Animal-Based Easily-Digestible Protein Smoothie Recipes

Did you know the average 12oz smoothie at Smoothie King has 50g of added sugar and only 5g of protein????? That is crazy given the recommended daily intake of added sugar is less than 30g a day.

I used to loooove my Smoothie King carrot and kale smoothie. I would actually go on a run (after skipping breakfast) then stop by SK for my “healthy” green drink. I thought I was killing it guys. Turns out, there was very little protein, lots of raw veggies, and added ingredients like sugary juices, gums, thickeners, and plant protein powder that was overall wrecking my digestion. 

This was really before the animal-based craze started and we all thought kale was a superfood. While leafy greens can be great when cooked, raw kale and spinach can be tough to digest due to its high fiber content, specifically cellulose. It also contains raffinose, a type of sugar that the stomach and small intestine struggle to break down, leading to fermentation in the large intestine causing gas and bloating. ALSO, raw kale's fibrous nature and potential glucosinolates, especially for individuals with hypothyroidism, can make it less digestible.

Of course now, I always pick animal-protein over plant protein. However, I do think we can benefit from cooked veggies for their mineral content and fiber alongside meat and healthy fats. 

As a mom, I have realized it is a struggle to get in enough protein or simply enough calories throughout the day, especially when my husband is gone a lot…hello survival mode! 

So I have started to add in more smoothies for quick on the go fuel that doesn't leave me feeling bloated, needing to run to the bathroom, or crashing my blood sugar. 

When it comes to smoothies, I build them like I do a regular meal. I always include animal protein, healthy fats, and a carb source. It is also a great way to add in some extra minerals! 

Lately I have been loving adding in cream of tartar (potassium), Celtic salt (sodium and trace minerals), or even Mt. Capra Whey Minerals (electrolytes and trace minerals). I also add in Perfect Supplement’s collagen (discount code bewellshel) if I don’t put it in my coffee. 

Here are a few of my go-to smoothie recipes I incorporate throughout the week (notice I don’t use any kale, spinach, nuts or seeds)! 

My favorite way to add in protein is to use the unflavored Equip protein powder made with beef isolate (no, it doesn’t taste like beef). Most protein powders are made with plant protein (not a complete protein source) and other added ingredients like gums and emulsifiers that hurt your microbiome and really mess with digestion. 

You can order the protein powder here and use my discount code bewellshel at checkout.

Alright, here are the recipes! 

Berries & Cream Smoothie

-1 cup of frozen organic berries

-1/2 cup of coconut water (no sugar added)

-1 cup of raw milk (from goat, sheep, or A2 cow), or additive-free coconut milk

-¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt or kefir

-1 scoop of Unflavored Equip Protein

Banana Bread Protein Smoothie

-1 cup of frozen bananas

-1 cup of raw milk (from goat, sheep, or A2 cow), or additive-free coconut milk

-¼ cup of plain Greek yogurt or kefir

-1 pinch of Ceylon cinnamon

-1 tbsp of real maple syrup

-2 raw egg yolks (skip the whites when raw, they can cause inflammation)

-1 scoop of Unflavored Equip Protein 

Pina Colada Protein Smoothie

-1 cup of frozen pineapple

-1/2 cup of coconut water (no sugar added)

-1 cup of raw milk (from goat, sheep, or A2 cow), or additive-free coconut milk

-½ cup of plain Greek yogurt or kefir

-1 scoop of Unflavored Equip Protein (optional but adds protein)

Multi-Mineral Smoothie

-1 cup of frozen bananas

-½ large avocado

-1 cup of frozen organic mixed berries (or fruit of your choice)

-2 raw egg yolks (skip the whites when raw, they can cause inflammation)

-1 scoop of Mt Capra Clean Electrolytes or 1/2 tsp of cream of tartar and pinch of Celtic salt

-1 cup of raw milk (from goat, sheep, or A2 cow), or additive-free coconut milk

-1 cup of coconut water (no sugar added)

Creamsicle (Adrenal Cocktail) Smoothie

-1/2 cup of coconut water (no sugar added)

-1/2 cup of orange juice

-1/2 cup of raw milk (from goat, sheep, or A2 cow), or additive-free coconut milk

-1 scoop of collagen powder

-pinch of Celtic salt

-1/4 tsp of cream of tartar or Mt. Capra Clean Electrolytes (or both for added potassium)

-1/2 cup of Greek yogurt or kefir

Hidden Liver Smoothie (great for kids too)

-1/4 cup of kefir

-½ cup of raspberries

-2 bananas

-1 oz. frozen liver chopped or Perfect Supplements beef liver or multi-organ powder

-2 raw egg yolks (skip the whites when raw, they can cause inflammation)

-juice from half a lemon

-pinch of Ceylon cinnamon

-pinch of Celtic salt

-1 tbsp of real maple syrup

-1 cup ice (if fruit is not frozen)

I hope you love these recipes! Remember just because a smoothie is green or a pretty color doesn’t mean it’s always nutrient dense. Sometimes the best ones are just beige lol! 

P.s. if you are dealing with hypothyroidism, I would not recommend adding in ice. Cold drinks may further impede digestion, particularly in individuals with compromised digestive systems, leading to potential discomfort, bloating, or sluggishness. Cold drinks can also further lower body temperature, potentially worsening the feeling of being cold and uncomfortable for those with hypothyroidism. 

It's okay if your fruit is frozen because I know a luke-warm smoothie is not ideal...