Lots of good stuff for you all today! Head on over to the FitFluential Blog where my guest post is up today on 5 Exercises You Should be Doing.
As a trainer and recently at the RKC, I am always trying to learn more about how to train effectively and efficiently. In my FitFluential post I share some of that with you. It’s not necessary to do anything fancy to get fit; keep it simple and consistent for great results!
And now….to talk about shakes made with protein powder as post-workout snacks, meal replacements or just anytime deliciousness and nutriousness. I know some people feel strongly about staying away from protein powders and focusing on ‘real food’ all of the time. For me, as a super busy working mom and new business owner, that isn’t always realistic. Sometimes I need extra calories (and especially extra protein) and I need it in a form that’s easy/fast to make.
I’ve written about protein shakes a few times before (these are old posts and it’s nice to see my blogging skills have improved since then.)
- Are you Pro-Protein?
- Post Workout Protein Shakes (2 of my favorite shake recipes here)
- 7 More Reasons to Drink Post Workout Protein Shakes
A few reasons I love protein shakes:
- They taste like milkshakes. Really…they do.
- They’re portable and make a great breakfast for the drive to work or a great snack when out running errands.
- They’re quick…if I have to take CJ to daycare or head to work right after a workout I can still refuel even with limited time.
- I can toss some spinach in there along with fruit and almond milk and I can create a pretty diesel snack or meal filled with tons of nutrients.
- There are so many different options you can make. Even if I have a shake every day I don’t really get sick of them because I mix up the flavors, add-ins, etc.
I got something fun in the mail a few weeks ago! I half-opened it and got distracted, but someone thought it was a really fun toy!
The great folks over at Nutrition Fix sent me some chocolate protein (my favorite flavor) to try – Muscle Milk Naturals.
There are other options for those of you who do not eat dairy at all! I use vegan protein powders most of the time (pea and hemp protein) and they do seem to work best for me personally with my whacked out stomach issues.
If you’re looking for a new protein to try, check out some of the protein supplements on the Nutrition Fix website.
Do you like protein shakes? What’s your favorite brand? If you have any good shake recipes, link ’em up below so we can all share!
Disclaimer: I was sent this product free of charge and was compensated for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.
One of my favorite protein shakes is:
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (your choice) I use MRM 100% natural whey.
1/2 cup organic canned pumpkin
8 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tbls pumpkin pie spice.
It’s yummy :). The pumpkin adds only 9 gm carbs (5 fiber) and its a great source of potassium and vitamin A….among others. It’s a great quick breakfast.
Must try this – sounds yummy! 🙂
I love protein shakes. I’ve always had them for breakfast (with spinach, berries, flax seed, almond milk etc) and lately I’ve been making them for lunch at work too. I get my workouts in at lunch so making a quick smoothie means I can workout and eat. I’m not a big dairy fan but whey protein seems to be fine. I’ll occasionally switch it up and do rice protein (Sun Warrior) and lately I’ve been putting in protein plus peanut flour for extra protein.
Ooooo peanut flour. Why didn’t I think of that? Great idea! 🙂
I love protein powder! I love experimenting with cooking with it (though some of those fail spectacularly).
My favorite brand is Optimum Nutrition. I’d love to try others, but I hate the idea of getting stuck with a giant tub of something I hate.
My favorite shake was:
2 scoops whey
1 c. almond milk (I used unsweetened vanilla)
1/2 banana
1-2 c. baby spinach
+ Any add-ins as needed/wanted (frozen berries, flax or chia seeds, cinnamon, etc)
Another favorite of mine was to take cold coffee, a scoop or two of protein powder (usually vanilla) and some ice cubes and throw it in the blender. I always drink my coffee black, so this tastes like a fancy-schmancy drink to me. 😉
Yum! That’s similar to my shakes. 🙂 And that sounds like a fancy shmancy drink to me too. 🙂
I just found your blog and I love it. I use Metabolic Drive Low Carb protein powder. It’s delicious. I’m glad to hear Muscle Milk is good. I’ve tried so many awful tasting brands in the past that I’m afraid to try anything new. I usually add protein powder to my fruit/veggie smoothies and to make pancakes.
I’ve never tried that kind, but it’s always good when you find one you like. You’re right…there are some really yucky tasting ones out there!
I used a ‘Raw Power’ which contains lots of protein and add it to my smoothies
What brand?
I LOVE muscle milk light! It’s my favorite, definitely nice and chocolatey and smooth and delish!! I still have yet to try a green monster type smoothie as they scare me slightly but would like to 😉 Great post!
Ohhhh…don’t be scared! You can barely taste the spinach. I put it in with banana, pineapple, almond milk, protein and ice. A green (delicious) masterpiece. (Even better if you add a little coconut on top!)
whaaaaa — cheddar cheese, no lactose? thats awesome! i feel like dairy doesn’t do my skin any favors, but i haven’t noticed a big difference with just a whey protein shake here and there. and they’re just so convenient and tasty!!
I know…awesome, right? That made giving up most dairy so much easier for me bc cheese would have been the hardest part!!