I love smoothies. LOVE them. Especially in the summer when we have so many delicious fresh and local fruits and vegetables to throw in them. They taste amazing and give me a boost of energy to get through the day. Whether it’s before my run or after, I pretty much think any time is a good time for a smoothie.
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I keep my recipes very simple and don’t measure anything. I take whatever is on hand – in the fridge, the freezer or on the counter (fresh peaches, bananas, blueberries and strawberries are my favorites) – and mix them up in my mini blender with some vanilla soy milk or orange juice. It’s quick and yummy and never ever disappoints.
Sometimes though, even grabbing all those ingredients and throwing them in a blender is too time consuming for this busy running mom of three. Sometimes I miss out on my smoothie because I can’t handle pulling even the simplest of ingredients together. I know that sounds silly, but it’s just the truth.
When I was introduced to Vega products a few weeks ago, I have to admit I wasn’t really expecting to love them. The idea behind the Energizing Smoothies is that you just mix them with a cold dairy-free beverage like soy milk, water or juice and shake them up (no blender required) and then they are ready to drink. I honestly figured I would try that but that I would want to just add the powder to my regular smoothies in order to truly enjoy them. That was okay with me – it’s what I have done with other flavored protein powders I have tried for that same reason. I am telling you though, the Vega smoothies are the best ones I have ever ever tasted.
Vega sent me five flavors to try. I tried the Vanilla Almondilla first. I put the powder in my Blender Bottle (which I bought at Target for about $9) – it is a plastic bottle with a little stainless steel whisk ball. I mixed it with one cup of vanilla soy milk and shook it. When I tasted it I was AMAZED. It was not just tolerable or okay – it was hands down DELICIOUS! I was sad I only had one packet of it.
I felt the same way about the Choc-a-Lot flavor when I mixed it with cold soy milk. SO good.
Next I tried the Bodacious Berry. This flavor was not for me. I mixed it with cold water and I just did not love it. It wasn’t bad, but when compared to how good tasting the other two were, it was just not nearly as good. If I were to have this flavor again I would just add it to one of my awesome fresh-fruit smoothie concoctions in my mini blender for an energizing boost to that. I assumed I would feel the same way about the Oh Natural flavor, so when I used that one I added it to my smoothie and it was great. On its own, I am pretty sure I would not have loved it. I have a sweet tooth and that would just not be satisfying to me on its own. The Tropical Tango flavor was SO good when I mixed it with a cup of cold orange juice though — I would definitely have that one again.
Here is what Vega has to say about their Energizing Smoothies:
One serving of Vega Energizing Smoothie features
- Two servings of veggies
- 10 g of complete, plant-based protein
- 5 g of fiber
- 1 g of Omega-3
Just add water, shake and go!
Formulated by Brendan Brazier, vegan professional Ironman triathlete and bestselling health author on plant-based nutrition, Vega Energizing Smoothie is alkaline-forming, free from dairy, gluten and soy, and contains no added sugar, artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. Available in Bodacious Berry, Choc-a-lot, Oh Natural, Tropical Tango and Vanilla Almondilla flavors.
As someone who has a sensitive stomach and tries to stick to a plant based diet, this company is right up my alley. I am so excited to try some of their other products for this very reason. I’m really grateful that there are performance and recovery products out there that are vegan and gluten free but also high in protein because this is something I struggle with as a person and as a runner. I am always on the hunt for products I can count on and now I know Vega will be at the top of this list.
Have you ever tried Vega Energizing Smoothies or recovery drinks? Do you love smoothies as much as I do?
What are your favorite ingredients and recipes? I am especially interested in those of you who add green veggies like kale and spinach to your smoothies and would love to hear your favorite recipes that include those ingredients!
