It’s getting to be hot in Northern Cali – yes, it’s about time, but I still love cold weather and all things sweaters … which means I am fighting it and still wearing boots and sweaters. The 90’s will get to me soon and I won’t be able to stand it and will succumb to the capris and sandals. But I do agree with others that when it gets hot out you want something cool to enjoy. Especially when it’s hot and you do your run outside? Oh man, cold and refreshing is what you are really after. I hope you get to beat back the heat with this vegan and gluten-free Tropical Protein Fruit Smoothie.

I’m not usually a smoothie person, I’d rather just eat the ingredients as they are, but when it gets hot in the house and you just got a ton of vitamin D outside then a smoothie with protein is perfect. I also am not one of those people who like to spend a lot of time on my smoothies – I love a big ole blender full of a smoothie if I’m having one, just not adding a ton of stuff. A soup? Yep, I’ll add everything in the fridge to it. A smoothie? As few ingredients as possible. Simplicity is what I want in my smoothie. Simplicity also means less calories – well, in my mind anyway but you can sure add calories with few ingredients (“milk”shake anyone?).

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So this smoothie is just minimal ingredients and maximum enjoyment. Make it cold with frozen mango – which I never buy or eat but do enjoy. Cold canned pineapple – because who doesn’t love snacking on cold pineapple? One scoop or package of vanilla protein powder – I don’t normally eat vanilla protein powder, because when I drink protein shakes (which in my mind are different than smoothies because my shakes are full of ice) I want chocolate so I never buy vanilla. But chocolate with tropical flavors? Uhm, no.Then just top off with unsweetened almond vanilla milk and let whirl in a blender. No sugar, gluten, soy, or dairy, but full of flavor … and yes, it turns out green. I always expect vanilla protein powder to be white, but every time it surprises me when I rip the packet open.

Tropical Protein Fruit Smoothie,

1 C Frozen Mango
1 C Dole Crushed Pineapple, with juice
1 Packet Vega Vanilla Protein Powder
1 C Silk Unsweetened Almond Vanilla Milk

1. Dump all ingredients into a blender.
2. Pulse and blend until smooth.
3. Enjoy!