Banana Split Protein Shake

Believe it or not, you can actually enjoy your protein shakes. I do. I've heard so many people complain about how they just can't stand the taste -- that you can taste the protein too much, they're gritty or just plain gross.

Well, those unfortunate people have not had the pleasure of allowing me to make them a shake. The ones I make are downright delicious. Case in point, my banana split adaptation. I took all the great flavors from the tasty dessert treat and made it into a drink that will help you with your fitness goals and not sabotage them. Check it out.

Ingredients:

1 cup almond milk
1/3 banana
3/4 cup frozen mixed berries or just frozen strawberries
1 tsp cacao or cocoa powder
1 tsp almond butter
1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Directions: place almond milk in blender first, then all the remaining ingredients. Blend for about 30-60 seconds until all the frozen fruit has mixed in well. Pour in a cup and enjoy!

Blueberry Coconut Water

Coconut water is great by itself. It's a perfect post-workout drink because it contains a high amount of electrolytes which helps maintain proper fluid balance in your body -- I love it after hot yoga. But sometimes you might want some added flavor.

There are a lot of flavored varieties to choose from, but why not make your own? Adding some fresh fruit to coconut water is a fantastic way to make your taste buds happy, while also get the added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber that come from the fruit.

Check out this quick and simple recipe for blueberry coconut water. It tastes like dessert.

Ingredients:

16 oz coconut water
1/2 container frozen blueberries

In a blender add the coconut water and blueberries and blend until desired smoothness.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or a scoop of protein powder and turn it into a protein shake.

Enjoy!

Mixed Berries Protein Milkshake

Lately, I've been on sort of a kick, experimenting with different ingredients to make tasty protein shakes. The most common complaint that I hear from clients is that protein shakes taste gross. Granted, some powders aren't that great and you have to endure a little trial and error to find a brand that you like.

However, with a little creativity, you can make a protein shake that tastes just like a dessert. Win win!

This shake comes out tasting just like a fruity, delicious milkshake. The recipe is pretty basic, but the addition of açai makes it unique. If you're unfamiliar, açai (pronounced ah-sigh-ee) berries come from açai palm trees that are native to Central and South America. These little berries are high in antioxidants (more than pomegranates and blueberries), omega fatty acids and fiber. They even have protein. You can find them at natural food stores or Whole Foods.

If you're looking for a spin to your usual shake, check this out.

Ingredients:
1 cup almond milk*
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 açai frozen smoothie packet
3/4 cup frozen mixed berries

Directions: Place all ingredients into blender. Blend for 30-60 seconds until all the fruit is smooth, but not long enough to where the heat from the blender starts to melt the frozen berries.

*For post-workout almond milk based shakes, I typically opt for a sweetened variety of almond milk because we actually do need to replace our glycogen (sugar) stores after a workout. This is the only time I recommend having sweetened almond milk. If you're having a protein smoothie during the day for a snack or meal (and not after a workout), then I would advise the plain, unsweetened variety of almond milk.

Enjoy!