Peanut Butter Banana Bliss Protein Smoothie

So we all have our favorite foods that we can eat nearly everyday and never get tired of it. I just happen to love smoothies, I do mix it up a lot but this is one of my favorite protein smoothies.

This high protein smoothie will quickly become a favorite! It literally taste like a milk shake. 

One of my new favorite ingredients that really transforms a smoothie from good to great is xanthan gum. Weird name but this gluten free natural food thickner really make smoothies creamy and smooth. 

Another thing that makes smoothies creamier and thick is frozen banana. You can use a banana that is not frozen but If you get the chance to freeze them ahead a time definitely do. It makes a difference.

I take bananas that are almost too brown to eat (right before they get mushy) and slice them and place in a freezer baggy. Try to make sure they are laying flat in the bag and don't freeze stuck together. 

A third thing that I think makes this smoothie great is PB2 great peanut butter flavor but a lot less calories.

This is the protein I use for this smoothie but you could also use a vanilla protein powder. 

Recipe:

 8-10 ice cubes

1 scoop of peanut butter cookie dough protein powder

1/2 tsp. xanthan gum

1/2 tsp vanilla extract 

1 tsp. truvia

1 sliced frozen banana

2 Tb. PB2 

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1/3 cup water (if needed) 

Directions:

Throw it all in a blender, blend, pour and drink!

Makes 1 smoothie

340 calories and 30 grams of protein! 

Enjoy!- Kristen