Your workout is finished.

You need to refuel to help your muscles properly recover.

In the process of working out, you are creating micro-tears in your muscle fibers. The muscles have to repair themselves afterwards, leading to both muscle growth and increased strength. Protein intake after a workout is crucial for this rebuilding process.

But protein powder mixed with water just isn’t that appetizing or that filling. And high protein drinks from smoothie shops are usually filled with excessive sugar and calories. So, what can you do for a healthy post-workout fill up?

Thankfully, there are plenty of protein shake recipes that are tastier, healthier, more satisfying, and easy to make! With a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can make gourmet protein shakes in your own kitchen. And if you need an added bonus, you can be confident that they are low in sugar and high in protein since they were made by your own two hands.

Let’s get blending!

Types of proteins to use

Protein powder is an easy go-to source for your protein needs. Nowadays, there are many different brands and styles of protein powder that can be found at your local grocery store.

But protein powder isn’t your only option for your post-workout shakes.

Try incorporating organic foods that are naturally high in protein such as nuts or nut butter, seeds (chia, hemp, flax), and vegetables (spinach, kale, cauliflower). Your protein intake will quickly start to add up by throwing a handful of these items into your shakes.

What are some healthy protein shake recipes?

Don’t let the names fool you!

While the titles (and taste) of these protein shakes may be indulgent, they are filled with quality, healthy ingredients to replenish your body after a tough workout. The only items you’ll need are a blender and the ingredients listed in your recipe of choice.

Place all the ingredients into the blender, press blend, and enjoy!

Strawberry cheesecake

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups of whole frozen strawberries
  • 1 frozen banana (freezing banana is optional)
  • 1/4 cup of vanilla protein powder
  • 1/3 cup of nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk

Almond butter & jelly

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of frozen blueberries
  • 1 frozen banana (freezing banana is optional)
  • 1 cup of spinach or kale
  • 1 tbsp of organic almond butter
  • 3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tbsp of hemp seed
  • 1 tbsp of chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup of vanilla protein powder

Chocolate peanut butter cup

Ingredients

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1 cup of chocolate protein powder
  • 2 tbsp of organic peanut butter (can substitute with almond butter)
  • 1 cup of spinach or kale
  • 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
  • Ice cubes for more frozen texture

Very berry

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups of frozen triple berry mix (strawberry, blueberry, blackberry)
  • 1 frozen banana (freezing banana is optional)
  • 1 cup of spinach or kale
  • 1 tbsp of chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup of vanilla protein powder
  • 1.25 cups of unsweetened almond milk

Of course, you can adjust the ingredients of any recipe to your liking and protein needs, or you can create an entirely new recipe from scratch! Get creative and shake things up.