Our Three Cents

Choose a Few, Clean Ingredients

As you’ll see in the recipe below, I stick to just a few ingredients. My minimalist approach to nutrition and recipes keeps me sane and happy! I rely on whole or minimally processed ingredients that are easily and widely available. There’s no magic number here – three or four ingredients work as long as they’re complementary flavors.

I always use Isopure Unflavored Whey Protein, along with fresh or frozen blueberries, frozen bananas (you’ll never throw away an overripe banana again – just put it in the freezer), and flax or chia seeds.

Any more ingredients and it feels like too much work for my taste buds. Was it berry and banana, or pineapple and mango? Was that vanilla in there too? Flavors get lost when there are too many ingredients, so I always substitute instead of adding when I want a different flavor.

The fruits provides antioxidants, potassium, and magnesium in this simple high protein smoothie recipe. The flax or chia seeds are nutritiously dense, and they add fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. I use water for the liquid, but if you like a thicker/creamier smoothie, use almond or oat “milk” instead.

Use Unflavored Isopure Protein Powder

I’ve used Isopure’s Zero Carb unflavored protein powder in my smoothies since 2019, and their flavor hasn’t changed since (pun intended). It has just one main ingredient: Whey Protein isolate made from rBST-free whey, along with an emulsifier like sunflower or soy lecithin.

When whey protein is stripped of fats, carbs, fillers and sugars, you get a pure protein called whey isolate. This tends to have higher protein per serving and costs slightly more than whey protein. With less fats, it’s easier on the stomach, and the extra filtration step makes the texture finer – and this delicious smoothie creamier.

Just a note: isolate reduces the amount of lactose, but it might still contain some milk. Still, for a lactose-sensitive gut, it’s a way better option than pure whey.

All in all, three things keep me coming back to Isopure’s zero carb unflavored protein powder.

• It’s clean – 2 ingredients
• It easily mixes with other ingredients – unflavored
• It has 25 gms of protein – 1 serving

Bonus Smoothie Supplements

Lately, I’ve started including two other supplements in my high protein smoothie recipe, especially when I don’t feel like making a separate drink just to take them: Isopure’s Creatine Monohydrate and Vital Proteins’ Collagen Powder. They’re both unflavored, which means the smoothie flavor doesn’t change.

You might be wondering why a minimalist advocate like me is using processed foods such as protein, creatine, and collagen powders. Yes, all of these supplements are examples of processed items, but to their credit, they’re also all made from a single ingredient and have beneficial health outcomes for me.

Creatine Monohydrate for Energy

Creatine Monohydrate is used primarily for its muscle energy, endurance, and post-workout recovery benefits. It has increased my energy levels and cognitive function, and I use it on days even when I don’t work out in order to reduce muscle loss.

Isopure’s Creatine Monohydrate is micronized, so it has a fine texture and it’s easy to mix. It’s also easier on the gut and doesn’t have additives or sugars in the unflavored version, so it stacks well with the main ingredients in our high protein smoothie recipe.

Collagen Powder for Better Skin

Collagen powder is great for hair, skin and nails. I accidentally stumbled on Vital Proteins’ unflavored collagen powder at a Costco sample stall. I was surprised that the supplement really had zero smell and after-taste.

Occasionally adding this collagen powder to my high protein smoothie recipe has helped with joint mobility, and its benefits are noticeable in my hair and nails. I also find that it makes the smoothie creamy and airy. Vital Proteins’ unflavored collagen powder is quite versatile, so aside from smoothies, I use it in coffee, keto cloud bread, and almond bread. I’ve also tried their flavored chocolate version, but I find it monotonous and always go back to unflavored.

This High Protein Smoothie Recipe Feels Like a Full Meal