Working out can be a real challenge and getting the body you want can seem like an impossible task. However, with keeping fit being all-the-rage these days, there are more muscle enhancing supplements on the market than ever before. One of the most popular work out aids is the protein shake. There are many different brands to choose from but few, if any, are truly delicious. If you’re desperate to get toned but can’t stand chugging down this questionably tasting stuff before or after you hit the gym, then this guide on how to make protein shakes taste better will come in useful.
There are several ways that you can make a protein shake taste better. Not only that but by including some of these tasty additions, you can actually load it with beneficial ingredients.
Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most awesome blends. They’re guaranteed to make that vital protein shake a little easier to stomach after all that hard work.
Add Fruit
Adding some fruit pulp to your protein shake will certainly change its taste, not to mention load it with extra vitamins.
After you mix up your usual shake, throw the whole thing into a blender and add some of your favorite fruits.
Bananas are, of course, a great option and will add some thickness and slow release energy to your shake. Fresh berries are also great as they are full of powerful anti-oxidants and usually very low on calories. They’re great for adding color and flavor to your protein shake, without increasing the calorie count.
Sprinkle in Some Grated or Powdered Chocolate
Sprinkle in Some Grated or Powdered ChocolateFinally, a reason to eat more chocolate!
Adding a few pinches of chocolate powder or grated chocolate to your protein shake may make your concoction a little more pleasing to the taste.
If you’re serious about the health-drive, then lets consider your options when it comes to chocolate. Dark chocolate should always win out over milk chocolate. Not only is it a more powerful taste, and therefore able to better mask that of your protein shake, but it also comes with its own set of nutritional benefits.
Typically, dark chocolate contains less sugar, carbohydrates and cholesterol than milk chocolate. Not only this but dark chocolate also contains theobromine, an alkaloid that has been proven to lower blood pressure. As if all that hadn’t convinced you already but most high percentage products also contain considerably higher levels of trace elements, such as zinc, iron and magnesium, along with their own set of antioxidants which are great for the heart.
When picking a dark chocolate brand to make protein shakes taste better, always opt for the highest percentage cocoa content you can – anything above 70% would be perfect.
Dilute With Water
Some people just don’t like protein shakes because of the texture. It’s not uncommon for people to complain that they find them too thick. If this sounds familiar, then why not consider watering down the solution. Just add a little extra water to the mix and you might find the drink easier to stomach after a heavy workout.
Not only will adding water to the mix alter the texture of the end product, it will also help to keep you hydrated during particularly grueling gym sessions.
Mix It With Yogurt
If thickness wasn’t an issue for you but you still can’t stand the taste, you can opt for yogurt to make protein shakes more palatable.
Long known for their health benefits, a yogurt thrown into your blender will definitely add flavor and nutrients to your protein shake. Yogurt is reported to be a great source of protein, not to mention the fact they contain all those ‘good bacteria’ that are great for the digestive tract and immune system.
Yogurts, of course come in a variety of styles and flavors. This makes the customization options of your shake almost infinite. Keep experimenting with different types in order to find your perfect recipe.
Tea Powder
Yes, you read correctly, tea powder. Now, I’m not advocating just throwing your standard ‘breakfast blend’ of tea leaves into your protein shake. However, powdered green tea is well worth considering as an addition to make protein shakes taste better. Green tea is also one of those seemingly magic ingredients, with a huge list of proven and speculative health benefits.
These benefits include: antioxidants, increased brain function, increased physical performance, increased fat burning and anti-bacterial properties.
Green tea has been touted by many health experts to be the healthiest drink on the planet. If you’ve been hitting the gym hard, it’s likely that you’ll be seeking out the most beneficial additions to make your protein shake taste better. If this is the case, look no further than powdered green tea.
Adding green tea to a protein shake is great for those who find them a little too sweet. It’s also perfect for the super-health conscious out there. Whichever, you are, it’s well worth a try.
Try Flavored Syrups or Extracts
I’ve saved these for last because it’s possibly the most unhealthy of all the tips so far but if none of the other ideas help, then it’s worth a go.
Flavored syrups and extracts will certainly improve the flavor of your protein shake, especially if you don’t want to end up with too much fluid to drink. These concentrated, flavorsome liquids can really liven up an otherwise boring or unpleasant tasting drink without increasing the volume of liquid by much at all. Half, or even a quarter teaspoon will have the desired effect, so add with caution to avoid making it taste unpleasant in a whole new way.
Syrups and extracts represent a convenient solution and can be purchased from health stores in numerous flavors – caramel, strawberry and chocolate are just a few examples. You know what you like, so pick one that sounds tastiest to you.
Note: Extracts are even more potent than standard syrups, so more care should be taken when adding them to your blend. Like syrups, they come in a variety of flavors, making the possibilities almost endless.
Extracts and syrups are perfect for those who don’t fancy getting all Gordon Ramsey in the kitchen after a workout. They are ready to use and just need adding to your usual protein shake mix.
Or Maybe, Just Make a Smoothie
For those of you who are a little more adventurous, or seek the ultimate taste sensation, why not try combining several of the ideas we’ve mentioned? Experimenting with different combinations of fruits, green tea, yogurt and dark chocolate in your blender can have wonderful results. You might even consider adding some ice to blend up with it, diluting and chilling the end product. You can really pack a lot of tasty, healthy ingredients into these smoothies and they will guarantee a great tasting, beneficial post-workout treat.
Hopefully, armed with these new ideas, you can breath some life into your otherwise mundane protein shake. By experimenting with combinations you can tailor your recipe to your individual tastes and pack it full of extra nutritious goodies. With so many different ingredients to choose from, you are guaranteed to find the perfect mix for your needs and tastes. So, what are you waiting for? Why not try making your protein shake taste better today?
Sources
- http://www.criticalbench.com/protein-shakes.htm
- http://weightloss-tips.website/how-to-make-protein-shakes-taste-good.html
- http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/make-protein-powder-palatable-8296.htmlc