This Protein Power Smoothies cookbook is much better than I expected -- the helpful explanation on benefits of smoothies and components of healthy smoothies. It is well explained and written clearly for anyone to understand the science of 'what makes good smoothies and what does not'.

Most of recipes are pretty simple and straightforward and ingredients are easy to find if you don't already have them in the pantry. Not all recipes come with a picture, but how hard could it be to mess up simply smoothie recipes? The recipes are sorted into seasons or types of smoothies (bowls, parfaits, and etc.), so it's easy to fit into your needs. If you've been in a same old smoothie rut, this book will take you to the next level.

I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who is trying to control their diet and lead a healthy eating habit!

This smoothie book is quite exceptional. It opens with science, focusing on macros and sugars and myths about them as well as how they act in the body. It then goes on to detail recipes for smoothies and smoothie bowls, sorted into categories based on the type of smoothie they are. A lot of these recipes look absolutely delicious and none of them are ridiculously complicated.

I am a huge fan of green smoothies, and I also am trying to incorporate more protein into my diet, so I really enjoyed reading more about the concepts the author goes through in this book with how she prepares her smoothies and why, and I loved the different variety of options she gives. I think there are some really unique recipes here that I haven't seen in other places in my search for smoothies. One thing I would have loved to see would be nutrition information listed for each of the recipes. I do know that it would be hard to do as everyone may use different protein powders, and maybe that is why the information isn't included, but even have a rough estimate of what you should be aiming for as far as carbs vs. protein in each smoothie would have been helpful if searching for a specific smoothie that meets your goals.

The book “Protein Power Smoothies” is a recipe book focused on smoothies, which includes a few recipes for smoothie bowls and other drinks. While all the recipes looked tasty, I had some issues with what the author wrote.

She is a nutritionist specialised, amongst others, on weigh loss, but I didn’t enjoy the way she mentions weigh loss as an objective throughout the book as if it were something that people universally aspire to. I personally have some health issues that cause me to be underweight, and I don’t appreciate when people constantly talk about striving to lose weight. At some point, the author mentions that these balanced and filling smoothies are replacement for meals and shouldn’t be consumed as snacks as it could *lead to weight gain*. Here would have been a great place to explain how these smoothies could, on the contrary, complement meals for those seeking to increase their calorie and protein intake.

Generally, there were very few mentions on how to adapt these smoothies to different diet requirements. The fact that most smoothies are based on the same basic recipe (with vegetables such as cauliflower) is problematic to me, as some pathologies such as the IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) would require avoiding consuming too much cabbage and related vegetables (especially raw). Alternatively, talking more about anti-inflammatory ingredients (e.g. some spices) would have been a nice addition to this recipe book.

The introductory chapters contained some interesting elements although some sections where a little oversimplified. It was sometimes necessary (e.g. the table containing the differences between different protein powders), but I think more could have been said in less words. Overall, I did not appreciate the tone of the book nor the way the author seemed to assume that all bodies react the same way to the same nutrients and food, which isn’t true.

I regretted that there were not more mentions of what makes a good, balanced diet. I don’t think eating smoothies as meal replacement every day is a good idea, as they often contain the same ingredients (-> lack of diversity), also because the “peanut butter party smoothie” doesn’t sound like a good daily lunch, and because a “proper”, balanced meal would be healthier for multiple reasons, notably because it involves mastication which helps with digestion by producing digestive juices. That’s not to say that smoothies replacing meals is a bad idea — on the contrary, there’re a much better alternative that snacking or skipping meals — but more finesse could have been used.

The recipes were not very varied (most relied on the same few basic ingredients) but some were original. I think these recipes would be a great inspiration for someone always making the same smoothies or willing to learn how to make balanced smoothies. I liked that the smoothies were divided in different sections, notably by season and/or occasion.

Overall, a nice cookbook with beautifully illustrated, appetising recipes, but a lack of diversity in the ingredients used, and nutritional information that is lacking or overly simplified.

This is a decent smoothie recipe book, I appreciate the in-depth introductions into why the smoothies should be low carb, high protein especially. I think there is a misconception out there that all smoothies are created equal, and the charts and breakdowns here help to guide the reader to make something much more satiating and healthy.
I also appreciate the seasonal breakdown, when dealing with fruits and veggies it's nice to see the author thought about availability and seasonal flavors.
I look forward to picking up some ingredients this week and testing the recipes!

Protein Powder Smoothies by Heather DiBiasi is honestly so much better than I expected! The thoughtful reasoning and explanations in the first few chapters are very helpful. A smoothie is not just a smoothie and Heather does a great job of breaking down the rationale for her recipes. The nutritional and scientific explanations are simple and easy to follow. The recipes are written well, and most ingredients seems pretty easy to find. I think I tagged almost every single recipe to be able to try myself. I loved the pictures provided as some of the descriptions made me think “huh, really?” Then I saw the pictures and found myself enticed to give them a try. If you are looking for a variety of recipes that focus on balanced smoothies (not sugar crash inducing smoothies), you are in a for a treat!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I absolutely love smoothies so I am thrilled to have these recipes in my collection. This book did a great job explaining the benefits of a smoothie as a meal replacement when done right and how to avoid making a sugary confection that will cause your body to experience a sugar crash and cravings shortly after finishing. The author seemed knowledgeable about the effects of a poorly balanced smoothie and gave a lot of information on how to ensure your smoothies are serving your health. The recipes honestly all sounded amazing and I cannot wait to give them a try. I love my iced mocha latte in the morning but it's definitely not the best for me so I am hoping to replace it with some of these healthier options. The book includes dessert smoothies and blended mocktail flavors which are fun and very tasty sounding additions to the other recipes. I will definitely be purchasing this book for my library!

Thank you to NetGalley & Quarto Publishing Group – Fair Winds, Fair Winds Press for the ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This review will be posted to GoodReads on 10/23/23.

Protein Power Smoothies by Heather DiBiasi is absolutely fantastic. I just wish I could access it through my kindle app rather than only the NetGalley app. But the pictures are gorgeous and the smoothies I've made so far are delicious!

These seem like they might be tasty, healthy smoothies but they don’t have any nutritional information so I couldn’t use them. I get that different protein powders will have different levels, but since most people who want high protein, low carb smoothies are going to be monitoring their calories, protein, fats and/or carbs, that information is important. I’m keto so I do watch my carbs. Though I don’t count and track them, I definitely read labels and nutritional info to see what will work for me. I could generally tell a lot of these recipes were too high in carbs for me, but I often had to wildly guess.

Otherwise, there are photos for perhaps a third of the recipes. I liked the way they were divided by chapters like seasonal tastes. A beginning section explains the basics of different protein powders and net carbs and such. The recipes do all call for protein powders, so those looking for less processed recipes may be disappointed.

It will be a good resource for those who don’t count calories or carbs and generally just want a big assortment of low sugar, high protein smoothies.

I read a temporary digital copy of this book for review.

Quick Summary: A yummy treat resource for smoothie lovers

My Review: Protein Power Smoothies by Heather DiBiasi is a healthy choice learning aid like no other. This book was filled with helpful information on the good and the not so good regarding smoothie construction. The presentation was simple and easy to follow. Especially appealing were the tables, the recipes, the photos, and the personal touches. Although I'm not a fan of powders, I can admit that many of the specialty smoothie recipes grabbed my attention.

My Final Say: I really liked the variety of smoothies offered in this book. The recipes were incredibly doable, which I think will be a hit with readers. I would definitely recommend it.

Other: This would make a great gift for someone looking to make a healthy lifestyle transition.

Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Quarto Publishing Group, Fair Winds Press), and to NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to review this title.

Very good book with healthy recipes! I loved how the beginning of the book explains when smoothies are healthy and when not. Many people don't know this - they should! Very important. I was babysitting, and together with the 6 year old girl, I made the "Cookie Monster" smoothie immediately after reading this book, she loved it! And me too! :) I saved some recipes and I will definitely try them. They're good, easy, healthy and delicious!

I have a smoothie every day and am always looking for some new recipes to spice them up. This is a great book that will help with making your smoothie with less sugar and more fiber and protein. I got a lot of great ideas for new smoothies to make and I loved how the author explains why it is important to add more protein to your smoothie. I would highly recommend this one.

Well I thought I was good making a super green smoothie but this book has put me to shame. Who knew all these amazing options existed and I can’t wait to start experimenting with my blender right away.

I drink a smoothie for lunch every day, and tend to have the same thing over and over. I am eager to try many of the recipes in this book. I also appreciated reading about the science behind making a good, healthy smoothie, especially for someone like me, who is trying to better control my blood sugar. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

It was interesting to see the science behind some of this but I wish that there were options for smoothies that were high protein without using protein powders.

Great book with great smoothie recipes! I loved the little added facts at the bottom of the pages and also the beginning where the science of smoothies is explained. I will be making some smoothies from here!

I like that the author speaks to macronutrients as opposed to calories. For those on a macro diet, this information is important to understand how each of these affects the body and metabolism. Also discussed are a few of the more popular and different types of protein powders available on the market today. When building smoothies, the author also speaks to ratios of macros and options for adding a variety of fruits and vegetables to your blend. What I found of particular interest was learning the difference between juicing and preparing smoothies with fruits and vegetables. The recipes in this book are literally mouthwatering, especially for someone whose dietary requirements are met mostly through smoothies and protein shakes. Equipped with better information and fresh, new ideas, this book is a great addition to our library collection.

Some fun inspiration for smoothies in case yours have become a little boring. Not vegan friendly, but easily adjustable to fit your personal needs (e.g. vegan protein powder).

What a great book and after reading an ecopy, I may be ordering a physical copy for my collection.

I loved that it not only had a great collection of smoothie recipes for me to try at all times of the day, but that it shared tips on how to make smoothies true meal replacements and the need for protein to make smoothies last longer. I am hopeful for a few of the recipes to become my go tos for future smoothies.

I downloaded this from Netgalley because I was curious and thought the idea of the book was good. I then saw exactly how many of the recipes involved an entire up of cauliflower rice or some kind of squash and I just can’t do it. Never been jump scared by a recipe before. I refuse to believe these can taste good and no one can convince me otherwise.