This lightly sweet smoothie is packed with protein and is the perfect way to start the day!
I love smoothies because they are easy, convenient and healthy. But let's be honest, making the same smoothie daily can get boring.
Yawn. I've tried mixing up what fruit I am using.
I've tried using different vegetables and nut butters. Eh. Still feeling bored.
And then I remembered an oldie-but-a-goodie, my Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothie. I love adding oats to my smoothies because it makes them thicker and adds a wonderful texture.
And that's when it hit me, why not add quinoa instead?
We all know that quinoa is a seed that is loaded with plant-based protein, right? But have you tried quinoa flakes before?
Basically they look just like oats but they are quinoa instead. I know, absolutely brilliant!
Quinoa, very much like oatmeal, adds so much thickness and creaminess. I am so sure you will love it.
These quinoa flakes are so versatile. I love them for breakfast (picture it looking just like oatmeal), adding them to meatballs, using them in my overnight oats and now SMOOTHIES!
They add a wonderful thick texture and most of all, protein!
Three cheers for protein!
I am always looking for easy ways to add more protein to my diet. Protein helps build muscles and helps to keep you full.
And isn't it so easy to just eat carbohydrates all day long? It might be easy, but it will make you feel sluggish and tired.
It isn't always easy to balance it all, but I always try my hardest. No day is perfect but just try your best.
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 banana frozen
- ½ cup quinoa flakes
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
- cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Blend all of the ingredients except cinnamon in a blender until smooth.
- Top with cinnamon if desired. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a day for guaranteed freshness.
So why not try this today and break yourself out of YOUR smoothie rut?
I know you will love this so much and it is always good to mix up routines. Sometimes I need to be reminded of that because there are times where I can eat the same breakfast, lunch, snack or smoothie for days, maybe even weeks.
Does anyone else do that?
It's partly because I am lazy, partly because I just like it that much and partly because I know I already love it and it works.
And I think you can all relate to that and we all need great reminders to mix it up.
With that being said, if you have any delicious smoothie recipes you'd like to share. I am always looking for new recipes so please pass them my way.
Please let me know if you make this smoothie or any of my other recipes. I always love to hear from you!
Thank you for stopping by!
best omega masticating juicer
healthiest smoothie. loved it
lauren.kelly
Yay! Thank you!
Natalie Ellis
Using quinoa in many recipes is the exactly way I do in these days. Yummy ad Healthy!!
lauren.kelly
I love it too, Natalie! Thanks for stopping by!
Desiree
I'm off to the health market right now to pick some up! Can't wait to try this in the morning. 🙂
lauren.kelly
I hope you like it Desiree!
Karyn @ Pint Sized Baker
I'll have to look for flakes next time I'm in the store. Sounds like a great way to change up my smoothie and get a little extra punch in it!
lauren.kelly
Yes you need to try them!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
I do have quinoa flakes but never use them! Are yours crunchy? I just can't get past the crunchy bit. And this smoothie looks delicious. 🙂
lauren.kelly
No mine aren't crunchy, they have the same texture as oats Erin!
Megan Keno
I love this idea! I would have never thought to incorporate quinoa into a smoothie!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Megan!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes
I'll have to look for the quinoa flakes next time I grocery shop - never heard of them before! This looks like a great smoothie to try...I always make the same ones over and over and need to switch it up!
lauren.kelly
Thank you Ashley!
Kim Beaulieu
Dude, I didn't even know these existed. The flakes, not the smoothie. Bah ha ha. I need to scope out my local grocery store to see if they have them. Likely not because I live in the culinary black hole. I suppose I could order them from Amazon, right? Going on my "to try" list. My IBS can actually tolerate quinoa pretty well, which surprises me quite frankly. Anyhow, totally trying this, because....coconut. My favourite kind of smoothie.
lauren.kelly
Yes! Try them Kim, I bet you like them and they are so versatile!
Kristen @A Mind Full MOm
Love this Lauren--will be making soon 🙂
lauren.kelly
Thanks Kristen!
lauren.kelly
I hope you like it!
Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen
What a great idea! I love using quinoa flakes in granola bars, but never thought about putting them in a smoothie...it's happening soon. These sound like the perfect way to start the day.
lauren.kelly
Thanks Heather!