Protein smoothies are such a relief from your standard keto breakfast. Simply throw some protein powder, almond milk, greens, and nut butter into a blender and go.
But standard smoothies can get old quickly. That’s where this matcha protein smoothie comes in.
Matcha green tea is a Japanese green tea powder that comes with health benefits like antioxidants, caffeine, and calming L-theanine. That means a clean energy boost that supports weight loss for you.
This smoothie is like a delicious, creamy matcha latte, combined with leafy greens and plenty of protein powder. It works as a replacement for your classic morning green smoothie or as a pre- or post-workout snack.
This matcha green tea smoothie is:
- Energizing
- Refreshing
- Delicious
- Satisfying
The main ingredients in this matcha protein smoothie are:
Optional additional ingredients:
- Almond milk
- Vanilla protein powder
- Blueberries
3 Health Benefits of This Green Matcha Protein Shake
#1: Supports Fat Loss
It’s one thing to eat a diet that doesn’t stimulate weight gain, but if you want to kick it up a notch with weight loss, you should focus on foods that can help you burn excess fat.
Taking green tea extract (found in matcha green tea powder) before exercise can help you burn more fat. In one study, participants burned 17% more fat after taking a green tea supplement than the placebo group[*].
The type of fat you eat may also have a significant effect on weight loss. In one study, replacing other forms of fat in the diet of overweight men with MCTs (medium chain triglycerides) led to increased energy expenditure and enhanced weight loss.
MCTs are sent directly to your liver for energy instead of having to go through your lymphatic system like long-chain fatty acids. This alternative route may be responsible for MCTs fat burning effect[*][*].
#2: Boosts Brain Function
Studies show that caffeine may boost cognitive performance by enhancing your memory. However, many people drinking caffeinated beverages like coffee end up crashing a few hours later, leaving them foggy headed and looking for another cup.
Lucky for you, the caffeine in matcha tea is balanced by a high level of the amino acid l-theanine. L-theanine helps you stay focused and alert, while also relaxing your mind[*][*].
#3: Assists Muscle Growth
The fact that you need to eat enough protein if you want your muscles to grow is not new information. However, certain types of protein can have a more significant effect on muscle growth than others.
In one study, researchers gave participants soy, whey, or casein protein after resistance exercise. The participants that consumed whey had a greater degree of muscle protein synthesis than the other two groups[*].
Whey protein happens to be particularly high in branched chain amino acids (BCAA), specifically the BCAA leucine. BCAA’s are known for their positive effect on muscle growth, with leucine being the primary amino acid responsible for stimulated protein synthesis[*].
Mean Green Matcha Protein Shake
This matcha tea smoothie is an excellent breakfast or workout snack when you’re short on time but need a serious energy boost and some serious nutrients.
Grab your Nutribullet, Vitamix, or blender of choice and some unsweetened milk (unsweetened almond milk is a great choice) from the refrigerator.
Start by pouring the milk in the blender, adding milk first will help the other ingredients combine more consistently.
Chop up a small avocado, and grab a handful of spinach and add them to the blender.
Throw in a tablespoon on coconut oil and a half cup of coconut milk.
Last but not least scoop out one serving each of whey protein and matcha MCT oil powder, and add to the blender.
Blend until smooth and well combined, and enjoy!
If you want it on the colder side, add in a cup of ice.
PrintMean Green Matcha Protein Shake
Matcha powder, protein powder, almond milk, and leafy greens make up this matcha protein shake. Have it as a breakfast smoothie or a pre-workout snack for the energy boost you crave.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 shake 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened milk of choice
- ¼ cup coconut milk
- 1 scoop Perfect Keto Unflavored Whey Protein Powder or Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1 scoop Perfect Keto Matcha MCT Oil Powder
- 1 large handful spinach
- 1 small avocado
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup of ice (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and mix on high until smooth.
- Garnish with chopped mint leaves and a few berries if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 shake
- Calories: 334
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 19g
Keywords: green matcha protein shake