The daily food routine can get old quickly, and if you’re anything like us, you’re always looking for a new breakfast or lunch idea.

This Vegan Chocolate Protein Shake recipe is courtesy of the Longevity Coffee® Shop and is one of their best selling drinks! Whether you need a pick me up after a workout, a delicious meal replacement, or a great new idea to slip into your kid’s lunchbox, this recipe is sure to hit the spot by offering more than 20g of energy-rich, plant-based protein!

Do I really need protein in my smoothie?

Yes! Next to water, protein makes up the greatest portion of your body weight.

Protein helps you grow muscles and tendons, build strong tissues and ligament, and repair cellular damage. It allows you to move, bend, and stretch without pain. The most abundant protein in your body is collagen which contributes to shiny hair, smooth skin, strong nails, healthy bones, and keeps your tendons and ligaments supple. If you didn’t consume protein, your organs, bones, and muscles couldn’t function properly… you wouldn’t be able to make the neurotransmitters in your brain that keep you feeling happy and balanced…you also wouldn’t be able to make the insulin in your pancreas, or the thyroxine secreted by your thyroid.

Literally, every single function in your body relies on protein because your CELLS rely on the amino acids within protein to function.

What’s an Amino Acid?

The amino acids in protein are what your cells actually use as building blocks for all the vital tasks they perform in your body.

Protein is made up of 22 amino acids, in addition to hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and sometimes phosphorus and sulfur. Of the 22 amino acids that form protein, only 13 are created by your body – the remaining 9 must be taken in through your food, which is why protein smoothies are so fortifying and nutritious!

Both animal products and plant-based products offer protein. We recommend plant-based because they are highly digestible and fully able to be utilized by your body. Milk-based proteins like whey and casein are favorite sources for manufacturers to put into protein powders because they are inexpensive, but unfortunately, your body doesn’t process these appropriately for nourishment. Over time they can end up causing inflammation and digestive problems.

Not all Protein Powders are created equal.

Protein powders are one of the most consumed supplements in the country, and yet they are mostly unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

This means that while you are drinking down your lunch, you can also be getting a hefty dose of lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, artificial flavors and colors, GMOs, processed soy, synthetic nutrients, and toxic chemical sweeteners.

In addition, the majority of the powders on the market are heat processed to high temperatures, which twists the proteins, stopping your body from processing them as a food source. Instead of providing you with energy to power your cells, they cause inflammation, digestive pains, bloating, dehydration, and open the door for cellular disease.

We highly recommend making this smoothie with the Food for the Immortals® Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder. Why? Not only does it offer 20g of highly digestible plant-based protein, but it also offers superfoods, six immunologically significant mushroom extracts, 3 probiotic strains, and a host of digestive enzymes. This makes it incredibly unique AND incredibly nutritious.

Medicinal Mushrooms: Total Body Supporters

Medicinal mushrooms are potent, full-body herbal assistants for our health and longevity.

The proprietary blend of medicinal mushrooms in the Food for the Immortals® protein powder includes Reishi, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Maitake, Agaricus Blazei, and Turkey Tail. This power-packed sextuplet is perhaps the most nutrient-dense mushroom blend on the planet! Combined, these medicinal mushrooms provide the following benefits:

• Respiratory system support*
• Nervous system support*
• Immune system support*
• Cardiovascular system support*
• Healthy aging and longevity*
• Healthy weight*
• Improved athletic performance and stamina*
• Physical energy*
• Healthy cellular functioning*

Probiotics: Digestive and Immune System Helpers

Probiotics are living beneficial microorganisms in your digestive tract that keep your digestion moving and your immune system strong.

The Food for the Immortals® protein powder is specially formulated with three impressive probiotic strains: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Bifidobacterium lactis.

Lactobacillus acidophilus: One of the most important colonizers in the small intestine, this probiotic supports nutrient absorption, vitamin K production, lactase production for dairy digestion, and also supports the urinary tract and female reproductive system.

Bifidobacterium lactis: One of the most versatile and hardworking probiotic strains, this probiotic supports the immune system, the digestive system, the respiratory system, healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and promotes healthy bacteria in saliva.

Lactobacterium plantarum: Supporting the overall balance of gut flora, this probiotic provides specific immune system and digestive support to the colon and the intestines. It supports overall health and well-being, particularly in combination with the other two probiotics listed above.

Beneficial Enzymes: Metabolic and Digestive Superstars

Unlike a lot of protein powder, Food for the Immortals® is loaded with beneficial enzymes, including protease, amylase, beta-glucanase, bromelain, papain, and more. Enzymes support metabolic and digestive health, providing the building blocks for energy production in all the cells in the body. Chronic digestive and metabolic issues have been linked to diabetes, obesity, depression, immune disorders, skin disorders, chronic fatigue, and more.

Many of the whole, healthy foods you eat contain live enzymes. However, cooking or over-processing can kill off these essential compounds. If your diet is low in raw, organic vegetables, then your body may not produce adequate digestive enzymes. Including a dose of digestive enzymes in a single serving protein drink like this one can support overall digestive health.*

Okay, let’s get to it! Here’s the recipe:

Vegan Chocolate Protein Shake

Recipe by: Longevity Coffee® Shop

Ingredients:

4 Ice Cubes
1 cup of your favorite Nutmilk
1 frozen Banana (if you don’t have a frozen banana, use a regular banana and add more ice)
20 g of Food for the Immortals® Vegan Chocolate Protein Powder
1 TBSP of Peanut Butter or Almond Butter
1 oz or 2 oz Espresso Shot (optional)

Blend the ingredients together, pour into your glass, and enjoy!

Give this recipe a try and then let us know what you think in the comments below.