Shakes

Katie also asked me to share my favorite protein shakes with you (see my post below). Recently I started Shakeology. This is also a Beachbody product. I will be 100% honest, I was skeptical of trying this for so long because of the price. But, Beachbody has an awesome money back guarantee. You can get your money back if you're not satisfied, even if you've finished the bag. So, I gave it a shot. It is worth it in my opinion. It is packed with nutrition. It makes a huge shake. It is used as a meal replacement instead of a "snack."  That's where the value comes into play. When I dont feel like cooking, I have a shake. It's plenty filling. I'll post a link at the bottom if you want to read more about it.

Anyway, here are some of the shakes I like doing. Keep in mind that these can be done with any shake. I used to use Elite Whey Protein Powder (chocolate fudge), also a great protein shake. I use almond milk with all my shakes. Almond milk is only 30 calories per cup, so it is excellent for watching calories. I use 2 cups of almond milk with my shakeology (another reason it's so filling - it almost fills a 32 oz cup when I make it).  I used 1/2 cup with Elite.

Cherry chocolate shake:
chocolate protein powder
1/2 cup of frozen cherries (from Sam's Club - huge bag)
2 cups almond milk
8 ice cubes

Chocolate Peanut Butter & Banana shake:
chocolate protein powder
1 banana
2-3 tsp natural peanut butter (I get the natural PB from Smith's - It's from a machine that grind the peanuts right there, so no additives. It's like using a soft serve ice cream machine, for peanuts) :)
2 cups almond milk
8 ice cubes

I actually had this for dinner tonight. I love not worrying about cooking something sometimes, and it kept me full. Thank goodness my husband is easy going and likes freezer meals on occasion (I don't do this often for dinner!).

Chocolate Cheesecake Shake:
chocolate protein powder
2 Tbsp of fat free/sugar free jello cheesecake powder (found at Target and Smith's, but could not find at Walmart)
Almond Milk
8 ice cubes

To me, this tastes like brownie batter. Mmmmm!

Strawberry Cheesecake Shake:
same as above, but use the Tropical Strawberry Shakeology Powder

Butterscotch Chocolate Shake:
Same as the chocolate cheesecake shake, but use butterscotch powder instead

Strawberry Banana Shake:
Tropical strawberry powder and banana, almond milk, ice - one of my favorites for breakfast (so nice not to cook eggs, etc.)

Pumpkin  Chocolate Shake:
chocolate protein powder
2 Tbsp (more with shakeology) pumpkin purée (canned pumpkin)
2 cups almond milk
Ice

I have tried freezing the canned pumpkin after opening, but it didn't work out well. So if you do this, be ready to have pumpkin for a few days. Buy the smaller canned pumpkin. I like to make some pumpkin yogurt while I'm at it - 1 large yogurt (fat free vanilla), 1/2 cup canned pumpkin, nutmeg or pumpkin spice, and cinnamon. Mix in a kitchen aid or with beaters. I have one serving right after I make it, then put the rest back in the vanilla yogurt container to store it. I haven't tried this with Greek yogurt, but it would probably be great! I like adding some low fat granola to the yogurt (just a small amount sprinkled) and it is like pumpkin pie. I also like low fat granola on other yogurts.

Chocolate Peppermint Shake:
If you are into essential oils, this is actually really good.  Just make the shake as usual, then add ONE drop of peppermint essential oil.  Tastes excellent.  You could try other essential oils if you wanted, but this is one that I have had.  Chocolate orange might be great too?  Worth experimenting if you have the oils!

I love trying new shake recipes. I like buying frozen fruit because it helps with the shake factor, and it stays good for a long time. Pudding powder is also fun to try out. Just be careful to read nutrition facts!

Just an FYI, I will be doing a 5 day Shakeology challenge the week of July 8th to 12th. Participants will get 5 Shakeology packets and a protein shake mixing cup. There will be a prize for the person who has the most success over the 5 days. It will be an excellent opportunity to try out Shakeology without paying so much for the whole bag. Follow my Facebook or Instagram page if you want more details on this. www.facebook.com/kickupthefitinyou or @kickupthefit. You can also email me at kickupthefit@gmail.com

Read more about shakeology here:
www.shakeology.com/kickupthefit