There are a
lot of delicious protein shakes out there now. Flavors come in everything from
the standard vanilla to pumpkin pie. Each of them are chock-full of the protein
and other nutrients that we need when training, but have you ever considered
kicking it up a notch or three?
If you want
a little more than what’s listed on the ingredient panel, there are a few
things that you can add in to your protein shake to make it even more delicious
and nutritious. It may go without saying that having a blender is crucial at
this point, so make sure that you have access to one.
By adding in
different food components to your protein shake, you can turn a simple
post-workout fuel into a near-complete meal. Need some more carbs in the mix?
Add some! Want a different flavor with an antioxidant punch? No problem! Below are
some great food additives to blend in with your protein du jour.
Berries
Add in
berries for a bit of sweetness and flavor. The simple sugars found in them can
give you a quick boost of energy, and even help on your way to recovery after a
workout by replacing glycogen stores. Blueberries and other dark-colored
berries contain antioxidants, always a good idea!
Fruits
Bananas are
an excellent source of potassium as well as a great thickening agent. They add
a nice kick to any shake, and supply you with a great deal of essential
vitamins and nutrients. For a fruitier blend, try oranges or peaches. Whole
fruits are ideal, but 100% juices are ok in a pinch.
Nut Butters
Peanut or
almond butter are a great source of flavor and additional protein. Mixing them
into a shake gives a definite flavorful kick while adding in protein and
healthy fats. Opt for the all-natural varieties to avoid the preservatives and
that nasty corn syrup.
Flax Seed
Flax is an
excellent source of fats and can really help to make a shake into a meal. It
will up the fat and calories in a very beneficial way. Be wary that flax seed
won’t really break apart in a blender, so you should opt for the “milled”
variety.
Oats
Whole grains
are a great source of carbs, and rolled oats are about as good as it comes for
adding into your shakes. Pour in ½ to a full cup of rolled oats for a good carb
load. Note that adding in oats WILL thicken your shake to near-concrete
proportions in a short period of time, so make sure that you drink it as soon
as you make it.
Protein
shakes themselves provide us with a quick and easy nutritional supplement to
our regular diet. Taking it one step further by mixing in your own ingredients
will only up the ante when it comes to fueling the fires that burn. These are
just a few little ideas of where to start, but feel free to be creative and
experiment! Your mind knows what to do, your body knows what it needs. Let your
tongue have a little fun, too! Feel free to shout out in the comments section
what you like to add in to your shake!
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