How To Make A Protein Shake Without Protein Powder!
What this video covers
A 2015 recipe video in which Hari demonstrates how to make a protein shake using only whole-food ingredients — no protein powder. She opens with the story that prompted the video: her favorite protein powder had been recalled for rat droppings, which she says pushed her to investigate the supplement category more closely.
Hari argues that many popular protein powders are filled with what she calls highly processed, denatured proteins plus unnecessary chemicals, preservatives, GMOs, and other additives. Her alternative gets its protein from real foods: hemp seeds, which she calls her favorite protein source; leafy greens (she notes kale provides roughly 8 grams of protein per 3 cups, spinach closer to 3); and pumpkin seeds, which she says pack over 5 grams of protein per three tablespoons. She blends these with fruit into what she describes as a refreshing shake suitable after a workout or for breakfast.
Key points
- Hari says a protein powder recall for rat droppings prompted her to scrutinize the supplement category.
- She argues popular protein powders contain processed, denatured proteins, chemicals, preservatives, GMOs, and additives — her characterization, not a regulatory finding.
- She demonstrates a shake built from hemp seeds, leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and fruit, with no powder.
- She cites protein figures for her ingredients: ~8g per 3 cups of kale, ~3g per 3 cups of spinach, 5g+ per 3 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds.
- The finished shake, she says, totals nearly 18 grams of protein from whole foods, and she recommends blending greens first for smoothness.
- A standout tip from the demo: she adds a cup of papaya with its black seeds, claiming the seeds contain digestive enzymes and — her claim — help remove parasites picked up from bad water while traveling, and noting lime’s enzymes and pineapple’s bromelain for digestion.
- The video is a recipe demonstration; it is not medical or nutritional advice from the site.