high-protein banana bread smoothie

Banana bread smoothie that is packed with protein.

If you are looking for an easy, delicious and quick recipe that packs a nutritional punch but also helps with your fitness goals, then this high-protein banana bread smoothie recipe is for you!

I was working at home one day while my kids kept begging me for another snack, you know, their 20th snack of the day and it was only 11 AM. I just made them a snack 45 minutes before but I was starting to get a little hungry myself and thought about making a smoothie to tide us all over so I could get another hour of work done. Then came this perfect creation!

Is banana bread bad for you?

I want to start off by addressing a question I get a lot, is banana bread bad for you? First of all, there are so many banana bread recipes out there it is really hard to answer without identifying the key differences, the quality of ingredients.

Traditional banana bread can be loaded with white flour and refined sugar, offering little if any nutritional value and a snack that is sure to spike your blood sugar. However, one of my husbands favourite snacks is banana bread and I have been able to make some healthy ingredient substitutions that up the nutritional factor of your standard banana bread recipe.

The quality of ingredients is really the differentiator between a healthy nutritious snack packed with antioxidants, fibre and protein or a snack lacking in nutrition. Thankfully, this banana bread smoothie is not only good for you but can aid in your weight loss goals or maintenance as well.

Vegan, gluten-free, optional nut-free Banana bread smoothie

This recipe is not only packed with nutrition but is also vegan and gluten-free. There are so many people that are sensitive to nut allergies that I always want to provide options that work for everyone!

Nuts can be omitted and substituted for sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or nut/seed-free as well. Since my youngest two have been battling a peanut allergy for years, I understand the need for versatile recipes. You can omit these ingredients and still have a delicious smoothie that is sure to become a family favorite.

Banana bread smoothie ingredients

The ingredients in this recipe are simple and are likely staple items in your pantry. You can also mix it up with what you have on hand. This high protein banana bread smoothie is made more filling with a high-quality protein powder such as this one. In my experience as an expert in holistic nutrition, it is easier to reach your weight loss goals when you increase your protein. Protein takes longer to digest and therefore leaves you feeling fuller for longer.

• Frozen Banana (or fresh)
• Almond Milk
• Rolled Oats
• Pecans
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Plant-based protein powder

Bananas are a staple in my house and I usually keep some frozen at all times in the freezer specifically for smoothies. If you use fresh bananas in this recipes you can add 1/2 cup of ice to the smoothie as well.

For the oats, you can use quick oats if you have them. I have switched to buying gluten-free rolled oats as they are less processed and I can blitz them in the dry blender or food processor a bit if I have a recipe that requires quick oats. You can also use gluten-free oats if you have a sensitivity.

Oats are an excellent source of beta-glucan which is a specific type of dietary fibre that can improve blood sugar levels, insulin resistance and cholesterol levels. Cinnamon is also a great anti-inflammatory making it a perfect natural flavour booster!

Kid-friendly and family approved

This smoothie recipe is delicious but after serving it to my kids, I knew it was a huge hit! They drank the whole thing and kept saying how much they loved it! I love finding great recipes that work with my fitness goals and that my kids and family love.

This high-protein banana bread smoothie makes a great breakfast, mid day snack and is perfect to tide you over until the next meal.