Gail’s Healthier Chocolate Protein Smoothie

Mornings can be busy, and is often the time of day when people skimp out of a healthy meal.

Most working professionals will skip breakfast all together or grab something greasy on the go – not exactly the best way to fuel you for the rest of the day!

One woman who is no stranger to the demands of the morning rush is Gail Lerch, Hawaii Pacific Health executive vice president of Human Resources, Organizational Development and General Services.

Hawaii Pacific Health Executive Vice President of Human Resources Gail Lerch often makes this protein-packed chocolate smoothie as a healthy breakfast option during the work week. If she has the ingredients at the office, she'll use her 'Healthier Hawaii' handheld blender to mix everything up!

However, rather than fall into either of the above categories, Gail plans ahead and enjoys a healthy, satisfying breakfast on her way to the office with her very own Healthier Chocolate Protein Smoothie.

“This recipe is one of my favorites. It can be a quick and easy breakfast to take and go, or enjoyed at home,” Gail says.

This recipe is one of my favorites. It can be a quick and easy breakfast to take and go, or enjoyed at home.”

Gail says she got the inspiration for her smoothie based on a similar one found at a popular smoothie store chain that makes a much richer and higher-calorie version.

“I substituted lighter, healthier ingredients and now can enjoy my smoothie guilt-free any time,” Gail says, noting you also can add fresh strawberries or blueberries to the smoothie for a fruitier taste.

Gail’s Healthier Chocolate Protein Smoothie

Serves 1

Ingredients:

1 banana, cut up

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 teaspoon almond butter (or nut butter of your choice)

1 handful crushed ice

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

2. Pour into a large glass and enjoy!

Nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 317; Carbohydrates: 42.1g; Protein: 17.3g; Total Fat: 9.2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Dietary Fiber: 11.6g; Sodium: 322mg

Published on: March 27, 2018