Sweet Potato, Banana, Cinnamon Protein Smoothie

Smoothies are the ultimate breakfast and snack, and they can also pass as lunch when you’re on the go and would rather get clean nutrition than a store-bought salad full of refined oils, or a white flour sandwich.

In this recipe, nourishing sweet potato and banana are combined with spices, protein powder, and almond butter with just enough almond milk to blend for a refreshing and flavorful smoothie.

With no added sugar at all, my Sweet Potato Cinnamon Protein Smoothie is rich in protein and flavor to please the most discerning palates.

A Variety of Protein for Better Results

Protein keeps us fuller and helps with muscle growth, but not all protein is created equal. Different sources are made of a variety of amino acids, some that can be made by the body, and others called “essential” that needs to be obtained through your diet.

In this recipe, I combined almonds which are a rich source of B vitamins, vitamin E, and fiber but are missing some amino acids, with 2 more complete protein sources, Greek yogurt and whey protein. Combining both dairy and nuts creates a satiating, protein-rich, and creamy smoothie that will satisfy your hunger quickly.

Sweet Potato Pie Flavor in a Glass

It’s not enough for a smoothie to be nourishing, it also needs to be tasty! This is where the sweet potato flavor comes in. By using actual sweet potato along with bananas, cinnamon, and nutmeg, you could swear you’re eating pie, except there’s no sugar added. Because smoothies are generally best chilled, the frozen sweet potato and banana ensure that the drink stays cold, although you can feel free to use a handful of ice cubes instead if that’s all you have on hand.

If you are not using a high speed blender, you might need to add a touch more almond milk to get things going. Starting with liquids first ensures a smooth blending experience, as adding frozen ingredients first can jam up the blade on some blenders.

Almond Milk and Almond Butter in a Pinch

If you’re out of almond milk and almond butter, they are easy to make at home! Simply blend up 1 cup of almonds with 3 cups of water, and strain. Almond butter is simply almond ground in a food processor for several minutes, until completely smooth. And if you’re freezing sweet potatoes yourself, don’t forget to roast some for dinner!

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