Healthy Vanilla Protein Shake Recipe

After a workout, I'm always looking for a snack that's actually healthy, but tastes good too. Well, my dear people, I have found it. This protein-powder-based shake is healthy, easy, and tastes just as wonderful as a regular milkshake -- the texture is pretty close too!

Most protein shakes that claim to be "healthy" are just packed with fake sugar, chemicals, and lies. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a little. But still. This shake is better than anything you could buy from a store. It's actually healthy, packed with protein, low in fat, and you get your spinach in without even tasting it. Seriously. So what are you waiting for?

Here's the which and the why of the ingredients I suggest.

ABOUT MY INGREDIENTS

- I use bananas to sweeten the smoothie without adding unhealthy refined sugars. It also assists in giving this drink a lovely milkshakey texture. And as an added bonus, banana is one of the best flavors to complement vanilla -- you just have to trust me and try it yourself. Using frozen bananas adds to the texture of the shake and keeps it cold without having to add ice.

- I use plant-based vanilla protein powder because protein is essential for any workout schedule. It satiates you and keeps you full longer while supporting bone and muscle health. Also, the protein powder provides a wonderful vanilla flavor. I use Garden of Life brand. You can buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Garden-Life-Organic-Plant-Based-Protein/dp/B01N7DTD98/ref=sr_1_25?keywords=protein+powder&qid=1584829272&s=hpc&sr=1-25

- Spinach has so many wonderful health benefits including a high amount of healthy fiber. Read more about spinach here: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/spinach#nutrients.

- Greek yogurt contributes additional protein and is healthy for your gut, but most importantly it thickens the shake to have a fabulous creamy texture. I use Fage brand 0% milkfat.

- Milk contains plenty of protein and complements the sweetness of the other ingredients nicely, but can have an excess of fat. That's why I use a combination of unsweetened vanilla almond milk and fat free milk. But you can use any type of milk that you have in your fridge or pantry.

*NOTE* Please use your best judgement when making adjustments and substitutions. As with most of my other SMOOTHIE and SHAKE recipes, ingredient amounts are approximate. You can use what you have in your kitchen and adjust amounts based on your personal taste preferences, but substitute at your own risk.

Healthy Vanilla Banana Protein Shake

Serves 2 | Ready in 5 minutes

Ingredients:

- 1 frozen banana

- 1/4 cup (or to taste) frozen spinach

- 1/2 scoop (~10 grams) vanilla protein powder

- 1/3 cup fat-free Greek yogurt

- Milk, any type (I use a combination of unsweetened vanilla almond and fat-free)

Directions:

Place all ingredients into a Vitamix or regular blender, adding enough milk to cover all ingredients.

Blend until smooth, adding milk as necessary.

Find this recipe and more on my Allrecipes profile page! https://www.allrecipes.com/cook/my/