5 High-Protein Naturopath-Approved Smoothies

If you love smoothies but find yourself hungry an hour later, chances are they’re missing one key thing: protein.

From a naturopathic perspective, protein is essential for:

• Stable blood sugar

• Hormone balance

• Muscle repair and metabolism

• Keeping you full (and less snacky)

These five high-protein smoothies are inspired by some cult-favourite blends, gently modified to be more nutritionally complete, while still tasting indulgent. Each recipe includes options for plant-based protein or 100% whey protein powder, so you can choose what suits your body best.

Some thoughts around protein powders:

• Protein powders are a supportive tool, not a replacement for whole foods

• Ingredient quality matters — many powders contain fillers and sweeteners that can irritate the gut

• Digestibility is key: whey isolate and well-formulated plant blends tend to be better tolerated

• Plant-based proteins suit those with gut issues, acne, or dairy sensitivity - but blends are best for amino acid balance

• If protein powders cause bloating, breakouts, or nausea, it’s often a gut health clue…not a willpower issue
  

I break down what to look for, what to avoid, and the protein powders I actually recommend in clinic in more detail here: Naturopath-Approved Protein Powders

Here are my favourite smoothies - tried and tested:

• Avo protein smoothie

  Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 1 avocado

  • 1 frozen banana

  • 2 cups baby spinach

  • ½ vanilla pod (or ¼ tsp vanilla powder)

  • 1 cup coconut cream

  • 2 tbsp desiccated coconut

  • Protein boost:

    • 2 scoops plant-based vanilla protein or

    • 2 scoops 100% whey protein isolate

  Method
  Blend everything until silky smooth. Pour into glasses and top with berries and shredded coconut. Use less liquid & add ice for smoothie bowl consistency.

  P.s - leave the 2nd serving in the fridge and enjoy the next day for meal prep!

  Naturopath tip:
  The fats in avocado and coconut slow glucose absorption, making this an ideal breakfast smoothie if you’re prone to energy crashes.

• Pumpkin pie protein smoothie

  Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 1 cup steamed pumpkin (cooled)

  • 2 Medjool dates

  • ¼ cup almond butter

  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • 2 cups almond milk

  • 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (optional)

  • Protein boost:

    • 2 scoops plant-based protein (vanilla or unflavoured)

    • or 2 scoops whey protein

  Method

  Blend until thick and creamy. Save 2nd serving in the fridge for meal prep.

  Naturopath tip:
  Pumpkin seeds add zinc, which supports skin health and hormone balance—especially helpful for PMS or post-partum recovery.

• Stress less protein smoothie

  Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 2 cups blueberries

  • 2 tbsp chia seeds (soaked 10 mins)

  • 80 g soaked macadamia nuts

  • 2 tbsp melted coconut oil

  • 2 cups coconut water

  • ¼ tsp Ashwaghanda powder

  • Protein boost:

    • 2 scoops vanilla plant-based protein

    • or whey protein

  Method

  Blend until creamy. Top with extra chia seeds and a pinch of food-grade dried lavender.

  Naturopath tip:
  Lavender and Ashwaghanda supports the nervous system and may help reduce stress-related digestive symptoms.

• Apple pie protein smoothie

  Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened apple sauce

  • 1 cup almond milk

  • ½ cup soaked cashews

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp allspice

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

  • 2 Medjool dates

  • Protein boost:

    • 2 scoops plant-based protein

    • or whey protein

  Method

  Blend until thick and creamy. Top with chopped macadamias and a drizzle of maple syrup.

  Naturopath tip:
  Cinnamon helps improve insulin sensitivity, making this a great choice for afternoon cravings.

• Anti-inflammatory protein smoothie

  Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 2 frozen bananas

  • 1 frozen mango cheek

  • ½ tsp ground turmeric

  • 2 cm fresh ginger

  • Handful of soaked macadamia nuts

  • 2 Medjool dates

  • 2 cups coconut milk

  • Protein boost:

    • 2 scoops plant-based protein

    • or 2 scoops whey protein

  Method

  Blend well until completely smooth.

  Naturopath tip:
  Turmeric absorption improves when paired with fats - this smoothie naturally ticks that box.

Want more naturopath-approved recipes like this?

Follow along or book a consult to personalise nutrition that actually works for your body…not trends.

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