Healthy Protein Smoothies

A healthy breakfast smoothie that tastes like dessert, I will take one of each flavor please. I'm a firm believer that healthy foods don't need to taste like cardboard, indeed they can be just as delicious as their unhealthy competitors. I don't know if I've mentioned before but I always like to have a healthy, low calorie breakfast and lunch, then at dinner I splurge a little and always have dessert. I exercise 6 days a week because I think it's a good balance for me. I watch Food Network while I run on the treadmill, it always keeps me going =). For breakfast I try to keep it around 300-400 calories 6 days a week (every Sunday I make a big brunch and splurge), so I like to have banana oatmeal, whole grain cream of wheat, whole grain cereal with almond milk or these smoothies with almond milk. Yes, I've made the change over to almond milk. I didn't believe it when I heard some random fact of how many people prefer the taste of almond milk to milk until I tried it myself. I always buy the Vanilla or Original flavor that's 60-70 calories per serving (I always check the label because some have tons of added sugar therefor a lot more calories. I never buy unsweetened). Don't get me wrong though I still love milk, I just prefer almond milk a little more and the fact that has less calories than milk is a definite bonus. The almond milk goes great in these smoothies. 
I love how these are healthy AND delicious! They are packed with protein and antioxidants and they are a good source of fiber. Thanks to that protein and fiber these smoothies will fill you up and keep you going. Pictured is 1/2 serving sizes, so yes, you get two of those glasses per serving listed! Enjoy these smoothies and share! Pass along a nutritious treat.

Banana Berry Oat Smoothie
Yields 1 large smoothie


Ingredients:
1 cup Almond Milk Plus Protein, divided (I used So Delicious brand with 5g added protein)
1/4 cup quick oats
1 (5.3) oz Strawberry or Blueberry Nonfat Greek Yogurt
1/2 overripe banana, chilled
1/2 cup fresh blueberries, chilled
5-6 ice cubes


Directions:
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup Almond Milk with 1/4 cup quick oats. Microwave on high power 2 1/2 minutes. Pour cooked oat mixture into a blender along with remaining 1/2 cup almond milk, Greek yogurt, banana and blueberries. Blend mixture on low speed for 2 minutes or high speed for 1 minute. Add in ice cubes and puree until well blended. Serve immediately.


Nutrition:
366 calories per serving, 21 grams of protein 


Note: if you want an even colder smoothie, stir the oatmeal after microwaving and allow to cool at least 5 minutes before blending into smoothie.


Pina Colada Smoothie
Yields 1 large smoothie


Ingredients:
1 cup Almond Milk Plus Protein, divided
1/4 cup quick oats
1 (5.3) oz Vanilla or Strawberry Nonfat Greek Yogurt
1/2 overripe banana, chilled
1/2 cup diced fresh pineapple, chilled
1/4 tsp coconut extract
5-6 ice cubes


Directions:
In a large microwave safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup Almond Milk with 1/4 cup quick oats. Microwave on high power 2 1/2 minutes. Pour cooked oat mixture into a blender along with remaining 1/2 cup almond milk, Greek yogurt, banana, pineapple and coconut extract. Blend mixture on low speed for 2 minutes or high speed for 1 minute. Add in ice cubes and puree until well blended. Serve immediately.


Nutrition:
364 calories per serving, 21 grams of protein


Recipe Source: Cooking Classy