How to Make a Healthy Protein Shake at Home

They may be a staple in the diet of bodybuilders and fitness models, but protein shakes can and should be a common item in the average person's diet. Whey protein powders can be purchased online. Using the protein powder at home to make a healthy shake can lead to a gross, chalky mess. Adding ice cream and other fattening agents add to the flavor, but they defeat the purpose of the protein shake itself-to be healthy! Here's how to purchase your protein powder and turn it into a tasty, healthy snack.

Things You'll Need

• Blender
• Protein Powder
• Skim Milk
• Banana
• Coffee/Strawberry/Chocolate Syrup

Instructions

1. 

   Purchase your protein powder. You can check yellowpages.com for local suppliers of health supplements, or you can go to your nearest GNC or health store, but purchasing online will give you the best variety of protein powder for the best prices. Ebay is the place to go.

2. Search Ebay for "whey protein powder" and find the one that you prefer. Typical sizes are 5,10 and 20 pounds, with the latter giving the best value. Always make sure the nutrition information is somewhere in the Ebay listing. Choose the protein in your price range that has the best protein to fat ratio. The more protein and the less fat the better! A 5 pound tub of powder should cost $25-30 and $7-12 shipping.

3. 

   Once your whey protein powder is in the kitchen it's time to make your protein shake. Gather your ingredients: 1 banana, 1 cup skim milk, flavor syrup, and ice.

4. 

   Put the milk in the blender first, followed by one serving of the protein powder (usually 1-2 scoops, read the nutrition information for serving size). Blend on low for 30 seconds.

5. Add the banana and blend until smooth.

6. 

   Add desired amount of flavor syrup. Try to choose one that goes well with the flavor of protein powder. Examples: Coffee/strawberry syrup go well with vanilla flavored protein, chocolate syrup goes well with chocolate flavored protein. Keep the amount of syrup minimal (it's pure sugar!). Blend for another 15 seconds.

7. 

   Add a generous amount of ice. Blend to desired texture. This protein will have approximately 40 grams of protein and only 3-5 grams of fat (depending on the brand of powder you purchased)! Enjoy!

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to add the ingredients in this order. Adding the protein powder later than sooner can cause it to stick to chunks of ice or banana and become chalky.

• The flavored syrup is intended to add flavor without adding fat. It is however pure sugar. If you prefer, add some fat free frozen yogurt instead, it's full of protein.

• A well proportioned protein shake like this is an excellent breakfast/post-workout/bedtime meal

Resources

• Ebay