Soy-free, dairy-free, nutrient-rich, affordable, homemade protein powder
Vega is a fantastic product, but would run over $150 for a month’s supply in Bermuda and that is if I could actually find it. So I am left with making my own!
Supplies
A dear friend brought about 30 pounds of supplies ordered off of Nuts.com, a great website with tonnes of dried nuts and fruit, baking supplies and coffees. If you don’t want to order online, you will be able to get everything from a local health food store.
Cost
I figure that every twos will run me about $20.00–enough for a 3-4weeks of shakes at one per day.
Ingredients
Omit or add ingrediants as it makes sense to you. The bones of this receipe is the hemp protein powder. Omega fats from the flax, some added fiber, minerals and calories from the other seeds, and antioxidants/taste from the cocoa. A huge amount of vitamins comes from the maca powder (which also tastes lovely) and the chlorella / spirulina.
This stuff is pretty earthy. If it’s too adventurous for you, leave the crazier stuff out. You can always start with a scoop of hemp protein, fruit and nut milk and add as your tastes develop. If you are giving it to children I would stick to a tablespoon or two in a small shake. A full portion would be 1/4 to 1/3 cup.
Two cups Hemp PROTEIN powder (not ground hemp–this is a much more concentrated protein source)One cup ground flax
1/2 cup ground sunflower seeds
1/2 cup ground sesame seeds
1/2 cup maca powder (a sweet root from Peru packed with iron magnesium, calcium, iodine, B vitamins and 18 amino acids)
1/2 cup cocoa powder (raw if possible)
4 tablespoons chlorella (antioxidant high in protein, increases friendly gut flora, crazy high in Vit A, high in Vits C and B)
2 Tablespoons spirulina (antioxidant high in protein, iron, trace minerals, B vitamins)
1 Tablespoon of stevia (or more for increased sweetness, but be cautious it is strong stuff)
Sidenote: A study showed consumption of chlorella actually decreased dioxins and increased immunoglobulin A concentrations in breastmilk! If using this recipe while breastfeeding, decrease stevia and add in some honey or agave to your shake at the end instead. Stevia hasn’t been tested for safety in nursing mothers.
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