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Smoothies are an easy and delicious way to increase your daily nutrition. Plus a sneaky method to sneak extra nutrition into picky children. I’ve put together a list of my favorite wheyfree products. Smoothie recipes are here. This strawberry-cheesecake smoothie is just as good as our old favorites.
This smoothie is very low in sugar, unlike many others. It’s also filling thanks to the extra protein from my new favorite secret ingredient… cottage cheese!
Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie: Wake them up!
I have no trouble getting the kids going in the morning when they know I’m whipping up a blender full of strawberry cheesecake smoothie. I learned long ago it’s all in the name… only I have to know how healthy it really is!
The smoothie’s creamy texture is derived from cottage cheese cultured in a similar way to cream cheese. The smoothie contains 14 grams protein. It’s a great breakfast or mid-morning treat. Plus it’s naturally gluten-free and low-fat (depending on which milk you use).
Don’t worry, the cottage cheese blends up nice and creamy (no lumps!)… cheesecake fake-out complete.
Healthy Smoothie Ingredients
What makes this smoothie different from a sweet? It’s thick and creamy like ice cream, but without all the sugar or bad for you ingredients. You can still have healthy ice-cream and eat it.
Cottage Cheese (But not Just Any Cottage cheese)
We avoid dairy for quite a while while I was getting my autoimmune disease under control and healing my son’s dairy allergy. Now, dairy products are back in our healthy recipe rotation. Since cottage cheese is cultured it’s also easier to digest than some other dairy products. We use the Good Culture brand because it’s grass-fed, organic, and has probiotics. Check local grocery stores and if they don’t have it, ask them to start carrying it!
If you don’t have cottage cheese on hand you could add some plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened vanilla yogurt. This will taste like a strawberry shake instead of the cheesecake version.
Choosing Your Milk
What you choose to drink really depends upon your own personal preferences. Raw milk from grass-fed cows can be an option for those that tolerate it. Then there’s oat, almond, or cashew milk. Use your favorite milk, I used almond. Read more here about my favorite alternative milks.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds also make an appearance in our kitchen. I keep a large bag of chia seeds on hand to make family favorites such as chia seed pudding. This recipe doesn’t call for a large amount, but these tiny seeds still really pack a punch. Chia seeds have antioxidants and protein, making them a filling snack. Additionally, they aid in hydration. All of these health benefits support a healthy body weight.
Chia seeds’ gelling effect may be beneficial to health. Researchers think that the gel action can also be found in the stomach. This gel then creates an obstacle between carbs and enzymes to slow down the conversion of sugar from carbohydrates in the stomach.
Collagen Powder
The benefits of a wholesome diet are numerous. Collagen powder that I’ve written a whole post on them. Like protein powders grass-fed collagen adds additional protein. It’s also a little more versatile than drinking bone broth, especially on hot days. Collagen, which has many of the same benefits as gelatin but dissolves in water that is colder and is easier to digest, is similar. My family consumes collagen or gelatin in one form or another every day.
Stevia
There’s some controversy over whether stevia is healthy or not. I am going The whole is better than the sum of its parts stevia debate hereIt’s not that I don’t like it, but my bottom line is that I am comfortable with using it. Maple syrup and other natural sweeteners are better than processed sugar. However, they’re really high in blood sugar spiking carbs.
Stevia though won’t spike insulin levels and has no carbs. I use the whole leaf or tinctures that are made from it, and avoid the white, highly-processed powder.
Put it all in the blender, and there you have it… enjoy!
Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie
Enjoy this tasty strawberry cheesecake smoothie, which is boosted with cottage cheese protein for a healthy morning.
Instructions
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Blend until completely smooth. Combine all ingredients in an electric blender.
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If desired, garnish with strawberries sliced and whipped cream.
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Add straws to your drink and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute ¾ cup frozen blueberries for a blueberry cheesecake take on this smoothie!
- The nutrition information was calculated using almondmilk.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 11GProtein: 19GFat: 7GSaturated fat: 2GPolyunsaturated fat: 1GMonounsaturated fat: 2GTrans Fat: 0.01GCholesterol: 18The following are some examples of the use ofSodium: 512The following are some examples of the use ofPotassium: 230The following are some examples of the use ofFiber: 3GSuGar: 7gVitamin A: 157IUVitamin C: 42The following are some examples of the use ofCalcium: 262The following are some examples of the use ofIron: 1The following are some examples of the use of
What are your favourite healthy smoothie ingredients to add? You can sneak extra fiber, protein or veggies into your smoothies.
