Get Naked!

Okay, don't get naked, please. Leave your pants on. I'm actually just here to review Naked Nutrition protein powders, which are perfect for post-run smoothies. And smoothies are cold and, thus, best enjoyed with clothes on.

Anyway, about these protein powders: The folks from Naked Nutrition contacted me a few weeks ago about reviewing their single-ingredient protein powders. Two of their flavors are vegan, so I'll only be discussing the vegan ones. That would be Naked Pea and Naked Rice.

I typically drink three smoothies a week, as post-workout breakfasts on my running days. But I'm accustomed to the vegan powders that are flavored, nutrient-enhanced, and stevia-sweetened, like Vega One, Garden of Life, Yuve, or Manitoba Harvest. These Naked powders, however, are exactly what they say they are — naked.

The Naked Pea powder is straight up yellow pea protein. It has 27 grams of plant-based protein per scoop, plus a very tiny amount of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. And the Naked Rice is made from sprouted brown rice protein. That's it. It has 25 grams of protein and a tad more naturally occurring iron and phosphorus than the pea protein.

I'm not typically one to totally avoid processed foods, but if you're looking to do that — whether for a cleanse or a life change — these powders would definitely be the best for that. Of course, anything that goes from whole form to powdered form is processed, but these seem closer to whole foods since they're so simple.

I created a couple of simple smoothies with these powders, and I'm sharing the recipes below. I found that both powders made for thick and creamy smoothies with no gritty, powdered taste. You do have to add your own sweetener though, so I used Bee-Free Honee in these recipes. Agave would work too. Both powders kept me full after my workout for hours.

Naked Cacao Banana Smoothie

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1 scoop Naked Brown Rice Protein

1 frozen banana

1 cup almond milk

1 tbsp. raw cacao powder (or any cocoa powder)

1 tbsp. vegan honey substitute (Bee-Free Honee, agave, or maple syrup)

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

Naked Green Pineapple-Strawberry Smoothie

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1 scoop Naked Pea Protein

1 frozen banana

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

1/2 cup frozen pineapple

1 cup kale (or any dark leafy green, like collards or turnip greens)

1 tsp. spirulina

1 cup almond milk

1 tbsp. vegan honey substitute (Bee-Free Honee, agave, or maple syrup)

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.