[Recipes] Blend Up A Little Summer With The Piña Colada Protein Smoothie

Blend up a little summer. And then let it erupt out of a pineapple.

If you’re an aficionado of A) all coconut everything, B) palm trees and beaches, C) umbrella drinks, and/or D) fun, get pumped. And if you’re not, we’ve clearly got bigger issues to address. Just in time for the sweltering summer heat, we’ve mixed up an uber-delicious, leaned up twist on the traditional piña colada — including all of the mouthgasmic, tropical taste, plus a bonus explosion of protein.

Unlike traditional piñas, which can net out at 655 calories in liquid damage, our version pours out at a svelte 195 calories; with 17g of protein and 100% vitamin C to boot. It’s unadulterated, bikini-friendly ab food that you can legitimately feel guilt-free about chugging; whether that’s as a post-workout meal, quick-and-easy snack, or energizing breakfast.

And yes, this is a rum-friendly zone. Feel free to toss in a shot and transform it into a full-blown uber-cocktail.

Pour it in a pineapple or coconut (or shaker bottle), hoist a mini umbrella, and get ready to hit your beach. You’ll instantly be transported to a VERY lovely place.

The Piña Colada Protein Smoothie — Ingredients

*Makes 1 HUGE piña colada, or 2 normal-sized smoothies.

• 1 cup coconut almond milk — I like Califia, but feel free to choose your favorite brand. Sub pure almond milk or coconut milk if needed.
• 1 scoop vanilla or unflavored protein powder (I use NOW unflavored) — any vanilla or unflavored variety works; use our protein powder guide if you’re looking to buy a jug.
• 1.5 cups pineapple
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 container coconut-flavored Greek yogurt — I like siggi’s skyr, Chobani, Liberté, or Oikos.
• 1/3 tsp. rum extract — or throw in a shot of rum.
• 1/3 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 ice cubes

The Piña Colada Protein Smoothie — Make It

Time: 5 Minutes.

• (1) Throw everything in a blender.
• (2) If you’ve got a variable speed blender, like a Vitamix, start on low and work your way up slowly to top power.
• (3) Let it sit for 5 minutes. It allows the flavors to settle, mix, and mellow out.
• (4) If you want to be especially awesome and festive, pour it into a carved out pineapple or coconut.
• (5) Chug.

Nutrition Info

Servings: 2

• Calories — 196
• Total Fat — 2.7g
• Carbs — 21g
• Sugar — 18g
• Fiber — 2.5g
• Protein — 17g
• Vitamin B12 — 25%
• Vitamin C — 100%
• Vitamin D — 13%
• Vitamin E — 22%
• Calcium — 33%
• Potassium — 7%

• About
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Bryan DiSanto

Owner & Editor-in-Chief at Lean It UP

Bryan DiSanto is the Owner & Editor-in-Chief of Lean It UP, a culinary student at Le Cordon Bleu – Paris, an ACE-CPT & CSN, NYU graduate, ex-fat kid, and all-around fitness/nutrition nutjob.

He also contributes to Men's Health Magazine.

When he’s not working on his (or somebody else’s) abs, whipping up Eggocados, or running a Tough Mudder, he’s probably off yelling at a Carolina Panthers game somewhere.

Latest posts by Bryan DiSanto (see all)

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• The Workout Music Friday Five-Pack, V33 — Skrillex, Hardwell, Miguel, and G-Eazy - October 16, 2015

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