I often get made fun of for my “cup problem” at work. Between coffee cups and water bottles my desk is often covered. The truth is each one has it’s own purpose… to an extent. Just roll with me on this one. For a long time I was relying heavily on my favorite green smoothie. Fresh fruit is finally in season so green smoothies have been rare this summer. Lately I’ve been changing it up to my favorite chocolate protein smoothie I relied so heavily on last summer.
Protein Smoothies Are Great For Breakfast
It took me a long time to buy into the idea of adding more protein to my diet. Being pregnant with Baby B really changed my perspective.
Flash back to last summer. In the midst of the heat, being pregnant and pretty much hating all meat I was really struggling on a daily basis. My labs were normal but overall I was dizzy & could barely make it through a day. One of the nurse practitioners laid into me on how I was eating. I could eat fruits and vegetables all day long but I was getting almost no protein. She suggested adding in at least one, if not two shakes a day.
An old co-worker had run across Orgain Organic Protein powders awhile ago and I had saved it off on Amazon. It was approved by my doctor so I decided to order a tub of the Creamy Chocolate Fudge. Chocolate milk did sound pretty good to me.
I was drinking my green smoothies for lunch so I decided to start rotating in a protein smoothie for breakfast. By adding just a few other ingredients I was able to make a filling breakfast AND actually get some protein…without the ongoing feeling of morning sickness.
These days as I have been working off the baby weight, I’ve been struggling with the right balance of food. I never thought I would make a protein smoothie into a meal. To be honest, I was in the habit of drinking a protein shake, two eggs, half of an avocado and a piece of toast for breakfast. Then I wondered why I didn’t feel great all morning. I was eating way too much.
Once I cut back to a piece of fruit and a protein smoothie my mornings took a complete turn. I had room in my stomach for a cup of coffee and my morning snack. In a weird twist I found that I actually had more energy..
An added bonus to it all…I felt like I was drinking a chocolate milkshake for breakfast but it was actually healthy!
Caffeinated Chocolate Protein Smoothie
I’m all about treating yourself. As the summer went on last year I started craving the protein smoothies. They still didn’t fulfill my entire day’s worth of protein I was supposed to be eating but it was a great start. Now this caffeinated chocolate protein smoothie is a great post workout breakfast.
Healthy Human Life 20oz Cruiser – Nutribullet – Orgain Organic Protein Powder – Chia Seeds
Typically when I make the chocolate protein smoothie I keep the coffee to a minimum because I like my smoothie’s thicker. You could easily add more caffeine by switching it from a 6oz cup of coffee to a shot of espresso or an 8-10oz cup of coffee. Since I drink more than one cup of coffee on a typical day, I don’t mind making my protein smoothie only slightly caffeinated.
Seriously, these chocolate protein smoothies are THAT easy!
What do you typically eat for breakfast? What is your favorite type of smoothie?
I only recently realised myself that adding more protein to my diet is a great way to maintain and/or lose weight. I love your smoothie recipe and will give it a try. Thank you for sharing!
Definitely try it! It really can help you with weight. It’s all about what kind of food you’re eating!
This looks delish! I’m totally going to have to try this. I’m a vegetarian, and I am always looking for yummy protein smoothies. PS. LOVE your logo–it’s so darling.
Ohh Check out the Orgain powders! They are 100% vegan! Thank you!
Ummm a caffeinated smoothie…could I be more in LOVE?!? I will be trying this first thing tomorrow morning!
I love adding protein powder to coffee, sounds great!
Sounds great! I’ve been making a coffee protein smoothie of sorts lately as well- so good and filling! I’ll have to try this one 🙂
Love this! I’m trying to add in more shakes to my diet so I’m less inclined to skip meals… Thanks for sharing! 🙂
This smoothie looks so delicious. i especially like the hint of caffeine. I cant wait to try it.
So clever. I make smoothies all the time but need to add a kick!
I love the idea of adding a bit of caffeine to a protein smoothie. How have I not considered this idea before? It’s genius! It would taste delicious too, a bit like a mocha.
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I know breakfast is so important, but I don’t eat it! I’m just not hungry in the mornings! I might be able to do a smoothie though, and I like the idea of including some caffeine, so I’ll have to try this one!