Smoothie Recipes to Increase Your Daily Protein Intake

Smoothies can serve as a valuable nutritional intervention for individuals undergoing cancer treatment due to their high nutrient density, ease of digestion, and adaptability to specific dietary needs. Cancer therapies frequently contribute to diminished appetite, gastrointestinal discomfort, and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), making adequate nutrition challenging. By delivering a concentrated source of essential vitamins, minerals, and calories in a palatable and easily digestible form, smoothies can help patients sustain energy levels, support immune function, and maintain a healthy weight. Below are several smoothie recipes, each formulated to address specific nutritional concerns and enhance overall well-being during cancer treatment. 

Berry Protein Smoothie

Berries are highly beneficial due to their rich antioxidant content, particularly flavonoids, anthocyanins, and vitamin C, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation. Berries also support immune function, enhance cellular repair, and can aid in reducing treatment-related side effects such as fatigue and cognitive decline.

Ingredients: 

1/2 Cup Frozen Blueberries 

1/2 Cup Frozen Strawberries 

1/2 Cup Frozen Blackberries 

1 Teaspoon Dry Chia Seeds 

1 Teaspoon Flaxseed Oil 

1 Tablespoon Almond Butter 

1 Scoop Garden of Life Protein Powder 

2-3 Cups Unsweetened, Vanilla Flavored Almond or Hemp Milk

Peach Smoothie

Peaches provide essential nutrients that can be particularly beneficial for individuals undergoing treatment. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, which support immune function and cellular repair.  They also contain antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress induced by treatment. Peaches have natural fiber that can aid in digestion and alleviate constipation, a common side-effect of treatment.

Ingredients: 

1 Cup Frozen Preaches 

1/2 Cup Frozen Pineapple 

1 Tablespoon Ground Flaxseed 

1 Tablespoon Almond Butter 

1 Scoop Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein 

2-3 Cups Unsweetened, Vanilla Flavored Almonds or Hemp Milk

Papaya & Ginger Smoothie

Papaya is rich in digestive enzymes, particularly papain, which supports gut health and can aid in alleviating digestive discomfort caused by treatment. Papaya is also a potent source of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, which can help reduce oxidative stress and support immune function. Ginger is widely recognized for its anti-nausea properties and can help manage chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Ginger has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help mitigate treatment-related inflammation and support overall well-being.

Ingredients: 

1 1/2 Cups Frozen Papaya 

2 Teaspoons Fresh Ginger, Peeled & Chopped 

1 Teaspoon Agave Syrup 1 Teaspoon Hemp Seed 

1 Tablespoon Almond Butter 1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil 

1 Scoop Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein Powder 2-3 Cups Unsweetened, Vanilla Flavored Almond or Hemp Milk

Mango Blueberry Smoothie

Mango is rich in vitamins A and C, which help strengthen immune function and promote cellular repair. It also contains digestive enzymes that support gut health, while its natural fiber aids in digestion and helps prevent constipation, a common side effect of treatment.

Blueberries are among the most potent sources of antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help combat oxidative stress and inflammation induced by cancer treatments. They also support cognitive function, immune health, and cardiovascular well-being.

Ingredients: 

1 Cup Frozen Mango 

1/2 Cup Frozen Blueberries 

1 Tablespoon Ground Flax Seeds 

1 Tablespoon Almond Butter 

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil 

1 Scoop Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein Powder 

2-3 Cups Unsweetened, Vanilla Flavored Almond or Hemp Milk

Simple Green Smoothie

Leafy greens are an essential component of a cancer-supportive diet due to their high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. They are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, and flavonoids, which help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by cancer treatments. Greens also provide folate, a crucial nutrient for DNA repair and cell function, as well as vitamin K, which supports bone health and proper blood clotting.

Ingredients: 

1- 10-oz. Bag Spinich, Kale, or Mixed Greens 

1 Banana Frozen in Chunks 

2 Cups Frozen Mixed Berries 

1 Small Pear 

1 Tablespoon Agave Syrup 

2 Tablespoon Ground Flax Seeds 

1 Scoop Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein Powder 

2 Cups of Water

The key ingredient in each of these recipes is protein.  While there are many protein powders on the market, there are only a few that I actually recommend to my patients. Here’s what I look for in a protein powder…

• Organic

• Plant-based

• Dairy and Whey free

• Gluten-free

• Collagen-free (yes, this is important for those who have cancer!)

• No added sugars

• No artificial sweeteners

• No preservatives, fillers, or unnatural stabilizers

The one I personally use and love, is Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein. 

I hope this information is helpful and you enjoy the recipes above!