When it comes to making the best protein shake, you’re most likely sticking to water or milk and a brand you like rather than mixing up flavours. You might be surprised to learn that you can treat protein powder like a smoothie ingredient and boost your post-workout shake from something standard into a delicious treat full of nutrients. Here’s how:
Breakfast Protein: Apple and Grain Shake
By combining apples, wholegrains and protein powder, you’ll turn your shake into more of a post-workout snack that’ll keep you fuller for longer. It’s perfect for people who train on an empty stomach in the mornings, serving as a light breakfast and a protein boost.
Blend water, milk or yoghurt with two scoops of vanilla protein powder, a cored apple and around 20 grams of oats. Flavour with crushed almonds and consume chilled – ideal.
The Sweet Tooth: Peanut Butter Smoothie
Peanut butter is packed with protein by itself, but adding some protein powder to the mixture makes a sweet tasting smoothie that’ll keep you fuller for longer and satisfy any cravings you’ve picked up. Add water or milk to two scoops of vanilla or chocolate protein powder, a full banana and two spoonfuls of peanut butter. You can sweeten the deal with honey or dark chocolate.
Get Tropical: Pineapple Protein
Sometimes you’d like to imagine you’re enjoying a fruity drink on faraway shores, but you’ve got gains to make. Bring some tropical excitement to your gym nutrition by blending vanilla protein, around 80 grams of pineapple, a cup of spinach and half a banana. You know the song – if you like pina coladas, and getting caught with the gains…
Lean and Green: Spinach, Flax &Wheatgrass
Fitting all of your five a day into a routine is sometimes difficult – so make a smoothie that’ll pack in the greens without slowing you down. Add vanilla protein powder (soy-based if you’re feeling particularly green) to wheatgrass powder, flaxseed and spinach. You’ll fit in lots of your five a day, get plenty of health benefits and also meet your protein intake faster. Results all round.
Antioxidant Boost: Blueberry Blast
Antioxidants protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. You can top up your antioxidant levels with lots of natural plant foods–and luckily they blend into a delicious protein smoothie. Combine soy milk with blueberries, kale, broccoli, carrot and an orange. Throw in walnuts and flax seeds, blending until smooth.
A protein shake doesn’t have to be boring or unappetising. Combine the best quality protein powder you can find with delicious fresh fruit and vegetables and make your post-workout snack memorable.