Looking for a new muscle-building shake to jump-start your nutrition plan? Bypass the basic "add water and mix" shakes, and pack some serious power and flavor into your protein with these simple but delicious recipes.
These great treats come straight from the elite athletes of Team MuscleTech, and they're sure to breathe new life into any tired protein routine. Try any of these recommended recipes, or alter them slightly to create your own unique spin on athlete-tested favorites.
1. Pumpkin Spice Smoothie
To prepare her perfect shake, IFBB figure pro Elissa Martis adds some cacao powder to the mix. The benefits are twofold: the added cacao enhances taste and delivers healthy antioxidant power. If you want a lean shake that'll keep you burning fat for hours to come, this is a great go-to recipe!
2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie
When he's looking to stack on the mass, team MuscleTech athlete Jesse Hobbs likes to balance his shakes by adding healthy fats, energy-boosting carbs, and a little extra protein. With a quick prep time of 2-3 minutes, the simplicity of this shake means there's no excuse not to fuel your body right.
3. Nuts for Chocolate Smoothie
NPC bikini athlete Katie Miller likes to make sure her protein smoothies meet her macros. To keep her shakes low in carbs, moderate in fat, and high in protein and taste, she customizes them. Her secret ingredient: cashew milk. Just a small amount allows her to keep her lactose intake down while still achieving that creamy consistency she craves.
4. The Angry Bruce Banner Smoothie
Help bring the fictional, superhuman strength of Bruce Banner—aka the Incredible Hulk—to life with this shake. It's a favorite of trainer Ed Honn, who uses it as his morning breakfast shake. "The balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean protein are just what I need to stay energized for the day ahead," he says. When you're on the road, far from home, or just having a jam-packed day, this shake can also be used as a meal replacement.
5. Orange Cream Smoothie
When it comes to his protein shakes, fitness model Jimmy Everett goes gourmet. After all, why have a plain old shake when you can have a guilt-free milkshake? Made with "fit" ice cream, this shake takes clean indulgence to a whole new level. Whip this recipe up to keep sweet-tooth cravings at bay. Not a fan of orange and vanilla? Change up the flavor profile and create the clean, frothy shake of your dreams.
6. Peanut Butter Cup Bliss Smoothie
When creating her favorite protein shake, personal trainer Lindsay Cappotelli tries to recreate the taste of a Reese's peanut butter cup. This chocolate and peanut butter combo is a great lower-carb option that fits well into just about any diet plan!
7. Green Machine Smoothie
To start her day off right, fitness competitor Danielle Beausoleil turns to a well-balanced shake that gives her the protein, antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and energizing carbs she needs to forge through the day ahead. Her recipe takes nutrition to a new level by incorporating both greens and super fruits to pack as much of a nutritional punch as possible into one cup.
