Do you like to drink protein shakes after your workout? If you like their properties, but don't like the typical taste of such a product, these tips will come in handy: they will make drinking these cocktails a much more enjoyable experience.

Make the look more aesthetic

When you see food looking incredibly delicious, you want to try it. This is why advertisements and recipes with photographs are so good at grabbing attention. If you want your cocktail to be more enjoyable to drink, make it more appetizing in appearance. Use a custom-shaped glass or a colored cocktail straw and add some sprinkles on top to make you think of a dessert rather than a protein supplement. It may be a placebo effect, but it really is easier to drink this way. Try this method to make cocktails more appealing to you.

Drink chilled

If you have just worked out or are planning to go to workout, you should consider thirst. There is nothing more refreshing than a cold drink. Use cold water to prepare your shake for a more mouth-watering result, or keep the drink in the refrigerator before drinking. You can also add some ice cubes to keep the drink cool until the very end. Experiment and find the optimal temperature. However, you can try a warm cocktail if you are ready to experiment.

Dilute the drink

The strong taste of protein powder seems repulsive to many people. You can add more water to soften the flavor. You can also try adding a little less powder - you will also notice that the consistency is more pleasant. A less thick drink is much easier to drink. Experiment to find a proportion that you find appetizing.

Use milk

Try making a cocktail with milk instead of water. Milk can make the taste more palatable and the consistency more uniform. Soy milk, almond, coconut - you can use different options, even yogurt will do. You can try anything to improve the taste. If you are not sure if you will like it, add a little to transform the recipe gradually.

Create your favorite flavor

Do you like chocolate or vanilla? If you love chocolate, try the Chocolate Protein Blend. You can use chocolate syrup or vanilla extract to make the drink more enjoyable. Make any flavor you want, or even mix different additives. Then you will never be bored and it will be much easier for you to drink a protein shake.

Make the drink sweet

If you add sugar or any other sweetener, the drink tastes better. Brown sugar or honey are also good options, as are stevia. Either way, try not to use too much sweetener. If you make a very sweet drink, the benefits will be much less.

Add peanut butter

Add some peanut butter to the mixture to make it taste better. Peanut butter contains many beneficial nutrients. If you are using chocolate or vanilla powder, this is a particularly successful combination.

Make a protein shake with homemade ingredients

If you don't like store-bought powder at all, try making your own protein blend. You can use powdered milk as a base, which is rich in nutrients.

Make a fruit cocktail

If you love smoothies, make a fruit-based protein shake. Use frozen bananas as they are a good base for the classic texture of the drink. You can also add strawberries. You can also experiment with fresh vegetables.

Make a protein dessert

You can add protein powder to any homemade dessert, such as baked goods, by replacing some of the flour with the powder. Experiment with dishes to find your favorite combination.

Add more protein

If you don't like protein shakes, try adding protein to your diet. Then you simply won't need protein powder!

Many athletes have made it a point to look at their labels when choosing quality whey protein. All kinds of information can be found here. One manufacturer is in a hurry to surprise customers with the amount of protein in a serving, while another talks about the features of whey protein. Still others begin to inflate its properties and assure that the athlete will certainly not have any allergies from this powder.

When buying protein, you should be aware that labeling is a commercial move that is usually very different from reality.

How to choose protein

In this article, we'll show you how much protein flavor can tell you about its properties and quality. To check the quality of whey protein, no complicated research machines and equipment are needed. It is enough to have taste buds and be able to draw logical conclusions.

Of course, not in all stores you can taste protein, but you need to strive for this. If you don't give a try, look for a store where you can do it. By taste, it will immediately become clear what kind of protein product is in front of you, and what quality it is.

Protein flavor

The first thing we do when we open a can and taste a protein, we pay attention to how fresh it tastes. The protein itself should be like cream and taste like milk that is about to be brought into the house. You can hardly confuse the taste of milk with something else. If the protein in the jar smells like something nasty and unnatural, chemistry from the laboratory is a sure sign that you are offered to buy something else, but not the protein. Look only for the product that has the fresh scent of milk we have loved since childhood. This way you can never go wrong with the quality.

Another important point is the aftertaste. Some protein leaves a bitter taste, which immediately indicates the presence of artificial substances in the composition, which are used to sweeten the product. Natural protein with natural sweetener will never "delight" you with such an aftertaste.

Protein composition

You should also be wary of foods that contain sugar alcohol. By the way, fructose is no less harmful than artificial sweeteners. If you have tasted protein, and it does not leave an unpleasant aftertaste, and even tastes like milk, this is what you need. Buy without hesitation.

Another important point is balance. Sometimes, when you taste a protein, you suspect that something is wrong with the product. Either the milk was boiled over, or something else happened while the jar was stored in the warehouse. The taste should be light, fresh, barely perceptible.

If this is not the case, but instead of freshness you feel strong sweetness or, on the contrary, a strong smell of rotten milk, reject the purchase. Such a protein is not just not useful, it can be harmful, because it is spoiled. Manufacturers often try to decorate such a protein with tasty additions, but fortunately, it is very easy to identify and distinguish.

So what to look out for when you go shopping for whey protein? First, ask the seller to give you a sniff, or better yet, try it. Second, check the taste and aftertaste. Third, listen to balance. No one will advise you, except your own body. Receptors are given to a person to distinguish bad from good, and harmful from useful. Use them.

Video on how to check protein quality:

Secret agent: blackberry

This berry relieves inflammation and reduces muscle and ligament pain after exercise. And you should also love her for the high content of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that freely roam your body after intense exertion.

Your Challenge Pour 50 ml of pomegranate juice into a shaker, add 1 scoop of vanilla-flavored protein powder * and stir. Pour the resulting thick pink mass with a glass of crushed ice, add 3 blackberries, fill the remaining volume with water, close the lid and shake the shaker vigorously for 10-15 seconds. Throw a handful of fresh crushed ice into a martini glass, pour the liquid from a shaker into it and enjoy a healthy break after a hard workout.

* All recipes are about the so-called. fast protein.

Stir

“When you shake a drink in a shaker with ice, it is saturated with air and its ingredients mix well,” says Chetiavardana. "As a result, it will develop a blackberry note that will confidently break through the flavors of other ingredients." This liquid is well absorbed and pleasant to drink.

2. "Bee-tonic"

Secret agent: honey

Honey replenishes glycogen stores after exercise, restoring muscle performance. At the same time, honey is processed in the body more slowly than other simple carbohydrates. And therefore, it does not cause a sharp jump in blood sugar levels and, accordingly, a sharp decline following it. So it protects you from attacks of wolf hunger, leading to overeating.

Your Assignment Fill the martini glass halfway with a measuring glass (this container is tapered, so you can't fill it by eye). Add half a serving of chocolate-flavored protein powder, half a teaspoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of cocoa. Use a whisk or small mixer to whisk the cappuccino milk right in the cup, first stir everything until smooth, and then gently beat the top layer until frothy. Sprinkle with chopped nutmeg and forget about the chocolate bars and chips.

Whip

This shake is similar in consistency to a milk shake, but it is easier to digest and contains fewer calories. “Whipping up the frothy hat, don't overdo it - it's not cappuccino after all,” Chetiavardana advises.

3. "Amino Royal"

Secret agent: avocado

Avocado pulp contains 18 of the 22 amino acids your body needs to build muscle, repair workout-damaged muscle fibers, and strengthen tendons. Moreover, there are a lot of them - one fruit contains 3-4 g of this building material.

Your Challenge Place 1 scoop of vanilla-flavored protein powder, half a lime, half an avocado, 1 teaspoon of agave nectar (sold in supermarkets as a sugar substitute), and a handful of ice cubes in a blender. Beat until the mixture is completely homogenized. Pour into a large martini glass. Add some lime zest and get ready for new records.

Grind

“The blender will have to work hard to make this drink, but the result is worth it,” explains Chetijawardana. "You will be surprised how harmoniously the flavor notes of lime and vanilla are combined." Plus, stirring a protein shake in a blender is another proven way to make it without lumps that settle to the bottom of the glass.

Protein powders can help build muscle, replenish energy costs and accelerate recovery from strenuous workouts. Unfortunately, many protein powders taste rather unpleasant, and you often have to literally force yourself to take them. However, you can effortlessly incorporate protein powder into your diet in a way that makes you enjoy it. There are many ways to improve the flavor of a protein powder by making and incorporating it into a variety of shakes.

Steps

Making protein shakes

Choose the right fluid. Some people prefer clear, light drinks because they can be drunk quickly. Others like thicker cocktails because they mask the flavor of the powder more effectively. You may want to experiment with different consistencies of cocktails to determine which one works best for you. Most often, one scoop of powder is dissolved in a glass (250 grams) of liquid, but you can add less or more powder, resulting in a correspondingly less or thicker solution. You can also try diluting the powder in different liquids:

Add sweetener. Sugar has a significant effect on the human brain. Research has shown that sugar produces dopamine, a substance responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward in the brain. The release of dopamine creates feelings of satisfaction and can increase short-term motivation. Along with this positive effect, sugar also dulls unpleasant tastes. Try adding a couple teaspoons of sugar, honey, chocolate syrup, glucose, or maltodextrin to your shake. However, if you are limiting your sugar intake, use healthier options:

• Peanut butter will sweeten your shake and make it thicker.
• Freshly squeezed or store-bought fruit juices will not only sweeten your shake, but also provide your body with vitamins and dietary fiber. Banana works well because it has a strong aroma and thick juice. Do not add citrus juice to milk-based smoothies, as the milk can curdle.
• If you just want to make your shake sweeter without changing the flavor, use artificial sweeteners. For example, sucralose (Splenda) or stevia (Stevia) can help sweeten the drink without adding extra calories.

1. Consider using stronger remedies to change the taste. If the tea and sugar weren't enough to correct the taste of the powder, you have other options. Add a couple of tablespoons of cocoa powder or vanilla to the drink. You can also try adding half a teaspoon of a strong-flavored spice like cinnamon or nutmeg. Sugar-free syrups for beverage preparation are another option - they will give the cocktail a pleasant taste without changing its consistency.

   • Mixed flavors can also help hide the flavors of the protein powder. Try adding the juice of several fruits, such as strawberries and banana. Or dilute a spoonful of some syrup and add a little vanilla.
   • Experiment with different combinations to determine which works best for you.

2. Add yogurt to the drink to thicken and sweeten it. Some prefer yogurt-based shakes while others may not look at them. Try this cocktail a couple of times to find out if you like its thick consistency, or if you can hardly take a sip or two. Just add a spoonful of yogurt to your shake, or frozen yogurt if you want to make something that looks like a fruit popsicle dessert.

   Make an iced smoothie in a blender. Some people feel less of the flavor of a protein powder when the shake is chilled properly. Whisking an ice and protein shake into a smoothie will make it a little thicker, but not nearly as thick as adding yogurt or peanut butter.

   Try a savory vegetable shake. For some, the idea of ​​a kale smoothie is disgusting, but you may like it if you like different juices. Many green vegetables go well with protein powder, from spinach and spirulina algae powder to zucchini. A tablespoon of nuts or seeds of some kind will make the smoothie thicker and more flavorful. You can add finely chopped fruits such as bananas or strawberries to balance out the acidity and add some sweetness to the shake.

   Get a good blender. The worst thing is to leave undissolved lumps of protein powder in the shake. If you don’t use your blender for other purposes, a simple machine designed to cook one portion at a time is fine.

   • Place all ingredients in a blender and blend on high speed until the solution is completely homogeneous and free of lumps.
   • For cocktails containing solids, use the grind function, if available on your blender.
   • If you don't have access to a blender, place all ingredients in a tightly sealed container and shake for a long time. You can also facilitate mixing by heating the mixture in a microwave or conventional oven.
   • You can also purchase a special container (shaker) for preparing sports nutrition - its device helps to crush lumps. Such a shaker will allow you to prepare cocktails as well as in an expensive blender.

3. Try some of the popular cocktails. Many people like to experiment with different ingredients to find the combinations that work for them. However, if you want to make a protein shake right now, you can try one of the following classic options:

   • Peanut Butter Honey Shake: Mix one scoop of protein powder, a glass of ice, a glass of milk or milk substitute, 1/8 cup of peanut butter, and 1/8 cup of honey. If desired, you can also add half a ripe banana and / or a square of dark chocolate.
   • Fruit smoothie: Combine one scoop of protein powder, a glass of vanilla yogurt, three to four strawberries, one ripe banana, 1/2 cup milk or milk substitute, and a handful of ice cubes. Keep in mind that citrus fruits make milk protein blends less effective.
   • Nut and Spice Drink: Combine one scoop of protein powder, ½ cup berries, ⅓ cup chopped nuts, a tablespoon of cocoa powder, ¼ tablespoon of ground cinnamon, and one to two cups of milk or milk substitute. If desired, you can improve the flavor and texture of your shake by adding ½ cup of oatmeal.

   Adding protein powder to meals

   1. Sprinkle flavored protein powder in sweet foods. If you exercise regularly and actively, then from time to time you deserve a reward in the form of something tasty. Add some protein powder to cookies, pies, and brownies.

      • Replace cocoa powder in baked goods with chocolate-flavored protein powder. One scoop of this powder is equivalent to about 1/4 cup of cocoa powder.
      • If the recipe does not include cocoa powder, you can add a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the baked goods. Start by adding half a measuring spoon and see what happens.

   2. Use a protein glaze for baking. Some people like this glaze, while others hate it. Worth a try, however! Add protein powder to yogurt or very little water or milk for a thick icing. Dab it on muffins or other foods to consume the correct amount of protein powder without the taste!

      Stir protein powder into thick meals. These include oatmeal, pies and puddings, yogurt, and applesauce — all of which are great at masking the flavor of the protein powder. These dishes will moisten and dissolve the powder so you don't have to use a blender. Just stir well to completely dissolve the protein powder.

      Make small peanut butter protein muffins. In a blender, combine one scoop of flavored protein powder, one scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a scoop of peanut butter. Pour the resulting mass into small molds - for example, molds for freezing ice are suitable - and then put them in the refrigerator for several hours to freeze the mass.

      • A chocolate-flavored protein powder is best for this, but other flavors, such as cinnamon, will work as well.

   Choosing the Most Enjoyable Protein Powder

   1. Browse the internet for reviews of different brands of powders and their flavors. Protein powders are obtained from many foods, including milk, egg whites, and vegetarian foods. Therefore, different types of protein powder can vary greatly in taste. Before purchasing a powder, take the time to read about protein powders online. Relevant information can be found on many health, active and bodybuilding websites and forums where visitors discuss the benefits and drawbacks of certain protein powders.