Sunday, April 12, 2015

Protein Filled Smoothies and Shakes

I have not been doing a lot of experimenting in the kitchen lately. I am intent on eating simply and keeping my nose to the grindstone where my workouts are concerned. We are leaving on vacation in a couple of weeks and I am determined to be at my best before we go!

One thing I have really been enjoying though, are protein filled smoothies and shakes.  I have a variety of protein powders that I particularly like… North Coast Naturals 100% ISO whey, Shakeology whey and also the Vega vegan powders.  They are all very different and I use them at various times for different needs.

I tend to use the Shakeology and the Vega powders mixed with unsweetened Almond Breeze and some fruit as a meal replacement… breakfast or lunch.  And I like the NCN powders mixed with Almond milk as a snack or after workout recovery drink.

I also really like a variety of fruits… frozen or fresh bananas, fresh strawberries, frozen mixed berries and blueberries, and a blend of frozen fruits from Europe’s Best called Caribbean Treasure  which has mangoes, strawberries and peaches.


Caribbean Treasure

And recently I discovered frozen cherries.  I belong to a couple of different Facebook groups that are nutrition and fitness communities, and many of the people who I come into contact with there happen to mention blending frozen cherries into their protein shakes. I looked for them every time I went shopping in all of my local markets and never saw cherries… all kinds of other fruits, but never cherries.

Until the last time we visited Costco, which we tend to do every 6 to 8 weeks.  And there they were… frozen cherries.  I grabbed a bag and tossed it into the cart immediately.


Frozen Cherries

I could barely wait to get home and rip that bag open!  And I was not disappointed!  Huge juicy, dark red cherries, individually frozen and pure delicious!

Cherries

I admit to eating them right out of the bag, still fairly hard and very cold. They are refreshing and make a lovely snack!  But they really shine when blended into a protein shake.

The first time I tried them I used chocolate Vega One.  About 3/4 cup of cherries with 12 ounces of unsweetened original Almond Breeze and a packet of the protein powder.  It was fabulous!  Thick and sweet and really filling!  You can see the bits of cherries in the thick chocolate drink.


Chocolate

So of course I had to give them a try in a vanilla based drink… this time with a scoop of vanilla Shakelogy and 12 ounces of unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze…. Mmmm.  Again, great taste, and lovely color too!
Fresh with cherries

I think I will have to try a mix of cherries and banana next!  And I just know they are going to make a lovely soft serve, too.

What is in your favorite protein smoothie or shake lately? I am always on the lookout for new and tasty ingredients!

16 comments:

  1. Costco frozen cherries are the best!
    I also love the Welches frozen fruit mix with the cherries from Superstore. I'm also a big fan ov Vega and NCN in my morning smoothies.

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  2. I LOVE frozen cherries. One of my favorite smoothie recipes in a cherry mocha. Nom nom!

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  3. I used to drink protein shakes all of the time but they got tiresome. Need to try them again!

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  4. ooh hadn't thought about frozen cherries! I tend to stick with strawberries and bananas. Good idea

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  5. LOVE protein smoothies, I have one every day! Usually I add blueberries, cocoa powder and almond butter depending on how intense my workout is. I also will add cinnamon and ginger powder for a little kick ;)

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  6. I just had a post-run smoothie that had pineapple bits and tart cherries + van. protein, spinach and almond milk. I'm still somewhat sore from my killer workout on Sunday and need all the help I can get!

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  7. I have a Shakeology shake for breakfast every morning. My favorite combination is milk, a whole banana, and a couple of strawberries and/or blueberries.

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  8. I love the color and now you have me wanting cherries in my next smoothie.

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  9. i really need to try cherries. i've been reading a ton about them lately :)

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  10. I love adding almond butter to my smoothies lately. It's just so good :)

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  11. My favorites are too many to list :) Add greens and I'm most likely going to like it. Love frozen cherries.

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  12. This looks good. I am a big fan of protein shakes/smoothies post long run. So good and so easy to go down too.

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  13. I love protein smoothies, and hoorayyy for frozen fruit! <3 I'm actually on my way to go make one right now! :D

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  14. I stopped putting protein powders in my smoothies cuz they got way too sweet. I just drink my protein with water these days. Smoothies are still a fav though :D

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  15. I have been off the protein shake option for a while, but with travel season coming up (so pumped for it) I am gonna keep this recipe tucked away in my "quick-grab" folder :)

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  16. I tend to go basic with berries and bananas. The addition of cherries sounds awesome though. Cherries are soooo good!

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