I had a client who loved his protein powders. Loved them. He drank two shakes a day, every day—like clockwork.
I get it. Protein powders are convenient. They’re marketed as the ultimate shortcut to strength, energy, and muscle recovery. But here’s the catch: convenience often comes at a cost. Protein powders are highly processed. Processed is processed.
When I suggested he try a whole-food smoothie instead, you’d have thought I’d asked him to give up his firstborn child. He didn’t believe a smoothie could deliver the same protein punch without the powders.
Challenge accepted.
I set out to create a smoothie that was:
- High in protein (over 20 grams, to be exact).
- Made entirely from real, whole foods.
- Easy to digest—because what good is protein if your body struggles to use it?
And here it is. A nutrient-dense, clean smoothie packed with plant-based protein that fuels your body and eliminates cleanly (no sticky buildup here).
Berry Energized Protein Smoothie
Real Protein. Real Food. No Powders. No Compromise.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup raw cauliflower, chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup blackberries or blueberries
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 teaspoons spirulina
- 1 teaspoon maca
- Stevia to taste
How to Make It:
- Add the almond milk to your blender as the base.
- Toss in the cauliflower, spinach, blackberries (or blueberries), and avocado.
- Add the pumpkin seeds, spirulina, and maca for that protein punch.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Taste, and add stevia if you want a little sweetness.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately!
Why It Works (And Why I’m Obsessed)
- 23 Grams of Protein—From Whole Foods
Pumpkin seeds and spirulina are MVPs here. You get plant-based protein without fillers, chemicals, or mystery ingredients. - Supports Energy and Digestion
Fiber from cauliflower, spinach, and berries keeps things moving (literally), while antioxidants and healthy fats fuel your cells and mitochondria. - It’s Clean. Really Clean.
Unlike processed powders that can leave your digestive system struggling, every ingredient here is real food that is easy for your body to use and eliminate.
Gil Jacobs, often called the Godfather of hydrocolonic therapy, has performed over 100,000 colonics. When we spoke, he shared this insight:
“Poorly digested protein powders can contribute to digestive buildup over time.”
While this is anecdotal, it’s worth considering.
Why Whole Foods Win
Whole foods are the smarter choice for lasting energy and strength. They don’t just deliver protein—they come with fiber, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and co-factors, perfectly packaged by nature to work together to fuel your body’s ability to thrive.
So, here’s to breaking up with powders—and falling in love with food that loves you back.
Let me know if this smoothie wins you over. My client? He’s a convert.
Sip clean. Feel strong. Eliminate well.
Whole foods fuel better. Simple as that.
