Perhaps 10 years ago, protein powder was a supplement only intended for anyone who practised sport and only for after or before training. With the passage of time, more than a supplement, we have more than proved that protein powder is much more than that, it IS A COMPLEMENT TO THE DAILY FOOD of anyone who wants it, even to prepare refreshing protein shake recipes.
Why is there so much talk about protein shakes?
Be of dairy origin (Whey Protein) or of plant origin (Vegan Protein), proteins are made from natural protein sources, such as cow's milk whey or, in the case of vegan proteins, from legumes or cereals, such as peas, soya, rice...
They are NOT MEAL REPLACEMENTS, they are an additional ingredient to be added, to increase the intake of proteins in a recipe. Many times we do not reach the necessary requirements of protein in our diet, and that can be detrimental to our health, just as it is not good to overdo it, everything in its right measure.
What do protein shakes give us?
Whether it's for breakfast, mid-morning or mid-afternoon, you can use protein powder to make delicious protein shake recipes that will give you a boost:
- A quality meal.
- Adequate protein intake.
- Satiety, as the addition of protein allows us to last for several hours with a full stomach and no desire for sweets.
- Avoid ultra-processed food: when you make recipes of this type, such as smoothies, they are easy and quick to make, just mix ingredients, blend, serve and enjoy. This way we avoid the temptation to eat any other product (which is anything but real food) full of sugars, refined fats and food additives.
- Suitable for the whole family: young and old can enjoy a delicious, refreshing shake that provides quality protein. For the little ones, simply adjust the quantities and add fewer grams of protein.
- There are infinite combinations, you will never get bored of the same taste. Depending on the ingredients you use, combinations of fruit, with water, with milk, with vegetable drinks... with dried fruit or nut creams, oatmeal, even vegetables and greens.
- A delight to the palate: in addition to all of the above, they are also delicious!
As perhaps the Whey Protein is the most known and used by everyone, today I am going to focus on the fabulous VEGAN PROTEIN. I invite you to read my article TAKING VEGAN PROTEIN IS GOOD, EVEN IF YOU'RE NOT VEGANin which I talk to you about the properties of vegetable proteins, both for sportsmen and women and for the rest of us.
Benefits of vegetable protein
Taking vegan protein in supplement form has many benefits for our health and performance:
- Helps to increase muscle mass, just like whey proteins
- Low-fat
- High digestibility
- They help regulate cholesterol and triglycerides.
- Naturally rich in vitamins and minerals
- Gluten and lactose free
Below, I'm going to share a series of original and nutritious protein shake recipes. All made with Vegan Proteinand, of course, you can make them with whey protein if you prefer. All quantities are approximate and you can vary them to your taste and preferences, as well as the protein flavours, you can change them to the ones you like best. You can also add more water or crushed ice depending on the texture you want. Depending on the recipe, you can make 2 or 4 servings.
Protein shake options to quench your thirst and appetite
PUMPKIN PROTEIN SHAKE
This is a great dinner option.
- 400 g pumpkin
- 30 g of peanut butter
- Salt
- 25 g of Vegan Protein Vanilla flavour
- 1/2 banana
- Soy beverage with no added sugar
- Water
- Cinnamon
BANANA AND COCONUT SMOOTHIE
- 100 ml canned coconut milk
- 50 g frozen ripe banana
- 30 g frozen berries
- 25 g of Vegan Protein Chocolate flavour
- 1 tablespoon grated coconut
FRUIT MIX SMOOTHIE
- 270 g papaya, chopped and frozen
- 350 g watermelon from the fridge
- 110 gr clean strawberries
- 1 orange
- 1 carrot
- 25 g of Vegan Protein Berry Mix flavour
PINEAPPLE AND BLUEBERRY SMOOTHIE
- 25 g of Vegan Protein Piña Colada flavour
- 50 g ripe avocado
- 1 tablespoon almond cream
- 480 ml unsweetened almond milk
- 50 g frozen blueberries
- 150 g frozen chopped pineapple
- Optional: fresh blueberries, coconut flakes or fresh mint
BATIDO PIÑA – MANGO
- ½ banana
- 150 g frozen chopped pineapple
- 60 g frozen chopped mango
- 25 g of Vegan Protein Mango Matcha Tea flavour
- 60 ml orange juice
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
Other articles of interest:
- Taking Vegan Protein is good, even if you are not Vegan.
- 6 quick and complete recipes for vegan diets
- 5 Healthy Recipes with Oat Flour