Recipes for Protein Shakes/Smoothies

Per MsCatty's request, I am going to put down the recipe I use for my protein shakes/smoothies.  Now, if you want to add the greens, you can.  I do and LOVE them!!!

1/2c. Almond milk (unsweetened vanilla)

1/4c. heavy cream

1/4c. greek yogurt (I use 2% Fage)

2 packets Sweetleaf (natural sweetener, but you could use Splenda)

1 scoop protein powder ( I like NOW pure whey protein isolate, unflavored)

This is almost always my base.  After that, I add about 2c. of greens first (to help them blend the best).  The greens I use are usually spinach or kale on rotating days.  Sometimes I use romaine or cabbage, but those two aren't my faves.  I hope to keep trying different things.  Not sure what to try next... guess I will just get something and try it!  LOL  After the greens are blended, I add different things.  Sometimes frozen blueberries and more ice.  Sometimes a banana and raspberries.  Sometimes a mix of berries.  Sometimes cocoa and a banana!  The only shakes/smoothie that is different is the coffee flavored one.  I don't do the yogurt in that one or the greens.  At least, I've not tried a coffee one with greens... Anyways, for me, I usually double the cream (which IS a lot of fat, but if you're doing this as a 'replacement' then I don't think that's too big of a deal) and usually add an additional two packs of Splenda.  I don't add regular coffee... I add a double shot of espresso.  I blend all that up with after the espresso has cooled with lots of ice.  YUM!

There are LOTS of ways to do the shakes and smoothies, you just sorta have to play with what you like!  I know I like the spinach and blueberry a lot and the coffee.  But the ingredients are sorta up to you.  I've tried all different kinds of liquids and yogurts and it's just about finding a good balance.  Milk and I aren't really friends, so that's why I use the almond milk and heavy cream.  But you could use milk.  I like the NOW whey protein powder, but I know people use all different kinds.  I just happen to like that one because I trust that brand, it's unflavored so you can use it in low carb breads, cookies, drinks, etc.  It mixes well and doesn't have any additives.  That's big for me as I don't like to use a bunch of sugar or artificial sweeteners.  I've even put it in pudding so I could have an extra boost of protein even in a 'sweet treat'.  LOL  Lots of stores carry different kinds, but I've found the best deals on Amazon.  I would say buy them locally and try different kinds and then if you find the ones you love, buy those as cheap as you can.

One note here -- don't waste your time on the pre-made drinks.  They are FULL of chemicals, sugar, artificial sweeteners and who knows what.  ESPECIALLY the Slim Fast and Atkins ones.  Atkins was good at one time, but they have REALLY gone downhill and FAST!  They are nasty and chemical tasting.  NOT worth the money.  You are better off making them fresh.  A bit time consuming?  Maybe.  Better for you?  DEFINITELY!  As I get older, I'm seeing more and more how much junk I've consumed due to 'ease'.  BS!  It might have been easy to make and fast to eat, but years later trying to get that off my hind-end is NOT easy!  Better off just to avoid that crap from the get-go.

Maybe I will make this a 'Page' instead of a 'Post'.  LOL  I'll leave it up as a post for now.

*** I wanted to add that for the shakes and smoothies, you might need to add more milk/liquid for whatever thickness you like.  Also, my shake today I needed to add some extra sweetener as the Kale was a tiny bit bitter.  That recipe was just the base.  :)