Easy and Delicious (Vegan) Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

After a long and exhausting week I slept in a bit and headed out for my run a bit later than usual Saturday morning. Matt was still out of town on a work trip so I had the morning to myself. I decided to run Cheesman and Washington Parks and thought it would be about 6.5 miles, but I ended up with another eight. It was also a warm morning - hitting the low 60's - so all that was on my mind the last 2 miles was how delicious a cold smoothie would be when I got home.

When we switched to a vegan diet I was worried that my smoothies would suffer because I had always used Greek yogurt and was convinced that without it, they'd just be icey slush. Thankfully, I was wrong. All they need - in my opinion - is frozen banana and almond milk. (tip: cut the banana into pieces, and freeze in an air tight glass container lined with parchment or wax paper so the banana doesn't freeze to the glass)

Low on supplies I was still able to put together one perfectly delicious and satisfying smoothie in a quick minute. Often my smoothies include a long, but healthy, list of ingredients; this has just six:

• 1 small banana (frozen)
• A handful of frozen mango chunks
• 1 tbs all natural smooth peanut butter
• 1 scoop Vega chocolate protein & greens powder
• 3/4 cup almond milk
• 3/4 cup cold water or coconut water (add more as needed for desired consistency)

Packed with nutrients and protein to help muscles recover after a tough workout, it tasted just like a big, cold peanut butter cup. What's not to love about that?

What do you crave during a long run on a hot day? * Have you had a great workout success lately? Share it with us!

Try a Protein Smoothie After Your Next Run

Well, it's that time of year again. The days are getting warmer, the sun stronger, and my craving for cold, satisfying smoothies is back full force.

I have two go-to protein smoothies right now that hit the spot depending on how I'm feeling - a tropical smoothie for when I'm craving a light, refreshing drink, and a chocolate peanut butter recipe perfect for when I want something a bit more indulgent and substantial. Both are jam packed with good-for-me ingredients, and vegan. (But they're just as creamy as any with yogurt)

I like to add protein to ensure I'm getting enough as low levels can mean fatigue, decreased muscle mass, and an increased risk of injury. 

Note that with my smoothie recipes, all measurements are approximate - use as much liquid as you need to create the consistency you want. Thankfully making these are pretty easy - all it takes is combining the ingredients in a blender and blending until smooth. 

Tropical Sunrise Protein Smoothie

• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/2 cup coconut water
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
• 1/4 cup frozen mango
• 1 thin slice avocado
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp. ground flax seed
• 2 pinches of shredded coconut (1 pinch to blend, 1 for garnish)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup coconut water
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/3 cup frozen mango
• 3 - 4 frozen strawberries
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
• 2 tsp. peanut butter
• 1 tsp. ground flax seed

Both recipes make a smoothie that's about 10oz. So if you've just finished a long run or tough workout, you may want to have a piece of toast or handful of almonds as well. 

If you're wondering, I used Vanilla Spiru-tein shake and Vega Protein & Greens (Chocolate). 

Daily Burn is working with bloggers and others this month to spread the word about great protein shake recipes, so look for more at #ShowUsYourShake

You can find links to my other smoothie recipes here.

What are your favorite smoothie ingredients? * What do you crave after a run or tough workout on a warm day?