All-Time Favorite Protein Shake
As you can tell from all the smoothie recipes I post on my blog, I’m not a big fan of cooking or spending time in the kitchen. I would be SO happy if my family could live on veggie drinks and protein shakes… or even better… that I could hire a personal chef to cook for us every day. (Wouldn’t that be awesome!)
Since neither of those options are realistic, I’ll just quit dreaming and post my all time FAVORITE protein shake recipe so you too can enjoy the goodness of this smoothie!
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BANANA SHAKE
1 cup skim milk
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1/2 banana, sliced
1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
1 tablespoon ground flax seed
5 – 6 ice cubes
Mix all ingredients together in a blender and enjoy!
This is a perfect shake to drink first thing in the morning, especially after exercising, because it has just the right combination of foods that our bodies need. Obviously, it has the protein from the protein powder, it has healthy carbohydrates and fiber from the banana, it has “good” fat from the natural peanut butter, which also helps you feel full longer and then of course, it contains omega 3 fatty acids from the flax seed. Because of this well rounded combination of nutrients, this is a perfect smoothie to use as a meal replacement. It fills you up and keeps you feeling full all morning.
I’ve had a few people ask me about protein powders and how to know which kind to buy. It really can be overwhelming when you have rows and rows of different protein powders to choose from. Be aware that different protein powders have different purposes and you want to make sure that you get a powder that fits your needs.
If your goal is to maintain your weight or to lose weight, it’s best to buy a protein powder that has the lowest amount of added fat and carbs as possible. Usually, whey protein isolate is a good choice over other protein powders. Another important thing to consider when buying protein powder, is to get something that tastes good. I have experimented with so many protein powders and know first hand that if it doesn’t taste good to me, it will waste away in my pantry. My personal favorite brand is the Dymatize Elite and the price isn’t that bad either.
As with anything, you can go overboard and get too much of a good thing. Often, people view protein shakes as magical meals that will cause enormous benefits to their health. While protein IS an important part of any diet, and protein powder makes it easy to get an adequate amount of it, make sure you don’t forget to eat the recommended amount of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your daily diet.
Make A Comment: ( 10 so far )
10 Responses to “All-Time Favorite Protein Shake”
Shayna
August 17th, 2008
Thanks Shayna! 
I’m so glad you like the site. That’s crazy that Jeremy had such a bad side effect to taking a protein powder supplement. I’m sure glad you guys caught that.
Liz Rosenbaum
August 18th, 2008
I love my shakes.
have you tried PB2 as an add-in?
MizFits last blog post..Monday Facetime. Subtitle: Really, People? You wanted MORE pushing upward?!
MizFit
August 18th, 2008
Hi Liz! Where have you bought this brand of protein powder? Just curious if I can find it at Safeway, Walmart, Fred Meyer or some place similar. Or if I have to order it online. I’ve been making protein shakes in the morning VERY similar (and I love them), but without the Flax seed and banana…and now I’m going to add these! Also, because I’ve had a hard time finding a protein powder I like, I’ve been using Slim Fast High Protien chocolate shake mix because whey protein is it’s first ingrediant and it tastes sooooo good! I also like the amount of vitamins and minerals I get from it and it’s very reasonably priced. What do you think about this? Do you think it would be better if I went the protien powder? It’s hard to know because it seems like the protien content is comparable when I add the 1 TBLPS of natural peanut butter and cup of skim milk. And the calories are still under 300 or so. Thanks for your help and I LOVE LOVE your site! I’m trying to lose 15 lbs and you’ve made me look at my body differently…in a very good way!
Bethany Engstrom
August 18th, 2008
Bethany, You don’t know how happy it makes me, to hear that you are looking at your body differently and in a good way. That right there makes me feel like the time I spend on this blog is definitely worth it! THANK YOU for telling me that. I buy my protein powder at health food stores that are locally owned. I don’t know where you live, but most likely a health food store would have this brand. As far as the SlimFast powder goes, the last time I looked at their label to compare it to other powders was about 5 years ago and the sugar content was REALLY high. At that time though, they didn’t have the high protein kind, so I would have to look at those labels to know whether or not they are TOO tasty for a reason. The protein powder I use contains only 1 gram of sugar per serving, yet it is STILL very tasty! It also contains 23 grams of protein per serving. Compare that to the powder you are referring to and see how it measures up. If it’s compatible, I’d say keep using it if you like it. If the sugars are high, I’d recommend switching. Again – THANK you so much for letting me know that you like the site. You just made my day FABULOUS!
Liz Rosenbaum
August 18th, 2008
ohhhhh i totally missed this post! i am like a sponge with all this info!
i was drinking mine first thing in the morning, so i will wait till AFTER i get back from walking! =)))
annie
August 18th, 2008
Hi Liz!!!! I am new to commenting here, but I have been reading your blog since it started! I have been working out 6 days a week since January tying to get rid of my baby belly( i have 3 kiddos under 6yrs) and i can’t seem to get rid of it… I suppose maybe i will start drinking the hubby’s protien after i get back in the mornings and see if that helps! I love you blog! It is sooooo inspiring!!!!! Thank you!
Autumn
August 20th, 2008
Hey Autumn! Glad you like the site! Thanks for commenting. That stubborn baby belly is so DARN frustrating, but with persistence you CAN get rid of it. Try adding a little more protein to your diet and a little less carbs… carbs are great as long as you are getting the right kind and not too many. Good luck!
Liz Rosenbaum
August 21st, 2008
I wanted to comment on Bethany’s comment about slim fast. I used to buy the slim fast shakes about a year and a half ago and switched after talking to a personal trainer that told me they are like drinking pure sugar and to stay away from them. Yup…that’s why they are so yummy. I have tried tons of differents protein powders, but the brand I like the best is the Body Fortress whey protein brand they sell at most Walmarts. They are about $12 for a 2 lb. container. They come in vanilla and chocolate (so yummy!), and only have 1g of sugar per serving and 3 g carbs, but has 26 g of protein. They taste awesome with just milk, and even better mixed up like Liz suggests. Just thought I would share that.
Shawna Brown
August 21st, 2008
Liz…I love your site. You are so awesome. Thanks for this help on protein powders. Jeremy was taking protein powder a ton to try and gain muscle mass and in return found out that his cholestrol had sky rocketed, so its so important to really find the protein powder that works best for your body.