Protein Shake Ideas

Protein shakes are often used to aid in weight loss, as well as to help athletes build muscle. Protein helps the body to build muscle, bone, skin and other tissues. Protein shakes are a safe way to introduce protein into the diet and are safe for both the kidneys and bones.

Daily Protein Requirements

• The Mayo Clinic suggests that a person should eat 50 to 175 grams of protein a day. This is based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Many people have a hard time reaching their daily protein intake because of unhealthy eating habits and hectic lifestyles. Adding a nutritious protein shake into the diet is a good way to make up for any lacking daily protein.

Protein Shake Base

• Protein shakes are made from a variety of protein sources including milk, whey, casein, egg and soy. Choose the protein powder source that is best suited to individual health needs. Any protein shake powder can be used to create fabulous protein shakes.

Coffee Protein Shakes

• Adding protein powder to a coffee creation is an excellent way to consume additional protein and enjoy a great cup of Joe. Add chocolate protein powder to a mixture of black coffee and sugar-free caramel syrup. Or mix vanilla protein powder with sugar-free Irish Crème syrup. Any sugar-free syrups can be used with either chocolate or vanilla protein powder for delicious coffees.

  To make a cold shake, combine the coffee, protein powder, syrup and a glass of ice. Mix in a blender. Or simply add the ice, and make it an iced protein coffee.

Fruit Smoothie Protein Shakes

• Adding fruit to a protein shake is a great way to incorporate extra vitamins into a shake. Chocolate protein shakes can be paired with bananas, strawberries or raspberries and then blended together. Vanilla protein powder can also be used with fruit. Strawberries, bananas, cherries, blueberries and peaches are great fruits to add to a vanilla protein shake.

  To make fruit smoothie protein shakes, combine protein powder, milk, ice and desired fruit into a blender.

Dessert Protein Shakes

• Protein shakes can be more like a dessert than a meal. Shakes such as the dreamsicle shake made with vanilla protein and oranges and the German chocolate cake protein shake made with cream of coconut and chocolate protein powder are absolutely decadent.

  Candy inspired protein shakes such as the peanut butter and chocolate shake or the chocolate truffle shake are also favorite creations.

  Strawberry shortcake protein shakes made with frozen strawberries and sour cream is also a tasty option.