April 07, 2015

Benefits of Protein + Banana Split Smoothie Recipe

These 4-ingredient Banana Split Smoothies are so much healthier than the real thing but still taste amazing! Ready in 2 minutes!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post by TapInfluence with Silk. All opinions are my own.

Protein is an important nutrient along with fat and carbohydrates. It seems to be the big nutrition craze lately to follow a high protein diet and knowing the source and benefits of protein are beneficial. Keep reading below for a protein packed Banana Split Smoothie recipe.


Benefits of eating protein rich foods:
-Protein rich foods are filling- If you have a meal that is very low in protein, you may find that you are hungry soon after the meal. That is because protein helps to keep us full. Aim to have some form of protein at each meal.

-Foods with protein offer other important nutrients- Protein rich foods often contain beneficial nutrients such as iron, B vitamins, vitamin E, zinc and magnesium which are all nutrients that your body needs to function properly.

-Helps build and repair muscles- When we workout, we fatigued our muscles and protein helps to repair our muscles and build new ones. After your workout, have a mix of protein and carbohydrates such as a smoothie or chicken and a baked sweet potato.

-Protein is a building blockProtein is a building block for your bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood. It is necessary for your body to function properly.

-Helps with fluid balance

-Promotes immune function



Sources of Protein
-Meats including boneless, skinless chicken breast, turkey, lean ground beef
-Dairy products (low-fat or skim milk, cheese, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt)
-Soy products- vegetarian burgers, soymilk, edamame
-Beans, nuts, nut butter
-Eggs
-Tofu
-Fruits, vegetables and grains all contain protein in smaller amounts than other foods.
-Protein supplements and powders are not required but can be beneficial if you do not like to consume a lot of these high protein foods to meet your protein needs.

Did you know that soy milk has 8 grams of plant protein? That's quite a bit and on par with cow's milk. It is cholesterol free and has no saturated fat since it is plant based. I enjoy drinking a variety of types of milk including cow's milk, soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk and more. One of my favorite brands to drink is Silk. They make soy milk, almond milk, cashew milk (which I have not tried yet) and coconut milk. I especially like to have a container of the shelf stable milks on hand. Print your coupon for $0.75 off your purchase of Silk milk.

I created this Banana Split Smoothie recipe since the weather is getting nicer out and drinking a cold beverage is so refreshing. Filled with frozen strawberries, bananas, chocolate protein and soy milk, it is a great snack or meal option. 




Banana Split Smoothie

Ingredients: 
1 large banana
1 serving chocolate protein powder
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 cup Silk Light Vanilla Soy Milk

Directions: Blend all ingredients together until well blended. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream if you wish!


My husband who does not like too many smoothies loved this Banana Split Smoothie. I will definitely make it again!

These 4-ingredient Banana Split Smoothies are so much healthier than the real thing but still taste amazing! Ready in 2 minutes! www.nutritionistreviews.com

This conversation is sponsored by Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.

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