‘How do you get protein if you’re a vegetarian?’ That is the question I am asked on a daily basis. And I love giving the answer! I get so much plant-based protein, protein that gets absorbed instantly and is bioavailable, that I’m sure I actually get more protein that my meat-loving husband! Plant-based wonders like chia seeds, hemp seeds, quinoa, nut butters, chickpeas and the wonderful spirulina contain all the protein I need. Spirulina is around 50-70% protein, a complete protein. To explain it in simpler terms, 100g of spirulina contains 57g protein, where100g of chicken, in comparison, contains only 16g protein! So I try to get it in my diet a couple of times a week and the best way to do that is in a smoothie or a juice. This is a great pre or post workout smoothie!

Ingredients

1 avocado
Handful spinach
2 dates
1 tbsp almond butter
1 tsp spirulina powder (I use Organic Burst)
1 tsb maca powder (I use Organic Burst)
Half cup frozen pineapple (cut up and frozen the night before)
1 frozen banana (cut in slices and frozen the night before)
Splash of almond milk

Method

Simply put all ingredients into a blender or food processor (I use the Vitamix) in the exact order listed above. Start on a low speed and increase slowly. Once it’s nice and creamy, pour it into a bowl and add your choice of topping. Here I used some homemade granola, poppy seeds, desiccated coconut and some fruit.

Enjoy!

Love,
Lauren