Alternatives to the same old protein shake

Protein shakes have their place in the world of nutrition, but that place certainly isn’t at the top of the list of coveted culinary treats. So what is a body to do? You need the benefits but you don’t necessarily crave the taste. Even if you like protein shakes there is absolutely nothing wrong with a little variety. If you are looking for a change of pace, here are a few ideas to shake up your protein shake routine.

Go from shake to spread

Who says you have to get your protein through a straw or bottle? Live a little by switching to a spread. Consider mixing your protein with some peanut butter or better yet – make the protein into a mock peanut butter. To do this, add water to the protein powder a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Spread on whole wheat toast or crackers and you’ve got a post workout worthy snack.

Mix it up

Rev up your yogurt with a little protein powder. Add a little fruit for an extra treat – stir and enjoy. Protein powder is versatile so don’t be shy about experimenting. Try adding it to pancake mix, oatmeal, pudding, pasta and even baked goods like cookies or bread.  Bodybuilding.com offers this recipe for banana chocolate chip protein bread for a great alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 scoop Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Syntha-6
• 2 cup Oat Flour
• 3 mashed Bananas, overripe
• 1 tsp Baking Powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
• 1 Egg
• 2 Egg Whites
• 2 tbsp. Stevia
• 1/4 cup Almond Milk
• Dash of Cinnamon
• 1 tbsp. Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Mix ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
• Spray loaf pan with non-stick spray.
• Pour batter into loaf pan.
• Bake about 20 minutes, or until inserted knife comes out clean.

One slice has more than 40 grams of protein and less than 175 calories. The bread is easily portable, too so you can conveniently enjoy a high protein snack right after your sweat session. Just throw some in your gym bag for an easy post workout boost.

Getting in your protein doesn’t have to be tasteless or boring. Sure, shakes are an easy way to up your intake but they aren’t the only way to get more protein powder. Be willing to be creative and you may just find that you actually enjoy, rather than dread, getting in that muscle building fuel.