How To Freeze Bananas To Make Thick And Creamy Vegan Smoothies
When I have bananas that are going bad, I slice em up and put them in the freezer. That way Im not wasting food and I always have a healthy smoothie base on hand. Its really a win-win.
To flash freeze bananas, first slice them and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1 hour, until the banana slices are hard.
Transfer the frozen bananas to freezer safe bags, and keep in the freezer for up to 4 months.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie
You don’t need protein powder to make a high protein smoothie. This Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie is high protein from whole food ingredients only and will keep you full for hours.
There are so many plant-based options in order to make a filling protein smoothie, without having to rely on expensive protein powders.
I’m also not a big fan of the flavor of most protein powders. They usually just end up making my smoothie taste chalky. If you have a non-chalky tasting vegan protein brand you like, let me know in the comments!
I am able to still reach my protein needs without one so I don’t think they’re absolutely necessary, but if you struggle to get in enough calories or you’re short on time, I can see the appeal.
When Should You Drink Protein Shakes
I prefer to drink my protein shake after I exercise. Thats because I want that source of protein to help my body build and maintain muscle mass. Im typically hungry also, so a quick-to-make shake is the best thing to curb my hunger pains fast.
But if you like to drink your protein shake before you head to the gym or out for a walk, thats okay as well because you get the energy you need to complete your exercise goal.
You want to spread out your protein intake throughout the day for optimum results, so as long as you are getting what you need, when you drink the shake is up to you.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Ingredients:
- Milk: I use low fat dairy milk, because thats what we drink, but I have often used almond, nut or coconut milk and it is also delicious! If you need to make this smoothie recipe dairy free, you can easily swap for whatever milk you have on hand. You can also use water, but it will be less creamy.
- Frozen bananas: Frozen bananas are a must! Using banana slices that have been frozen is the only way to go. It makes this smoothie, rich and creamy with a texture similar to ice cream. If you dont have frozen bananas, you can use a fresh banana but you may want to add some ice cubes to cool and thicken.
- Peanut Butter: I use regular creamy peanut butter because, again, thats what we have on hand! You can use any kind of peanut butter, or another nut butter, or a not free butter if you need to.
- Cocoa powder: Be sure that you are using unsweetened cocoa powder in this recipe, and not sweetened chocolate, hot chocolate mix or syrup as those have added sugars that really arent needed. The banana gives us the sweetness we need!
Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie
Happy May Day everyone! Welcome to the season of Oh crap! Only a few weeks before the pool opens for the summer! Why didnt I do anything about this a month ago?!?!
Being unwillingly dragged to the pool by my children is not my only fitness concern this first day of May. I am also training for a duathlon in July and a half marathon in October. Deep down, I know these races keep me working out hard and accountable to all who are cheering me on, but having trained for triathlons and half marathons before, I also know how much time it takes!
I am a much better couch potato than I am a runner, biker or swimmer
During these peak training months, it is so important that I am getting the proper amounts of protein to keep my muscles working hard. That is always a difficult thing for me because I am not a huge meat lover so I often use protein powder to supplement. While it seems like a simple concept, I really despise the taste of protein powder. I know I am not alone in my feelings, which is why I am so exited to share with you the main way I use protein powder! It is seriously the best recipe for a protein shake you will find.and I have tried many of them I have one most days around 3:30 when my sweet tooth kicks in and Im ready to attack any form of chocolate I can find!
Please give it a try and let me know what you think! As far as the nutritional numbers: Protein 38 g, Calories 400, Carbs 48 g, Fat 10 g
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Protein Shake Recipe: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana
Its that time of year again.. The time of year when we begin to feel the effects of cabin fever, the effects of all our holiday indulgences and the fear that in a few months its swimsuit season once again! As all the experts will tell you, exercise and a healthy diet is the key to successful long term weight loss. Not only does a healthy diet and exercise aid you in weight loss, it also eases the symptoms of joint related pain and is a natural mood booster — Essential when you live in an area where sun is brief and fleeting in the winter months!
Protein shakes are an easy and delicious way to feel full. They are also packed with lean protein, fiber and complex carbs, antioxidants, potassium, vitamins B6 & C, and heart-healthy mono/polyunsaturated fats. Chocolate peanut butter banana protein shakes may be good for you, but what about the taste? I have to be honest. There are many products on the market and in the food aisle that are labeled healthy and great tasting, but I have to disagree with many of these claims! But.Chocolate peanut butter protein shakes don’t taste like your typical diet food. They are actually quite delicious! Have you ever had a Reeses peanut butter cup? This shake tastes like a liquified Reese’s peanut butter cup, and as a self-professed candy addict, these shakes take away the craving for sweets and sugar in a natural and healthy way.
How Often Should You Drink Protein Shakes
How often you drink protein shakes depends on your goals. If you want to gain weight, you can have a protein-filled shake every time you do resistance training to help build muscle. For weight loss, you can reduce your calorie intake and ensure that you are still getting enough protein by maybe drinking two shakes a day.
But remember, the important thing is that the protein shake is not a protein replacement. You still need to get your requirements from other sources, too.
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What Can I Add To My Protein Shake To Gain Weight
To gain weight by drinking protein shakes, add ingredients like avocado, nut butter, healthy oils like coconut oil, and extra protein sources like oats. Make sure you have a full-fat milk in there such as dairy milk or coconut milk.
Almond and cashew milk are good for adding in calories, too.
Have 2-3 small protein shakes a day and be sure to focus on healthy foods like whole grains and lean proteins for extra muscle-building power.
Stay away from processed foods they will not help you gain weight in a healthy way. Instead, they can lead to inflammation.
How To Store Banana Pb Fit Powder & Chocolate Protein Shake
If you arent ready to drink your shake as soon as you make it, you can store it in the fridge. Sometimes I will do this the night before if I know that I am going to have a hectic morning. Just blend the ingredients and store them in an air-tight container in the fridge. You wont want to keep them in there for long no more than 2 days. Keep in mind that you can taste the difference this shake is definitely better when enjoyed fresh. Give it a good stir before drinking it leftover in case anything has separated.
You can also freeze this PB smoothie mixture. After blending, pour it into an airtight container and place it in the freezer. It will last up to 3 weeks. When youre ready to drink it, let it thaw in the fridge until its back to smoothie consistency. If you think its too thick, you can blend it with a little milk to thin it out.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Shake
- 1 C. Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1/2-1 scoop Chocolate Protein Powder
- 1/4 banana
- 1 T. Natural Peanut Butter
- 1 T. Cocoa Powder
- 2 handfuls fresh baby spinach
- 6-7 Ice Cubes
Mix almond milk, protein powder, banana, peanut butter and cocoa powder in blender.
Add Spinach and mix well.
I pretty much add it to every protein shake. You cannot even taste it I promise!!!
However, if it freaks you outyou can omit it!
Add xanthan gum and mix well.
Enjoy!
So so so yummy!
This shake is GIANT and its about 300 calories. I would count it as a meal or if you half the recipe, it becomes the perfect pre/post workout snack or just a great snack anytime! It is very filling as well!
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Benefits Of Protein Shakes
Protein shakes satisfy hunger. Thats a big benefit in my mind because, after a workout, Im ravenous. And maybe Im heading off to work or to take the kids on an outing and need energy fast. Thats when I reach for a chocolate banana peanut butter protein shake!
More benefits:
- Protein shakes are great for muscle recovery
- Protein shakes can replace a meal
- Protein shakes can help increase muscle mass when you exercise
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Guide To Protein Powder
Looking for the best protein powder to buy? Check out our Guide to Protein Powderwhere we share our top plant-based and whey protein powders.
Vanilla: add a splash of vanilla extract. This will enhance the peanut butter cup flavor.
Frozen Cauliflower: frozen cauliflower is a great veggie to add for more nutrients. I do this in almost all my smoothies and you cant even taste it!
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Protein Smoothie
Meet a protein smoothie that tastes like a dessert indulgence! Loaded with dark chocolate, bananas, peanut butter and good for you protein this smoothie will make your muscles and your belly happy!
I want to quit my gym. I have been a member of this gym for 8 years and they are not giving this member any love. It seems like they are prejudice to everyone except an elite few. You see this is one of those gigantic gyms that has vein-bulging body builders grunting in the free weight area and quad bulging power lifters squatting more than my body weight. Its every Instagrammers #instafit dream.
And dont get me wrong, I like that gym a great deal. They have tons of new equipment, a tanning booth, swimming pool, the works: but lately I have not been loving it.
Look I am all about the new crossfit phasein fact if I can find a gym I really trust, I would love to try this out. But do me favor fellow gym goers. If you have no idea what you are doing and want to make an impression on the few girls or guys in the gymcan you isolate yourself to the designated area of the gym for such activities? Thank you.
Do you have soy protein, pea protein? Anything on it that says plant based protein? I asked the blond and very clueless 20 something behind the smoothie bar.
Ummmmmm maam we do not have anything like that, she replied in her most Kim Kardashian like voice, raising her overly stenciled eyebrows as she spoke.
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Do You Need To Freeze The Bananas
I highly recommend freezing your bananas. Since the banana is the only fruit in this recipe, there isnt any opportunity to use other frozen fruit to chill and thicken the smoothie. The frozen banana makes the smoothie very thick and creamy. Trust me, its worth planning ahead!
If you absolutely cant use frozen bananas, use fresh, but then youll need to add additional ice to compensate. The results will likely be much more watery.
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Reminder: if you havent signed up for our FREE smoothie challenge, now is your chance! You can start it at any time and will get:
- Our FREE downloadable smoothie e-book
- A grocery list with everything you need for making a smoothie a day
- My best tips & tricks for making incredible, healthy smoothies
- And more!
Get all of the deets and !
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Peanut Butter Protein Shake Recipefaqs
How do I know when the shake is blended enough?
This is a personal preference some people like their shakes runny, and other people like theirs to be thicker. For me, when I see that everything has blended together and I dont see pieces of banana anymore, its at just the right consistency.
Do my bananas have to be frozen?
I highly recommend that your bananas are frozen. If theyre not, you can still throw them in the blender, but youll want to add a few ice cubes, too. Keep in mind that this method may water it down a little. Try to keep some bananas on hand in the freezer for when youre ready for a smoothie.
Would this smoothie make a good post-workout drink?
Sure! If you like to have a high-protein drink after you have completed a workout, this would be a great choice. Id definitely work out if I knew that I could have one of these afterward!
Is PB Powder actually good for me?
Yes, it is! Its essentially just pressed peanuts that have been ground to a powder. When they are pressed, most of the oil is removed, which means that most of the fat is removed. This gives you a powder that is full of protein and low in fat. I love to use this in place of regular peanut butter whenever I can.
Here Are Some Of My Favorite Protein Sources For Smoothies:
Nut butters – any kind of all-natural nut butter but typically almond butter and peanut butter are highest in regards to protein
Hemp seeds – out of the seeds, hemp has the highest protein
Chia seeds – another good protein source but less protein compared to hemp seeds
Flax seeds – not a lot of protein so I would recommend adding at least 2 tablespoons if using
Rolledoats – these provide not only extra protein , but some extra fiber for that satiating effect
White beans – yes, even white beans which have a very mild taste, can be added to smoothies
As you can see, there are tons of options! The choice of milk will also play a factor too. I prefer soy milk because it contains a comparable amount of protein to cow’s milk.
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Our Favorite Nutritional Boosters
This easy chocolate peanut butter smoothie is great for adding your go-to nutritional boosters. Here are some of our favorites to add:
- Flaxseed meal: this is one of my favorite ingredients to add to smoothies for a little boost of fiber and minerals, and is especially great for nursing mamas as flaxseed can help increase milk supply. Usually, a tablespoon is plenty! Heres a brand I love.
- Hemp seeds: feel free to throw a tablespoon of hemp seeds into your smoothie for a boost of healthy fats, omegas and minerals.
- More veggies: you could also try adding some frozen cauliflower for an extra boost, or adding a handful of spinach or kale. Youll never be able to taste them!
- Protein: Easily add more protein to a smoothie by adding some greek yogurt or 1 scoop of your favorite protein powder. I recommend Vital Protein collagen peptides or Four Sigmatic Plant-Based Protein Powder.
Tips For Making The Best Pb Banana & Chocolate Shake
These tips are helpful when making almost any smoothie youll want to keep them on hand!
- Feel free to add in a cup or so of ice or frozen cauliflower to make the smoothie super cold and thick.
- You can add a bit more milk if your smoothie is too thick or wont fully blend. High-powered blenders typically do a great job of blending frozen ingredients, but if you have a regular blender, you may need to add more milk to get things moving.
- To blend, start with the blender on low speed, then gradually increase to high speed. This will incorporate all of the ingredients really well. End with the blender on low speed.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
Deliciously creamy chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie that seriously tastes like a Wendys frosty! This healthy chocolate banana smoothie recipe is made with just five ingredients and is easy to customize with your favorite nutritional boosters. The perfect breakfast, snack or even dessert!
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If you grew up dipping crispy french fries into your cold, creamy Wendys frosty, wow do I have a surprise for you. This epic chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie literally tastes JUST like a frosty but is naturally sweetened with fruit and made with five simple ingredients.
I made this during our fun 7-day smoothie challenge and am so excited to be sharing it now! Enjoy this chocolatey goodness for breakfast, a filling snack or even a healthy dessert any day of the week. French fries optional but recommended.