Anybody can throw some fruit shit into a blender. But what you’re putting in actually matters, and that determines whether or not it’s a sugar-loaded dessert, or protein packed vitamin punch.

Having myself lived in multiple cities in America in different states, I can personally attest not all stores carry the same merchandise. If you have a Vitamin Shoppe or GNC near you, that’s fantastic. I myself am a Vitamin Shoppe rewards member because from time to time, they DO have some kick ass deals. However, you can also get suckered into paying more than necessary for certain products simply because of the convenience of these types of places being health-everything central stores.

When it comes to finding quality vegan (and gluten free, in my case) products, I do a decent amount of homework and reading before deciding to try a product. One mission for the past half year has been trying out different plant protein mixes to see what makes me feel great, and actually keeps me feeling full until it’s time for my second intermittent fasting meal of the day.
Now, an upcoming article of mine will be completely devoted to protein, but since that’s a lot of comparing and digging on my end to bring a conclusive all-in-one on everyone’s favorite macronutrient, I included only a short list of suggestions/options for you in regard to protein shake blends, with links right above for your ease!
The one I’m currently using and love is the Purely Inspired Brand, and courtesy of their posting, “USDA ORGANIC CERTIFIED, NON GMO, GLUTEN-FREE”. Also pretty awesome, “No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners added”. One of my biggest pet peeves is to see stores handing out “healthy” products that contain sweeteners like carrageenan or fake dyes. IF you’re wondering what the big deal is with these ingredients and others like them, check out my post here giving the 411 lowdown on the toxicities of ingredients in many of our “healthy” foods to be aware of.
A second option, though a little more expensive, is the Vega brand, also linked up here next to the Purely Inspired brand. I can’t contest there are some minor benefits to the Vega brand above the other, but if you’re looking to ball on a budget and are putting healthy, raw fruit into your mix as suggested here, you can still do pretty well with the cheaper protein. It all comes down to reading the ingredients first, that’s it. Self education, over and over.

Being the protein shake queen that I am, I invested in my NutriBullet blender a couple of years ago when I realized my old, heavy glass blender just wasn’t cutting it, because unintentionally a pun, my frozen fruit would still come out chunky after nearly exhausting my blender into burnout trying to get a nice creamy fruit shake. So, I made the hop and found this gem of a bullet which is nowhere near as expensive as top of the line products that go into the hundreds, but is definitely way stronger than the cheaper $19.99 “gets the job done… sorta” models which, in my opinon, will burn out eventually because you get what you invest in. As a person who practices intermittent fasting, I don’t always have the time to sit down and eat a lovely plate of fruits and veggies for my breakfast, so this is a great alternative to get my necessary fruit sugars, protein, and various vitamin nutrients every morning without an excuse for “not having enough time”. This is by far the best bang-for-your-buck which comes with a variety of pieces, like lid tops for on the go drinking, and even a little booklet with recipe ideas. One of my favorite, if not my favorite, kitchen gadget to date. This is the one time a bullet IS a vegan’s best friend.

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Lean Protein Shake

How about a filling breakfast protein smoothie that gives you a boost of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K, potassium, magnesium, and a ton of vitamin C?  

This cruelty-free, non-dairy blend tastes like a Florida sunrise, and has the nutrients your body needs to stay fueled throughout the first part of your day.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 minute

Total Time 6 minutes

Servings 1 person

Ingredients

• 1 banana peeled
• 1 1/2 cups frozen tropical fruit blend (mine is pineapple, peaches, mango, strawberries)
• 2 medium carrots tops cut off, and cut in half
• 2 mandarin oranges peeled, but whole
• 2 scoops vanilla plant protein (mine is Purely Inspired - link below)
• Water to barely cover above fruit

Instructions

1. Put the frozen fruit into your blender cup first while you prepare everything else. This will slightly allow it to thaw for easier blending and minimal head-freezing (my picture shows the fruit in a side cup, that was simply for picture-taking aesthetics).

2. Add in your banana, halved. Follow with the carrot halves and whole oranges. Add 2 scoops of protein (or whatever the recommended dosage is for YOUR choice plant protein -- different brands will have different serving sizes, but a brand offering 16-20 grams per serving is the aim).
   

3. Add just enough water to cover the fruit and protein mix, add on your bladed lid, blend, and enjoy!