Key Lime Pie Protein Smoothie

Makes 1 serving

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• ½ cup plain 0% Greek yogurt
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 scoop whey protein powder
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened shredded coconut 
• ¼ teaspoon lime zest
• handful ice 

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for desired consistency.

Nutrition facts (per serving): calories 257, total fat 8 g, saturated fat 7.5 g, trans fat 0 g, protein 24 g, sodium 72 mg, carbs 38.5 g, fiber 5 g, sugar 20.5 g

Recipe for Success

Protein to the Rescue: Protein not only rebuilds muscles after a tough strength-training session, but a University of Missouri study found that eating a protein-rich breakfast also can squash sweet and salty cravings all day — and the combo of whey plus Greek yogurt means a double dose!

Chill Pill: The good bacteria found in yogurt could mean a good mood. A study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity found that taking probiotics meant a more positive attitude.

Waist Away: Coconut can burn belly fat. Studies show that the saturated fat in coconut can help you burn fat and even whittle your waist.

Zest It: Lime peels are packed with fiber and flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and cholesterol-lowering powers. Plus, peels contain limonene, which gives rinds that bitter bite and has been shown to fend off heartburn and cancer.

Turn Back Time: Lime juice gets vitamin C props, a fountain-of-youth vitamin studies have linked to fewer wrinkles and less skin dryness. That’s because vitamin C helps rebuild skin-boosting collagen, the connective tissue under the skin.   

Written by Allison Young for Oxygen Magazine and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.