This raspberry protein smoothie with romaine is sweet and has an awesome back-end zing from the ginger.

If you haven’t used romaine in a smoothie, add it to your leafy green rotation! High in mineral-rich water and low in calories, romaine is the most nutritious lettuce. It’s incredibly hydrating and great for your skin! Loaded with phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals which alkalize and detoxify the body, oxygenate the blood, and boost metabolism, romaine is a great addition to smoothies. Mild in flavor, 1 cup goes into most blends all-but undetected. Increase your quantity gradually or you may get a mealy “wet salad” texture and a slight bitterness. When buying romaine, choose compact heads or hearts with crisp leaves that are free of discoloration.

Raspberries are always a great addition to smoothies. These brilliant berries are also s’blended weight-loss foods. Anthocyanin pigments and flavonoid rheosmin (aka raspberry ketone) rev up metabolism and block fat absorption, while tiliroside (another flavonoid) moderates starch digestion to regulate blood sugar. Raspberries are also loaded with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, and they’re rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The best part is that they’re relatively low in natural sugar (as fruits go) and low in fat.

I’ve used the Sprout Living Original Protein Powder in this smoothie. This is an incredible gluten-free vegan protein powder that I’ve come to love because it has sprouted activated ingredients. Each scoop contains 26 grams per serving of complete vegan protein from four sources, as well as phytochemicals and prebiotics from Jerusalem artichoke and cranberry seed. This company also doesn’t add any “natural flavorings” and other hidden additives that are such common ingredients in so many other protein powders.

Make this raspberry protein smoothie and let me know what you think.

Find more delicious smoothie recipes in The Blender Girl Smoothies app.

*Probiotic Powder – I add 1/2 teaspoon of probiotic powder to all smoothies to replenish stores of healthy bacteria for immunity, digestion, detox, and to balance the acidic effects of high-sugar fruits and other sweeteners. The really potent probiotics require refrigeration. If you have capsules, break the shell and release the powder. Unsweetened probiotic-rich liquids like kefirs (water, coconut water, milk varieties) or kombucha make wonderful health-promoting additions to shakes, too.

*Celtic Sea Salt – I add a pinch (or more) of this alkalizing, mineral-rich salt to all smoothies to boost the natural flavor of fruits and veggies; temper the acidity of sweet fruits and sweeteners; stimulate the lymphatic system; replenish electrolytes; aid digestion; and help the body access energy. I do not recommend adding common table salt which is generally heated to extreme temperatures, iodized, bleached, processed, and refined. This salt does not have the same benefits. If you have a health condition that requires you to limit your sodium intake consult your doctor before adding salt to your smoothies.