Protein shakes are a portable, easy beverage that has enough nutrition to make it an adequate substitute for a meal. Protein shakes are used for a wide variety of purposes, including supplementing nutrition when your appetite is compromised by illness or medication. Additionally, protein shakes can help you lose or gain weight, and you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences and caloric requirements. Protein shakes don't have to be boring, either. You can make delicious shakes that don't leave a bad taste in your mouth.
Choose A Protein With Flavor
Protein powders that are used to make shakes come in a variety of consistencies and flavors. Instead of choosing a protein powder that doesn't have any flavor, choose one the can make it more enticing. Vanilla and chocolate are just the tip of the protein powder flavor iceberg, and you can find protein powders in flavors like chocolate mint, strawberry and cookies and cream. If you're planning on adding other flavors to your protein shake, such as fruit, be sure the flavor of your protein powder complements it. If possible, choose several flavors of protein powder so you can vary the flavors of your shakes.
Add a Dash of Flavor Extract
Flavoring extracts like vanilla, peppermint and cherry can make your protein shakes taste better without adding calories or fat. You can find flavoring extracts at your local grocery or health food store, but be sure to check labels for hidden sources of sugar. A good rule of thumb to avoid excess sugar is to choose foods that have 5 g or less sugar on the nutritional label, according to Ohio State University Medical Center. Just a drop or two of pure vanilla extract can make all the difference in the flavor of your shakes. Additionally, the flavor can help mask the graininess that you experience with some protein powders. Use a powerful blender to mix your protein shakes thoroughly, incorporating the flavor into the powder, liquid and any fruits that you add to your shake.
Add Fruit for Flavor and Nutrition
Fresh or frozen fruit, such as berries or bananas, can make protein shakes more palatable. If you're using frozen fruit, blending it into a protein shake until smooth and drinking it immediately can make you think you're having a frozen dessert. A great way to improve the taste of protein shakes is to incorporate fruits and a dash of fruit juice to the mix. This helps add nutrients like vitamin C, as well as a natural sweetness that doesn't require refined sugars. If you're trying to lose weight, this also can help add dietary fiber that helps you feel fuller for longer.
Add More Liquid
According to the website Critical Bench, adding enough liquid can help make protein shakes easier to drink. If you've been mixing low-fat or skim milk in with your protein powder, consider trying low- or nonfat chocolate milk instead. You also can use applesauce or juice as a substitute for a portion of the milk or water in your protein shakes. For some people, making a protein shake thinner than the traditional shake consistency can make it easier to drink. If your intent is to lose weight, diluting your protein shake can help to reduce the calories in your beverage.
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