This is a super-filling smoothie that is great after a workout to help replenish amino acids, or as an afternoon snack. I think chia seeds are one of the best foods out there, and I eat them almost daily. They have replaced ground flaxseeds as my daily seed. Chia seeds supply protein, fiber, Omega 3 fats, minerals and long-burning fuel.
I don’t recommend soy or whey (diary) protein powders, but I love brown rice and raw hemp protein powders. This smoothie supplies 18+ grams (may be more, depending on what protein powder you use) of easily assimilated plant protein into your body.
If you don’t have access to acai packets, which would be in the refrigerated section of your health store, just omit it, and add a bit more vanilla and cinnamon, for a vanilla-flavored drink. Enjoy!
Ingredients (one 24-ounce serving):
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk or water, or a 50/50 combination
- 1/4 cup hemp or brown rice protein powder
- 1-2 Tbs. chia seeds (These are the Chia Seeds I recommend)
- 1/2 frozen acai smoothie packet
- Liquid stevia to sweeten
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
Add the almond milk and/or water to the blender first, then the other ingredients. Blend until smooth.
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Any additional recommendations for getting enough healthy protein as an athlete? My trainers are encouraging me to go Paleo for energy but meat (4) meals a day wreaks havoc on my skin and body.
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I can’t wait to make this because I can now use my “HEMP FORCE” protein powder with Ingredients of hemp protein, hemp hearts, cacao, maca root, vanilla extract, stevia leaf from ONNIT. I have a feelings this will go very well with the other ingredients of this smoothie!! Thanks- KS
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Cant wait to try this smooothie after my next workout.
Does anyone know if there is a limit to the number of smoothies one should have a day – sugar content wise?
I am currently having 2-3 and really enjoy them but a bit concerned about too much sugar…thanks
Here is my green protein smoothie recipe that I’ve been using every morning for the last 5 years. I guess I should switch it up, but it tastes so good!
Ingredients:
2 large chard leaves
handful of spinach
1 banana
1/2 apple
1/4 cup frozen or fresh berries of choice
1/2 cup orange juice or water
3 tablespoons Raw Organic Whey protein (raworganicwhey.com)
Bend it all in a blender and it’s an amazing way to start the day.
Before you spam you should understand the premise of the website!
What brand of hemp protein powder do you recommend?
HI, KIM, I DONT HAVE THE ACAI POWDER WHAT OTHER INGREDIENT CAN I USE INSTEAD?
THANKS!
LULU
try to use bilberries. Quite close taste
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Hi All,
Talking about hemp…. Is hemp milk safe to use for kids (ages 3+) on a daily bases? My kids love pourridge in the morning and I’m looking for a more nutritious alternative than rice milk. I live in Europe and almond milk costs here about 12-14 us$ for a gallon (plus most of them have cornsyrup added)……
Ány opinion is helpful.
Thnxxx!
I make my own almond milk by soaking 1/2 cup raw, shelled almonds overnight, drain, then add them to a blender with about a cup of water, a banana and a little bit of vanilla. Super yummy. Makes about one serving. In a pinch or if you don’t want to soak almonds, take 1 tablespoon of almond butter, a cup of water one small banana and a bit of vanilla, blend until smooth. Add whatever you want to it to make it into a smoothie, you can also use chia gel instead of a banana to thicken it if you don’t like the banana flavor. Hope that helps!
Howdy,
What do you have to say about Isopure and their natures best line of protein powders/ drinks? In most of their products, they have completely separated the protein from the whey, so it dissolves clear and almost tasteless in water, and is zero carb or very low carb so that you can add your own carbohydrates to your diet. Totally gluten free/ preservative free. I was wondering if you could look into Isopure, for those of us like myself who have VERY physically demanding jobs, and are trying to build muscle as well as loose body fat.
Hi Kim – why don’t you recommend whey or soy protein powder?
Hi Kimberly,I have Candida and cannot have grains and beans,and that includes Sun Warrior protein powder (rice based),hemp protein,VEGA,and just about every protein powder out there.I often have a green juice then two hard boiled eggs for protein for breakfast,but I miss having a delicious protein smoothie.Would you be able to recommend any non-bovine whey protein powders? I have heard that lean whey isolate,non-bovine,is beneficial.I do yoga,run,and lift weights in the morning,so I need a substantial protein intake to start off my day.
Thank you!
What brand of brown rice protein do you recommend? There are so many different kinds out there!
this recipe is delicious. i didn’t have vanilla extract so i added a tablespoon of raw cacao powder instead, and i’m glad i did- this tasted like a chocolate milkshake! i totally recommend doing this. was delightful post-workout treat after my bikram yoga class
Hi Kimberly,
I was wondering if Protein (Chia, Hemp, Brown Rice) smoothie’s were only allowed for Dinner? You stated in the book that we must eat light to heavy and to eat protein for dinner. If that is the case, do we still need to eat a lot of greens before drinking the smoothie?
Hi Kimberly!
This smoothie is perfect after my morning kickboxing workouts! I used to feel so weary after working out, but now I have the energy to get on with the day.
Thank you SO much!!
Liv x
Hi Kim! I love your book and this recipe is delicious. The question I have is that this recipe combines a starch (rice powder) with a protein (chia seeds) which is one of the biggest “no-no’s” in the book. The book also says not to add hemp seeds (protein) to the GGS yet this combines acai with chia. Can you please share with us why these potential conflicts in pairings works in this recipe?
Thank you so much! Can’t wait for your next book! (I lost 18 pounds following your guildelines
Eric
Hi Kimberly,
I tried this smoothie and the taste was delicious but it came out really grainy. I used my Vitamix and brown rice protein powder. Does anyone know if this is normal because of the chia seeds or is it my protein powder? I don’t know what I’m doing wrong…
It’s for sure the protein powder. The chia seeds just make the drink thicker is all.
Hey Kim,
I have the same question as Kerry. As far as food combining goes, where do protein powders fit in? I have hemp protein powder, and “Garden Of Life Raw Protein” powder…is it okay to add one of them to the GGS?
Thanks!
hi Kim, Just a quick one to ask which Hemp/Plant Protein Powders you recommend? I quite new to this in the last few months and doing well but trying to fine tune some things – ie protein powders. Can you please remind me what I should look out for if you cannot recommend a particular brand?
Many thanks. Kate
Hi Kim
I am really excited to make this smoothie tomorrow after my workout.
Any thoughts on blood type diet ( i am an O) and transitioning to the BD lifestyle?
THANK YOU!!!!
Hi Sophie,
Great! For transitioning, focus on eating more salads and greens, start working towards making the GGS part of your daily lifestyle, and start cutting out dairy and back on meat.
We all have the same digestive tract, anatomy and organs, regardless of blood type. I am not an advocate of the blood type diet.
xx Kimberly
Hi Kim,
I just found your website and finished your book in 2 days. LOVE IT and it makes so much sense to me. Thank you! I’m gradually making my way through your recipes and would like to know if you suggest a certain brand of Hemp protein powder. I’ve tried Trader Joe’s and that was way too strong.
Thank you and just love all your work. The GGS is my fav part of my day. Genius!
CK
Hi Kim,
I love reading your info and trying very hard to amend my diet and eat healthier. I love you GGS, i would love to try to make your Power Protein Smoothie but skeptical about where to find the Acai frozen smoothie packet? Do most Whole Foods carry this?
Thank you!
Yes Tricia, check out Whole Foods or a local health store for the acai! You can also skip it and make without. xx
How do you feel about Spirutein? My husband has tried the brown rice and the hemp protein powders for his shakes and hates the taste, but wants to have a healthy protein smoothie.
Hi Kim

Could I substitute unsweetened coconut milk?
Please reply ASAP!
Thanks
-Lauren
This smoothie is AWESOME!!! I love having it before or after a workout, or even as a meal sometimes!!
Kimberly is the BEST!! The beauty detox has changed my life. I have lost 42 lbs so far on my way to my 50lb goal. My hair is growing (and lightening in color, like it was when I was a kid!) I have amazing energy and run almost every day, something I have never been able to do…
I have so much more self confidence and have so much freedom to be myself… I will never not follow the beauty detox solution…. it is a way of life now!
I should work for you, Kim! I have sold more books because everyone wants to know the secret! Thanks for all of your blogs, tips and recipes too! I read almost every day!
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hi kim i just discovered your website and aim enjoying every bit of it .i have started making the green smoothie and loving it .i had a question whether i could still have the smoothie as iam on thyroid medication ,and wondering if it wud be interfering with it .please do tell me .
Hey Kim,
I have chronic candida and I have always heard that Hemp protein will actually aggravate it and contribute to yeast overgrowth/symptoms. Could you clairify this for me possible with the scientific support. Thanks so much!
Have you got any answers yet? I’m asking because I have the same problem. Thx!
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Can you tell me the nutrition/content calories of this smoothie?
Hi Kim,
I was wondering if you could reccommend a hemp protein power? Also, I am going to order acai smoothie packets from Sambazon and i’m wondering if I should buy the original (which is slightly sweetened with organic guarana syrup – I have no idea what this is?) or the unsweetened ones?
I just ordered a vitamix and am sooooo excited to try your smoothies!
Thanks!
Erica
Hi Kim,
I’m excited to try to protein smoothie. I drink protein shakes (from a powder mix) for breakfast every day, but am looking for a more natural/healthy alternative. This sounds fabulous. Do you recommend drinking this everyday?
Hi Kim, great work!!! one question, can use powdered acai instead of frozen? can’t seems to find frozen ones in the UK. Many thanks
Can we add chia seeds to the glowing green smoothie? Is that an appropriate paring choice?
Can you explain what frozen acai smoothie mix is .
Can i make this without it .
Or do I still need to mix all green in as well,
Is it Just a good Power Protein Smoothie Recipe.
Jojo
This is a good recipe with some very useful tips. I like your suggestion of mixing 50/50 almond milk and water. This makes the smoothie a bit less heavy/creamy/sweet.
I recently discovered that I like using water in my smoothie recipes because it brings out the other flavors of the natural, whole, raw foods – spinach or other greens, fruit, etc.
But sometimes it’s nice to make a bit of a creamier smoothie, more like a healthy milkshake. I also sometimes mix 50% coconut milk with 50% water for the same effect, but with a tropical twist.
Hey Kim
Thanks for the recipe I have just ordered your book and can’t wait to start making small changes in my diet. Also can I use acia powder as I cannot find anything else where I live (Channel Islands) near England United Kingdom?
Thanks again and keep the good work up it really makes a difference xoxo
Hi Kim! Just made this smoothie minus the almond milk (didn’t have any on hand) but used Sunwarrior Plant Based Protein powder which uses raw pea protein, raw cranberry protein and raw hemp protein…How do you feel about Sunwarrior and would you recommend this plant based version or the original brown rice protein blend (I have both but have been using the plant-based).
Thanks for all you do. Keep the blogs coming, they’re amazing!
Hi Kimberly,
This sounds so delicious and beautifying! Just wondering if the acai packet is okay beauty food pairing with the protein powder? I only ask because I remember reading in a previous post when someone commented asking about protein powder in their GGS and you didn’t recommend it due to the fruit/protein combination. I absolutely love your book and blog, thank you so much for your passion
Hi Kim, I want you to know how ecstatic I am to have discovered your blog!!! (via Digg Inn in NYC blog)… I have spent the better part of my Saturday absorbing all you say. I moved back to Nebraska (from Connecticut) 3 years ago and it’s been hard to adjust. The town I live in is roughly 4 hours from the nearest Whole Foods and Wal-Mart is the central hub for groceries, etc. What I want to know is a source for getting say Hemp powder protein or chia seeds… the local health food store is ridiculously overpriced (lack of competition) so even for me to find a high quality digestive enzyme is IMPOSSIBLE. : /
Do you know of a good outlet (online)?
Also – I am dying to try your smoothies. I am having tremendous digestive issues & food intolerances. While I would love to get a Vitamixer now it’s not in my budget. Can you please recommend the next best thing until I can afford one?
Thank you so much for your generous content and great recipes. I am looking forward to a healthier and more energetic future – and of course your book!!!
Sincerely – Rona in Nebraska
Hi Rona- I am a personal trainer as well as a nutritonist like Kim! I also live in a small town with limited resources, although I am about 30 minutes from a whole foods. Anyway http://www.iherb.com is a great website for healthy foods and supplements. They have good prices and you can get free shipping. They have everything from raw nut butters, millet, quinoa, all kinds of good stuff! Check it out!!
I have been enjoying the GGS since last November. Love them!! I prepare them in an ordinary Kitchenaide blender-They are smooth and delicious! I vary the ingredients- always greens & celery, usually apple & pear,chia seed and flax seed, often banana. kiwi, mango or avocado. The last 5 have the kind of fiber that provides a creamy texture. My blender capacity is smaller than the Vitamix– just pour mixture into a larger container, blend in batches, mix all in container after liquified. Berry flavored Calmag powder sweetens a bit more. Hope this helps!
How do I get rid of the sandy chunks of Chia seeds? I like this but can’t get past the consistency.
Just an FYI…the acai smoothie packets are available online from the Sambazon website. I don’t have access to A LOT of super good for you stuff, but I’ve always been able to find it somewhere that ships
Thanks Rebecca! I was wondering about that when I read through the ingredients!
Thanks for posting this. Looking forward to trying it. Can’t wait for your cookbook!!!
Hi Kim,
I’ve been wondering what you think about adding a vegetarian protein powder to the Glowing Green Smoothie. Would that be a bad combination? I like using pea protein, but I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to add to GGS.
Thanks!
Kerry
thanks for the recipe. looks delicious! just wondering how many calorie would be in each shake? i have order your book cant wait to start. is it only recommended to people that are training (and after training at that)?
also is hemp seed protein powder same as hemp seeds crushed? thanks in advance for your time
Thanks for posting this recipe!
I used a “Garden of Life” raw protein packet instead of Hemp powder. Is this ok? I noticed Garden of LIfe already has chia seeds in it.
You eat them almost every day how else do you eat them? Also I’m allergic to nuts and Avocados:( what are some dinner opts. Thank you!!
Also sorry is this an ok dinner? For non exerciser heavy duty people just as a meal?
Thanks for posting this recipe. Looking forward to giving it a try.