Healthy and Delicious Protein Smoothie: A Quick Recipe

Sometimes, you need a quick shake on the way out the door to hit the gym, or to curb hunger before a long work day. Then there are times when you can flex your culinary muscles a bit with a delicious, protein-packed smoothie.

The great thing about a nutritionally complete whey-based protein powder is that, in addition to supplying all nine of the essential amino acids your body cannot make on its own, the powder is incredibly versatile. You can add a scoop of high-quality protein powder to baking mixes and batters for a healthy hit of valine, tryptophan, phenylalanine, methionine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, threonine and histidine, all of which your body needs, and your cells can't manufacture.

Stepping Up Your Protein Smoothie Game

While the best protein supplements will offer a great flavor in addition to protein and amino acids, why not elevate your morning smoothie? You don't have to be a foodie to appreciate and execute a delicious smoothie; all you need is a blender, your favorite ingredients and a protein powder.

Because protein supplements are most effective when they're part of a balanced diet overall, smoothies are particularly good vehicles for a variety of nutrients and benefits. Adding fresh or frozen fruits in whole chunks is also a great way to add natural fiber to your smoothie, which even the freshest and most potent juices lack in substantial quantities.

Healthy smoothies should include fruits and/or vegetables, nuts or grains, and a low-fat yogurt for a hit of calcium and probiotics. Throw your ingredients into a blender, along with a scoop of your favorite protein powder, for an on-the-go meal that packs a big nutritional punch.

Lactose intolerant? Skip the yogurt or milk in favor of juice but be mindful of added sugars and carbs. As long as you're using a supplement featuring whey protein isolate, which is microfiltered to remove lactose, even whey-based proteins are safe for the lactose-intolerant tummy. Pinup Girl Protein is an excellent example of micro-filtered whey protein isolate, with all the benefits of whey and none of the intestinal distress.