Protein shakes are great. Whether you’re trying to bulk, maintain your already fantastic body, or just get a convenient dose of protein in your diet, they are a truly great way to improve you macros and boost your intake. However, protein shakes CAN be gross. So many people first start drinking them with very little clue about how to make the cakey, sour powder taste even slightly edible. If you need help, below are some great combos to up your shake game and take getting fit to a whole new level.
With all of these shakes all you have to do is blend ingredients up and serve. I have added 1 scoop protein powder, but if you personally need more or less that is fine – just adjust the liquid content proportionally. Also, if you want to add creatine to any, then do!
- The Chocolate Lover
A classic. This is one of my favourites when I am exercising at “that time of the month”, as it truly satisfies those iron cravings. Its also a nice and luxury treat, which feels like you’ve had a bar of chocolate – but its full of protein so is so much healthier.
Ingredients:
1 scoop protein
250ml dark chocolate almond milk
1 ½ Tsp cacao powder
2 Tbsp low-fat yogurt
2 Tsp flaxseed oil (optional)
Sweetener to taste (optional)
(image: https://detoxinista.com/chocolate-pea-protein-shake-vegan/)
2. Peanut Butter and Banana
This is my personal favourite on the list. This is a great source of protein with the added peanut butter, and is extremely filling because of the added banana. You can use this shake as a meal replacement if you are trying to cut too
Ingredients
1 scoop Protein powder
1 Banana
1 tbsp Peanut butter
5 peanut butter flavour drops (optional)
250ml milk or non-dairy milk alternative
(Image: https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/6-delicious-protein-shake-recipes.html)
3. Vanilla Coffee
So this one isn’t the healthiest option on the list, but if you can’t get enough of the taste of coffee it’s a great treat once in a while.
Ingredients:
1 scoop protein
250ml skimmed or dairy-free milk
1 Tsp Vanilla extract
50ml low-fat coffee flavoured ice-cream
(Image: http://miosuperhealth.com/coffee-protein-shake-recipes/)
4. Banana and Cinnamon
This is another great combination, which is actually one of the lower calorie options on the list. Its reminiscient of a warming banana bread, and therefore is one of my autumnal favourites.
Ingredients:
1 scoop protein powder
1 Banana
1 Tsp cinnamon
250ml almond milk
(Image: https://www.asweetpeachef.com/chocolate-banana-peanut-butter-protein-shake/)
5. Peaches and Cream
While fruity protein shakes can be a bit of an acquired flavour, this is one shake that is fruity yet very indulgent.
Ingredients:
1 scoop protein powder
100ml almond milk
150ml water
1 ripe peach (destoned)
2 Tbsp low-fat sour cream
2 Tbsp low-fat yogurt
Sweetener to taste
(Image: http://www.girlmakesfood.com/vegan-peaches-and-cream-smoothie/)
6. The Double Berry
This is great and refreshing if you like berries in your smoothies. Use frozen fruit as a substitute to make this shake a little cheaper.
Ingredients:
1 scoop protein
4 large strawberries
1 handful blueberries
250ml water
1 handful ice
Sweetener to taste (optional)
(Image: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/homeschoolummi/suhoor/?lp=true)
7. Terrys Chocolate Orange
This shake is a great one around winter, when things start to get a little more Christmassy. It feels very indulgent, yet is so much healthier than a chocolate dessert AND has great macros.
Ingredients:
1 scoop protein
2 tsp Cacao powder
½ tsp cinnamon
1 medium orange, peeled and separated (orange juice will also go well)
250ml dark chocolate almond milk
Sweetener (to taste)
(Image: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/23432860539604189/?lp=true)
8. Spinach and Flax
This is a great one if you need to get your five-a-day in; with 4 portions of fruit or veg, this is a great one to have in the morning to start the day off with a health kick.
Ingredients:
1 scoop protein powder
250ml unsweetened almond milk
1 large handful of organic baby spinach, washed
60g frozen mango chunks
60g frozen pineapple
½ of a banana (fresh or frozen)
1 Tbsp flax meal (optional)
1 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp spirulina (optional)
(Image: http://theblondebuckeye.com/2013/08/spinach-flax-protein-smoothie/)
My favourite protein brand to use is from My Protein, and the best proteins to use for this are Whey, Soy or Rice protein – but feel free to change this depending on what protein suits you best. Happy shaking!