Come mid-afternoon, more often than not, I am in desperate need of a pick-me-up. I reach for Two Islands plant-based Salted Caramel protein because it’s super gentle on my stomach and ties over those hunger pangs until tea time when I’d ordinarily be ravaging the fridge.
It’s a clean source of energy and, when paired with chia seeds and spinach, provides me with an opportunity to squeeze in another serving of green vegetables and fibre. The protein is perfect as is, but on those afternoons when I’m craving something sweet, that little bit of pure maple syrup absolutely sings in this recipe.
I prefer my smoothies to lean on the thinner side and the Shark Ninja is ideal for whipping up the textures leaving a silky smooth and light liquid for me to chip away at for the final few hours at my desk.
— Louise Dunn, FQ digital editor.
The 3pm Pick-Me-Up Green Smoothie recipe:
Serves 1-2
Ingredients
- 1 cup of ice
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 serving plant-based Salted Caramel Protein Powder
- 1 banana, chopped
- 1 cup of baby spinach
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp of pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Method
- Combine all ingredients in the Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro With Auto IQ using either the 700ml or 900ml cup depending on how much liquid you’d liked to add
- Press the blend setting
- Serve and enjoy
Notes (optional)
- Substitute oat milk for almond milk
- Reduce 1/2 of the plant-based milk and top up with chilled filtered water
- Add more liquid if you prefer a thinner consistency
- Reduce liquid if you prefer a thicker, creamier consistency
- Omit maple syrup or substitute with a pitted medjool date or honey
- Add a collagen powder for added nutritional value. Right now, I’ve been using the Holski 20+ Collagen Beauty Builder Powder in Light Vanilla.
Shop the Ninja Nutri-Blender Pro With Auto IQ – BN500, $249.
The Nutri Ninja Blender Pro with auto iQ takes the guesswork out of drink making by delivering delicious and nutritious drinks at the touch of a button. Learn more at ninjakitchen.co.nz
