There are few culinary creations less appetizing than protein powder in water. Yet this might be how you likely “enjoy” your shakes.
But your workout protein shake should taste like victory, not another endurance test. And that’s impossible if you’re stuck with one of those nasty powder-and-water concoctions.
You might be thinking that protein-powder-in-water is easy and, whatever, flavor is for real food. But your post-workout shake can be real food.
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Top athletes and health experts all endorse the not-so-secret ingredient that is “real food”. You should too.
Add just a few more ingredients to make a velvety smooth, nutrient packed, and finally flavorful smoothie you’ll swear by—and not at.
We asked four fitness icons—from Arnold Schwarzenegger to LeBron James to share their top recipes on repeat.
Try these to mix things up.
The Arnold
What does a workout shake developed by Arnold Schwarzenegger—actor, politician, bodybuilding G.O.A.T.—taste like? Muscle growth, that’s what. This shake packs a powerhouse of protein, plus brain-boosting choline from the whole egg—and permission to shout, “Get to da choppa!” before blending.
Chelsea Kyle
What You’ll Need:
8 oz unsweetened almond milk
2 oz tart cherry juice
1 banana
1 scoop protein powder (your choice)
1 raw egg (shell optional … really)
How to Make It:
In a blender, combine all the ingredients and puree until smooth.
Nutrition per shake: 366 calories, 32g protein, 39g carbs (4g fiber), 13g fat
LeBron’s Chocolate Plant-Protein Smoothie
This shake recipe, created by NBA living legend LeBron James, tastes like a Reese’s cup crossed with a banana. If that’s not enough to sell you, it also contains 26 grams of muscle-building protein, delivers heart-healthy fats from the peanut butter, and provides enough energy to withstand endless Michael Jordan comparisons.
Chelsea Kyle
What You’ll Need:
1 packet Ladder Chocolate Plant-Protein Powder
1 frozen banana
1 heaping Tbsp peanut butter
8 to 10 oz vanilla unsweetened almond milk
Handful of ice cubes
How to Make It:
In a blender, add the first 3 ingredients and puree until well combined. Then add the almond milk and ice until the desired consistency is achieved.
Nutrition per shake: 445 calories, 26g protein, 53g carbs (6g fiber), 15g fat
Sweet Green Smoothie with Honey
Kevin Curry is the creator of the wildly popular Instagram account @FitMenCook and author of the Fit Men Cook cookbook. He’s also the creator of this shake, which tastes like taking a quick tropical vacation. The green isn’t just for show. You consume a payload of fiber, a buzz from the green tea, and a hue resembling the Hulk.
Chelsea Kyle
What You’ll Need:
1 cup spinach
1/2 avocado
1 kiwi, peeled
1 Tbsp matcha green-tea powder
1 Tbsp raw honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
Unsweetened almond milk, to taste
How to Make It:
In a blender, add the first 3 ingredients and puree until well combined. Then add the almond milk and ice until the desired consistency is achieved.
Nutrition per shake: 445 calories, 26g protein, 53g carbs (6g fiber), 15g fat
Berry Blast Super Shake
Brian St. Pierre, C.S.C.S., R.D., is the director of performance nutrition at Precision Nutrition, a nutrition coaching company with clients that include the San Antonio Spurs and Carolina Panthers. By the looks of his go-to shake, the guy practices what he preaches. It tastes like the height of summer, contains six grams of fiber, and provides you with a sense of pride after learning how to chug your fruits and vegetables.
Chelsea Kyle
What You’ll Need:
1 scoop vanilla or strawberry protein powder (your choice)
1 loosely packed cup baby spinach
1 cup frozen mixed berries
1 tsp ground flaxseed
6 to 12 oz water, plain dairy milk, or plant-based milk
How to Make It:
In a blender, combine the first 4 ingredients and puree until well combined. Then add the liquid until the desired consistency is achieved.
Nutrition per shake (with 6 oz 2-percent milk): 290 calories, 31g protein, 31g carbs (6g fiber), 7g fat
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