The Best Blueberry-Hemp-Banana Smoothie Recipe
Blueberry-Hemp Smoothie
Smoothie Recipe Discovered Through Trial and Error
The idea of throwing a bunch of ingredients in a blender and coming up with a magical drink a minute later is undeniably satisfying.
Ever since we tried a chocolate milkshake at the local dairy queen, we have loved the idea of smooth, frothy concoctions. A smoothie is one of the all-time best ways to create a quick, delicious meal or snack.
And sure smoothies are delicious and a a tiny bit decadent, but are they also healthy? Well, they sure can be. I present to you a super-healthy smoothie for your enjoyment. This recipe has been one of my go-to meals when I am trying to get healthier or lose weight. and is the result of a couple of years of esting and perfecting. So enjoy the fruits (pun intended!) of my labours.
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Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp Hemp Seeds or Hearts
- 1/4 Cup Frozen Blueberries
- 1 Cup Skim Milk
- 1/2 Scoop Protein Powder
- 1 Tbsp. Greek Yogurt
Instructions
- Add milk first to the cup.
- Then add blueberries, hemp, and yogurt.
- Add protein powder last.
- Blend very well. When using a Bullet blender, you should blend extra-long, because the seeds are quite coarse. I don't mind a bit of crunchiness in the drink, but for a smoother drink, try a different type of blender.
Recipe Variations
This is the recipe that I use but the fun thing about smoothies is that there are hundreds of variations. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your situation and tastes. Here are some suggested variations.
- Add in strawberries, raspberries or pitted cherries instead of, or in addition to, the blueberries
- Substitute flax for hemp
- Add ice to make it thicker
- Add in more yogurt and less milk for a creamier texture
- Omit whey protein and add more yogurt
I tend to make our smoothies in my Bullet machine. This makes one drink per person and allows you to customize according to each person's tastes. However, it will work in any blender. For more about blenders, see this analysis of the blender's important role in history. Most of all, enjoy your smoothie!
Another Recipe Using Hemp Seed
Hemp is Good Nutrition
Hemp is a very healthy protein and is said to represent a "complete protein." That means that it contains all 10 of the essential amino acids needed by the human body.
Some people worry that hemp is somehow related to drugs but all of the harmful ingredients have been taken out and that is not possible.
I usually get my hemp from a health food store, and it harvested by our local company, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Food and Oils.
This Smoothie Is An Energy Booster
Do you find that you start lagging around 10 in the morning, and sometimes need a boost, like a doughnut or muffin, to pick you up? I used to have the same experience, but when I drink this for breakfast, it gives me tremendous energy for the morning.
In fact, after drinking this smoothie for breakfast, I don't crave anything until noon or past. It has boosted my energy levels greatly, which is why a healthy smoothie tends to be my regular fare mornings.
One of the energy secrets found in this drink is the addition of super-food hemp hearts. Hemp hearts, are completely safe to eat, in spite of the more well-known use for the hemp plant. Hemp is even recognized by Dr. Oz as a healthy, effective energy booster.
Hemp hearts, and the other healthy ingredients in this recipe are a much better alternative to sugar-laden treat, which boost you temporarily, and then send your blood sugar plummeting, resulting in you being more tired than you were before.
Hemp Hearts
Nutrition Notes for Blueberry Smoothie
The calorie count for this smoothie is 314 calories. It contains 20 g of Carbohydrates, 14 g of Fat, and 26 g of protein.
The fat percentage for the drink is 40% fat. Don't worry, though, that the fat content seems high. These fats are the good fats: Omega 6's and Omega 3's. These kind of fats actually assist your body in burning the other kind of fat!
Most of the ingredients in this smoothie are especially chosen to aid in increasing metabolism and helping to aid weight loss. Here is an overview of each of the ingredients and the benefits it provides.
The Super Ingredients
First of all, the whey protein helps to boost your metabolism, and actually helps your body to burn fat faster. This ingredient has also been shown to reduce insulin sensitivity.
Next, hemp, as mentioned elsewhere, is a great energy booster and is also acts a boost to weight loss by providing an excellent source of quality protein that will keep you from feeling hungry, and over-eating.
Blueberries are now recognized as helping to lower blood sugar. Additionally, these berries help individuals maintain a healthy blood pressure.
Finally, Greek Yogurt is also a very special food.that aids in weight loss by providing a healthy source of protein, with a low glycemic index.
Weight-Loss Ingredients in This Recipe
Ingredient
| Nutrients
| Benefits
|
---|---|---|
Whey Protein Powder
| Superior Protein
| Increases Insulin Resistance, aids in fat burning
|
Hemp Seeds
| Omega 3/Omega 6/Complete Protein
| Increases Energy Level, Keeps You From Being Hungry
|
Yogurt
| Calcium, Probiotics
| Lowers Cholesterol, Increases Fat Burning
|
Blueberries
| High Level of Antioxidants
| Boost overall health, decrease cholesterol, help lower bloood sugar
|
These four ingredients are known for aiding in weight loss and taken together represent a powerhouse recipe.
Husband's Version
The funny thing is, my husband had no interest in my shakes for the first three years of our marriage, but lately he's been asking me to make him one in the morning, too. He's still not crazy about all these healthy foods, but he says he feels better when he drinks it, too. I modify his for his dietary needs and will include his modified version in this article.
1 Scoop Natural Factors Protein Powder
3 Tbsp Hemp Seeds
1/4 Cup Frozen Blueberries
1 cup 2% MIlk
1 Tbsp French Vanilla Yogurt
1 Tbsp Chocolate Syrup
Add everything to your blender and blend together well. Enjoy!
Notes
Please note that the husband's version has more protein powder because men usually have greater calorie needs. I also use 2% milk in his drink for extra creaminess. I also have started adding a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to his drink to make it more palatable and chocolatey. He can afford the extra calories because he's not trying to lose weight.
Research Source
© 2011 Sharilee Swaity
Comments
I have never used hemp in a smoothie, this is a great idea. I am always looking for new healthy choices in food and drinks. I have noticed a lot of people who diet only pay attention to the food. The drinks contain a lot of really bad stuff, especially your sodas, and so called sugar free drinks.
NOW, TO THE STORE.
Great energy drink, I love to perk up my mornings with something like this. However, I did not know about the Insulin resistance thing. Thanks for that.
I haven't used hemp seed, I usually mix flax seed into my smoothies. But, will add hemp next time. I need to start drinking smoothies in the morning for more energy. I'm inspired now. Thanks. Up and sharing.
This sounds so good, I may give it a try. I've never heard of this kind of recipe before. Nice one.
This sounds absolutely delicious. I have never heard of Hemp seed before so I will have to check that out, although I know where to find flax seed so if I can't find it that shouldn't be an issue. I can't wait to try this because I am a big fan of smoothies!
Great recipe! I love the introduction of hemp seeds! Not many people know about this amazing power food. I also like the layout of your hub, and how you added your "husband's version" of the healthy smoothie. Congratulations on losing weight as well. Voted up and up!
Dunno about weight loss, it just sounds yummy to me! Great hub, more drink recipes would be fantastic because even when my appetite is poor I can crave liquids and nourishing drinks are a bonus. Brilliant.
You have piqued my interest in hemp seeds. I am really glad you shared this today - I had meant to comment and bookmark this 3 weeks ago and it slipped past me! Will bookmark NOW! Thanks prairieprincess!
This is so intriguing. I would really like to try it. Thanks for sharing.
We love smoothies in our home too, they make a great breakfast all on there own and in the summer its all you need for dinner. Especially with fresh blueberries and strawberries. Thanks for sharing your recipes prairieprincess! I'll have to try them both...
Blueberries make great shakes, but I never thought about adding hemp for nutrition! The carb count is about my daily limit, so I'd have to modify this one, but I'm all for blueberries.
Awesome drink for weight loss! I'm going to try this.Thanks.
Great hub! I never new about or thought about using hemp powder in a smooth. Thanks for the tip. I love smoothies but never really got the energy results that you are talking about. I will definitely try your receipe.
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