A high-protein, no-cook summer lifesaver for midlife women

It is hot.
Like… stare-at-the-oven-and-say-no-thank-you hot.
And on days like this, the idea of cooking anything sounds like a chore I just can’t sign up for.

But… I still have protein goals to hit.
Which is exactly why this Cherry Almond Smoothie has been on repeat in my house lately.

It’s refreshing, high-protein, hormone-friendly, and takes less than five minutes to blend together. It feels like a treat, but every ingredient serves a purpose for women navigating midlife, perimenopause, and beyond.

What’s In It (Serves 1):

1 cup frozen dark cherries
1 scoop Chocolate Prime Protein (I use this daily — see why below)
½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or use coconut yogurt for dairy-free)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 tbsp almond butter
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tsp cocoa powder or raw cacao (totally optional, but makes it extra rich and chocolatey)
¼ tsp cinnamon
Handful of ice (optional)

Quick Instructions:

Add everything to a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a glass, top with chia seeds or sliced almonds if you’re feeling extra, and enjoy.

Want it thicker?

If you like smoothies you can eat with a spoon, reduce the almond milk to ¾ cup and add extra ice. You can also throw in frozen cauliflower or zucchini (yes really) for added fiberand thickness… no taste, I promise.

Why I’m Obsessed with Prime Protein

Most protein powders are loaded with junky fillers, gums, and sweeteners that leave you bloated or just don’t taste great.

Not this one.

I use Prime Protein by Equip and it’s hands down my favorite. One scoop has:

21g of protein
Only 0.5g fat, 2g carbs, and 1g fiber
Made with just three ingredients in the chocolate version: grass-fed beef (yes, really), cocoa powder, stevia, and nothing else

It blends beautifully, tastes like dessert, and actually supports my goals. I used the chocolate flavor here, but vanilla would work great too if you want a more cherry-forward flavor.

👉 Use code JILL for 15% off your first order https://www.equipfoods.com/jill.

See what I mean? I’m obsessed! My top three flavors are: chocolate, peanut butter and iced coffee.

Why This Smoothie Works (Especially for Midlife Women)

Every ingredient here has a purpose:

Cherries: Rich in antioxidants and natural melatonin, great for inflammation and sleep
Prime Protein: High-quality protein that supports lean muscle and blood sugar balance
Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and gut-friendly probiotics
Almond butter: Healthy fats = happy hormones
Flaxseed: Supports estrogen metabolism and digestion
Cinnamon: Helps with blood sugar regulation
Almond milk: Light, dairy-free, and easy to digest

Final Thoughts

This smoothie is everything I want on a 95-degree day: no cooking, no cleanup, and no blood sugar crash.

And because I know you are wondering… Here is the macro breakdown of the recipe:

Protein: 38.6g

Carbohydrates: 40.7g

Fat: 18.3g

Fiber: 11 g (wow!)

It’s a quick win when you want to feel nourished, stay cool, and still hit your protein goals. Make it once and I guarantee it’ll go on repeat.

Let me know if you try it! Don’t forget to use code JILL for 15% off Prime Protein if you're ready to upgrade your shake game.

Cherry Almond Hormone-Support Smoothie