At the time, our pediatrician suggested I add an instant breakfast mix to the smoothies for extra nutrition. I have to admit I wasn’t thrilled about the ingredient list, but used these instant breakfast mixes for a while. Then, I switched to a whole food based protein powder mix, although I found these mixes tasted powdery in smoothies.
Over the years, I’ve learned how to make smooth, creamy smoothies without protein powders, using 100% whole ingredients that provide plenty of protein and nutrients.
Natural protein boosters that I’ve used in smoothies include:
- Greek yogurt (12-17 grams protein in just 1/2 a cup)
- Hemp seeds (7.4 grams protein in 2 tablespoons)
- Grass fed milk (8.4 grams protein in a cup)
- Almonds (4.3 grams protein in 3 tablespoons)
- Nut butter (3.6 grams protein in 1 tablespoon peanut butter)
- Oats (3.3 grams protein in 2 tablespoons)
This Strawberry Protein Smoothie gets its protein from a combination of Greek yogurt, hemp seeds, grass fed milk.
Why Grass Fed Milk?
I started using 100% grass fed milk in smoothies because of its health and environmental benefits. Grass fed milk contains up to 5x more Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) and a more balanced ratio of Essential Fatty Acids compared to milk from grain fed cows.
CLA is a type of fat that may help with immune and inflammatory system support, improved bone mass, improved blood sugar regulation, reduced body fat, reduced risk of heart attack, and maintenance of lean body mass. The CLA in 100% grass fed milk is two to five times greater than the CLA content of milk from conventionally fed cows.
Essential Fatty Acids are important for kids because they help feed the brain and keep it healthy. Milk from 100% grass fed cows is also full of vitamin A, vitamin E, and Beta Carotene.
In addition to its health benefits, grass fed milk is also better for the environment. Imagine cows roaming around on rolling fields, eating only GMO-free grass, the way cows should be raised, not confined and fed soy, corn and grains which are hard for the cows to digest. On year-round grass fed farms, total greenhouse emissions, fuel use, sediment erosion, and phosphorus runoffs are lower than in confined systems, thus reducing the carbon footprint.
Grass fed milk wasn’t available when my kids were babies, but later this Spring Munchkin is launching a new infant formula, Munchkin Grass Fed. This formula is a great option for new moms as it is made with 100% grass fed milk, which provides higher levels of Vitamin A and a better balance of Omega 3 to 6 while being rBGH free and GMO free. Like all moms, I want the best for my kids, so choosing the best possible whole ingredients is a priority. Next time you make a smoothie for yourself or your kids, consider using grass fed milk for its nutritional and environmental benefits.
Strawberry Protein Smoothie
This smoothie packs in 27 grams of protein.
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1/2 cup grass-fed non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grass-fed skim milk
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds
- raw honey or maple syrup optional, to taste
Instructions
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Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
Recipe Notes
I enjoyed this smoothie without additional sweeteners, but if you wish, add some raw honey or maple syrup to taste.
Sources:
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Munchkin. The opinions and text are all mine.
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Love the light pinky colour! Would love have a sip!
Thanks Angie! This is a pretty smoothie 🙂
Can I ask which grass fed yogurt you recommend ? Name ? Thank you.
I don’t have any one in particular to recommend. Whole Foods carries it
This one packs a punch and easy to prepare, and more importantly, looks so delicious too! Perfect for busy folks and for those looking for a light, quick and natural morning snack.