As a fitness enthusiast with multiple food allergies, I often rely on hemp-based protein shakes for fuel. Every bodybuilder knows that protein is essential for growth but that protein doesn’t necessarily have to come from meat at each and every meal. Most body building diets are very acidic with few alkaline protein sources. High protein diets also do not have a lot of fiber. One of the main complaints about the Atkins diets is frequent constipation. Hemp protein satisfies both the hippie chick and athlete inside me. The hippie chick loves that hemp is a green, full of fiber, vegan, alkaline and raw food. The athlete in me likes that hemp is a highly digestive source of protein that is great for building muscle and recovery.
Hemp is also allergy free. I don’t experience the bloating, headaches and runny nose like I do when I consume whey protein powders. Soy is another allergen that is high in estrogen. While most male athletes are interested in developing their pecks I don’t think they want “man boobs”. Rice Protein is certainly one of the most allergy free proteins on the market but in my opinion it’s also one of the worst tasting.
Here are a few ways to incorporate hemp protein into your diet:
For all protein shake recipes place wet ingredients in a blender first, then dry and blend. I frequently use a superfood known as mesquite meal which is a meal made by finely milling the seeds and pods of the Mesquite Tree. Mesquite meal has a warm, butterscotch-like flavor that works well with vanilla bean or raw cacao. I admit when I don’t feel like cooking I will have one of these shakes for dinner.
Basic Chocolate Protein Shake
- 1 serving of Chocolate Living Harvest Temp Hempmilk
- 1-2 TBS raw cacao, cocoa powder or carob (carob is naturally sweet so you may want to stick with just 1 TBS)
- 1 serving of Living Harvest Protein Powder
- A frozen banana (slice first before freezing)
- 3-4 ice cubes
To upgrade this shake add one or more of the following:
- 1 TBS Maca powder
- 1-2 Mesquite meal
- A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice
- A pinch of sea salt
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1 scoop of Tempt Chocolate Fudge Frozen Dessert
You could even add a dash of cayenne for a spicy chocolate version
Tahini-Vanilla
- 1 serving of Vanilla Living Harvest Temp Hempmilk
- 1 serving of Living Harvest Protein Powder
- 1-2 TBS Tahini
- 1-2 TBS Mesquite meal
- 3-4 ice cubes
Banana-Cinnamon
- 1 serving of Living Harvest Vanilla Spice Protein Powder
- 1 serving of Vanilla Living Harvest Temp Hempmilk
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp of cinnamon
- 1 TBS agave nectar
- 3-4 ice cubes *Add 1 cup of Tempt Vanilla Bean Frozen Dessert for a more decadent version of this shake
Green Smoothie
- 1 serving of Original Living Harvest Temp Hempmilk
- 1 serving of Living Harvest Protein Powder
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 avocado
- Handful of chopped spinach *If this shake is not sweet enough for you add more of the frozen banana
Low Sugar Shake
- 1 serving of Unsweetened Living Harvest Temp Hempmilk
- 1 serving of Living Harvest Protein Powder
- 1-2 TBS carob powder
- 1 tsp alcohol free vanilla extract
- 1 TBS chia seeds
- 1-2 TBS Tahini
- 1 TBS stevia
Tips: If it is not sweet enough add 1 more TBS of agave nectar or 1 tsp of stevia. If it is too sweet add some healthy fat like your favorite nut butter. If it’s too thick add a bit more hemp milk
High Protein Hot Cereal
This recipe is great in cold weather months or if you find yourself in an overly cold air conditioned room this summer.
Add 2 TBS of Living Harvest Vanilla Spice to a bowl of your favorite oatmeal or gluten free hot cereal (such as brown rice or buckwheat). Mix well. If you feel it needs to be sweeter add 1 TBS of agave nectar or a dash of stevia. You can experiment and add chia seeds, hemp oil, nuts or dried fruit.
I encourage you to play with your food. 1-2 TBS of Living Harvest protein powder can be add to soups, salad dressings, dips, pesto, or even mixed in nut butters.
