Fresh fruit smoothies are a great way to get some healthy eating into your diet – I’m certainly very guilty of not eating anywhere near enough fruit! Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up. So this lovely recipe goes someway to remedying that – and it’s a winner, as it tastes like cheesecake!And this blueberry banana smoothie is also an absolute protein beast. One serving already boasts well over 27g of the stuff – and with added powder (depending on the variety) will take you closer to the 45g mark, it’s the perfect way to hit your goals. Those are the kind of numbers that would make Arnie blush. And if you’re looking to find more vegetarian recipes then check these out!
So let’s take a look at what makes this smoothie so epic!
Low fat snacks with minimal ingredients are definitely my jam. What’s in this one you wonder?
Ingredients
This protein smoothie recipe is so beginner-friendly! Fruit Fresh blueberries are a key ingredient as their slight tartness balances out the sweetness of the banana in this banana blueberry smoothie. The banana goes so well with the blueberries. I chose to use a frozen banana as it helps to chill the smoothie and creates a delicious smoothie. You could also use a fresh banana too though if you don’t have a frozen one. Make sure it is a ripe banana either way so its natural sweetness is at its best. Liquids I added water to thin down the fruit mixture and also add vanilla extract. Vanilla is a great base for the other fruity flavors to combine with. You can also add more or less water depending on how thick you want the consistency. Protein An easy way to increase protein in a healthy smoothie like this one is to use simple ingredients that are naturally high in protein. I chose to add cottage cheese to this recipe. Its bland flavor means that it doesn’t detract from the other flavors, and you won’t notice its texture once it’s gone through a high-speed blender. Extras I’m also adding lemon zest for extra zing and chia seeds for a nutritional bonus.
How many calories are in this protein smoothie recipe?
There are 506 calories, and 27 grams of protein in this flavourful favorite. And here’s a quick look at the other nutritional facts,
Health benefits
There are some awesome benefits to drinking this smoothie. Let’s take a look at why cottage cheese snacks make a healthy breakfast. Not only are blueberries a great superfood full of nutrients that help support immune function, but they have 10 proven health benefits including improving memory and protecting DNA from damage. Bananas are high in potassium which makes them a great food to have when working out. The potassium helps to prevent muscle cramping! The chia seeds are a powerful little source of antioxidents as well as lots of essential vitamins and minerals. But the powerhouse in this banana berry smoothie is definitely the cottage cheese which is going to give us plenty of protein. In fact, it makes it one of the best smoothies for weight loss! Protein is the best way to help boost your weight loss and muscle gain goals. In fact it’s really easy to gain muscle on a vegetarian diet especially with the right plan. Weight loss smoothies are also really effective as the protein helps to reduce cravings. To get protein into your diet at every meal why not download your free 7-day high-protein meal plan? And if that’s not enough inspiration there is also a great weekly meal plan too!
How to make a smoothie?
If you’re bursting like an overheated blueberry to find out the answers to your smoothie questions, then take a look below,
Recipe variations
You could try this smoothie in different ways but it probably wouldn’t still taste like cheesecake (just to warn you!)
Different fruit – Why not try some different combinations, or see what goes well and add it to the banana and blueberries?
Different protein – You could swap the cottage cheese for greek yogurt. Or if you aren’t into dairy you could add a smooth nut butter or even some protein powder (vegan if you like) instead of using cottage cheese.
Different toppings – Why not add some low-fat squirty cream and a few dark chocolate chips if you want to make it extra indulgent? (obviously this will alter the calorie count)
More recipes like this
If you like this recipe I think you’ll also love these:
Super Spinach Banana Smoothie (High-Protein)
Vegan Blackberry Smoothie
Our collection of Healthy Protein-Packed Super Smoothies For Weight-Loss
Or our collection of 15 Yummy Vegetable Smoothies
I love protein shakes but you can’t beat a fruity protein smoothie! They’re the perfect healthy way to start your day or end a workout session and I just love how quickly you can whip one up. Which one will you try next? If you need some ideas check out the other smoothies I’ve recommended in the More Recipes section above.
