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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!