TL;DR: Protein, Probiotics, Kefir, Vitamins & Minerals. EZ PZ.
Smoothie time. This is a really simple and easy to make chocolate kefir protein smoothie that makes an ideal kickstarter in the morning, a solid post-workout chugger, or a satisfying between-meal snack. As with any smoothie or shake, you can add/modify to suit your own preferences and/or fitness and health goals.
If you are watching carbs or calories, you could ditch the fruit, but if so make sure your protein powder is extra tasty. Also if you don’t have kefir on hand, substitute with greek yogurt.
This smoothie has all sorts of good stuff in it; in addition to a healthy dose of protein (20g), it also has prebiotics (i.e.: fiber) and probiotics from the kefir and the fruits (keep the apple skin on!) to keep your gut happy. The human gut (digestive system) is utterly fascinating (or maybe I’m just a dork. Yes I am a dork) and research is continuing to show how important gut health is for overall wellness and even brain function. In addition, this smoothie has many important and sometimes under-consumed vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and B6 from the bananas and magnesium from the almonds.
Tools & Tips: Savage blender + ingredients ready to party
Note: I get commissions for purchases made through some of the affiliate links below. For more info on affiliate links on this site, click here. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Here are my other go-to kitchen tools that make life easier and more fun.
For this particular smoothie I use Vega Protein and Greens Chocolate flavor protein powder. It’s totally plant-based, comprised of pea, sacha inchi, hemp, and brown rice protein so it’s perfect for vegans and those who have problems digesting whey or other common types of protein powders. Also, per the label it has the equivalent of two servings of greens so there’s that. In my experience, the flavor of this chocolate protein powder benefits from mixing it with the kefir, fruits and almonds.
In addition to vegan protein, here are some essential ingredients I keep stocked in my kitchen.
While you could totally use fresh fruit in your smoothie, a “hack” (read: lazy guy shortcut) that I like to use is to cut up fresh fruit, throw them in a zip-lock bag and store in the freezer. This way I always have fruit ready to simply throw into the blender, and I don’t need to add extra ice to my smoothie as the frozen fruit provides a similar texture as blended ice.
The Process: Throw stuff in blender, let ‘er rip
Gather all the good stuff.
Throw everything into the blender. I find that putting the liquids in first, then chunks, then powders makes things blend the fastest.
Blend! Start low and gradually work up to full power, then back down.
Pour and guzzle.
Vik Hebbar
Yields 1
Super simple and delicious protein smoothie that provides a variety of nutrients, prebiotics and probiotics that will get you up and at em.
4 minPrep Time
1 minCook Time
5 minTotal Time
Save Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 scoop protein powder (33g)
- 1/2 cup kefir
- 1/4 cup water
- 4 almonds
- 1/2 apple
- 1/2 banana
Instructions
- Put apple, banana, almonds, kefir, water, and protein powder in a blender; I use Vega Protein & Greens powder
- Blend until smooth and no chunks or debris remain
- Pour into a glass and chug.
Notes
Macros per serving: 27g protein, 42g carbohydrates (7g fiber), 5g fat; 314 calories
