You know that feeling when you get so tired of the same ol’ same ol’ post-workout shake? I know that I definitely get like that. That’s why I decided to put together a list of my 5 favorite fall protein shakes to welcome in the new season and to mix-up my post-workout nutrition.
Before we get to the goods, how about a little bit of background on some of the ingredients that I use in the shakes. My goal with these shakes is not only to make them taste delicious, but also to maximize the nutrients going into your body after you have put it through the mill in your workout.
Whey Protein– Excellent for muscle growth and repair.
Pumpkin– rich source of vitamin A, contains the antioxidant beta-carotene, contains potassium which can help blood pressure.
Cinnamon– anti-clotting actions, blood sugar control, boosts brain function, and protects against heart disease.
Strawberries– contains vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium.
Cherries– ease muscle soreness.
Orange Juice– vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, folate, potassium, fiber, copper, magnesium, flavonoids
Alright, now that we see some of the health benefits of the ingredients used in these shakes, let’s get to the recipes!
Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake
Ingredients:
1 Scoop Vanilla Whey Protein (I used Optimum Nutrition!)
1/3 cup canned pumpkin (make sure the only ingredient is pumpkin)
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cloves
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (I used Blue Diamond)
A few drops of liquid stevia
Ice
Directions: Blend all the ingredients together and enjoy this delicious fall shake! P.S. I like to blend all of the ingredients and pour it over ice, rather than putting the ice in the blender ;).
Macros: 26g protein/11g carbs/4g fat
Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Shake
Ingredients:
1 scoop birthday cake whey protein (I used Optimum Nutrition, you could also use vanilla)
2 tbsp fat-free sugar-free cheesecake pudding
1 cup of whole strawberries
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Ice
Directions: Blend all of the ingredients together in a blend and garnish with a fresh strawberry!
Macros: 25g protein/18g carbs/5g fat
Apple Cinnamon Protein Shake
Ingredients:
1 scoop vanilla whey protein (I used Optimum Nutrition)
½ cup no sugar added all natural applesauce
½ tsp cinnamon
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Ice
Directions: Blend together and enjoy! Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Macros: 25g protein/9g carbs/4g fat
Orange Cream Protein Shake
Ingredients:
1 scoop vanilla whey protein (I used Optimum Nutrition)
1 cup of no sugar added orange juice
Ice
Directions: Blend together and enjoy this orange cream shake! This is a very simple, very refreshing shake and is definitely one of my favorites!
Macros: 25g protein/25g carbs/1g fat
Chocolate Fudge Protein Shake
Ingredients:
1 scoop chocolate whey protein (I used Optimum Nutrition)
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 cup cherries (preferably frozen)
1 cup vanilla unsweetened almond milk
Ice
Directions: Blend together to get a thick, creamy chocolate shake that will kill even your strongest sweet tooth!
Macros: 28g protein/ 29g carbs/4g fats
Well, there you have it. My top five fall protein shake recipes that make my post-workout nutrition something to look forward to rather than dread. Do you have any fall protein shake recipes that you couldn’t live without? If so, drop them in the comments, I always love trying new recipes!