How to make protein shakes taste better
If protein shakes are a regular part of your diet, you already know you're receiving a number of health benefits. Many people are turning to protein shakes to help them achieve their fitness goals and to get the required amount of protein each day.
Most people who drink protein shakes are doing so because they're trying to achieve some sort of muscle growth. Protein is perhaps the most important ingredient you can consume for effective muscle growth. Protein requirements vary from person to person and depend on weight, gender, and body fat percentage, among other things. As a general rule, one gram of protein per pound of body weight is the minimum amount someone who is weight training should eat. So, a 200-pound man who is weight training for bulk would need about 200 grams of protein each day.
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But protein isn't just for people looking to build muscle. Many vegetarians, who don't get protein from traditional meat or other animal sources opt for protein shakes to get the minimum daily requirements. Or, anyone who feels like they are not getting enough protein can get a quick fix for enough protein.
In addition in assisting with muscle growth, protein has also been shown to be helpful in weight loss efforts because it helps people to feel full longer, so they end up eating less food throughout the day. One study showed that people who ate more protein in their diets consumed an average of at least 200 fewer calories per day than those whose diets were sparse in protein.
So you can see there are a number of benefits to protein shakes in the diet. However, you may have also noticed that some of these shakes aren't designed with taste in mind. Many people feel they are too thick or have an unpleasant after-taste. Here are some suggestions to help make your protein shakes taste better:
- Use flavored powder. With so many types of protein shakes available, there's no need to get a plain flavored one if they don't taste good. There are shake mixes made in all sorts of flavors, including chocolate, chocolate mint, strawberry, French vanilla, and mint.
- Mix in some fruit. If you get a plain-flavored powder, you can improve the shake's taste while getting in a serving of fruit by adding your favorite fruits to the mix. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches, mangoes, and a number of other fruits-frozen or fresh-can help your shakes taste better while at the same time providing you the health benefits of fruits.
- Use milk instead of water. Many shakes give you the option of mixing the powder with milk or water. As a general rule, adding ice and milk will improve the shake's taste and give it a thicker, shake-like consistency.
- Shop around. Not all brands of protein shakes are created equal. Shop around until you find one you think tastes the best. Or, ask friends or work out partners which kind of protein shake they would recommend.
Protein shakes are a great source of protein, whether you're working out to gain muscle or you just want to get your recommended daily value. And while not all of them are the best tasting, with a little creativity, you can make protein shakes taste better.
