BF Top 5: Ways to Spice Up Your Protein Shake

~~posted by Jen

The world of protein shakes can be a confusing and sometimes difficult one to make your way through alone. Nik and I both struggled with finding a protein that we liked early out. What point is there to buying a protein powder if you don't like it?

We all know if you don't like the way something tastes, you sure aren't going to drink it like you're supposed to, am I right? That's one of the many reasons we try to provide y'all with advice, recipes, and ideas on how to make take your protein drinks to the next level.

Plain protein powder and water is just...YUCK. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. If you can't tolerate cow's milk early out (and most people are lactose intolerant, at least for a little while) experiment with the other types of milk out there: Soy Milk, Almond Milk, and all sorts of others until you find one that works.

Some of our protein shake recipes call for adding in other ingredients that may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of making a shake, but they work. I love finding something that adds extra nutrition or flavor (or BOTH) to improve my shake without packing on lots of extra calories. That leads me to share with you, in no particular order, our Top 5 Ways to Spice Up Your Protein Shake:

#1 - Greek Yogurt - It adds an extra punch of protein with the added bonus of a thick, creamy texture. While it does increase the calories in your shake, a good percentage of those are from protein, so this is a worthwhile caloric "investment." Blueberry Smoothie, anyone?

Da Vinci SUGAR FREE French Vanilla Syrup 750mL

#2 - Sugar Free Syrups - Whether you like DaVinci or Torani, they have just about any flavor imaginable. A zero calorie, guilt-free burst of flavor to liven up any protein shake, whether it's hot or cold! Here's one to try: Protein Chai Latte.

#3 - High Fiber, Low Glycemic Fruits - Your first thought wouldn't necessarily be to add some pumpkin or applesauce to a shake, I am guessing. But, it works! Added bonus? For a few extra calories, you get lots of fiber and "good" carbs your body needs, along with an extra serving of fruit!
You can use frozen fruit if that's more your thing, but make sure the package clearly reads "NO ADDED SUGAR." Same thing with the canned pumpkin, you want pure pumpkin, NOT pumpkin pie filling. Make sure your applesauce is No Sugar Added also.
The main thing is remember to stick to lower glycemic fruits that won't impact your blood sugar as much. Some good ones are: pumpkin, applesauce, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries. How about a Caramel Apple Protein Shake? Or maybe a Pumpkin Spice Latte?

#4 - Sugar Free Sweetener - Whatever your brand of choice, team Yellow, team Blue, or team Pink, sometimes you need to add a little something sweet without adding extra calories. Tired of sweet shakes? You could always add some Ranch Dip Mix to our Salad Shake, or create your own savory shake.

Jell-O Sugar-Free Instant Pudding & Pie Filling, Lemon, 1-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 24)

#5-Sugar Free Instant Pudding Mix- A tablespoon or two of Sugar Free Instant Pudding Mix is an easy way to amp up the flavor of your shake, like in our White Chocolate Strawberry Cheesecake Shake. It also gives your shake a bit more thickness, for those who prefer thicker shakes.

There you have it, 5 easy ways to improve your protein shake. Further evidence to Nik's long-standing directive: "There is NO excuse for drinking a nasty protein shake!"

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