One of the biggest changes that has occured in the health and fitness world recently has been the massive growth in popularity of whey protein and as a result, protein shakes. These products, like whey protein isolate powder, have driven a market that was hungry for a method of ingesting large amounts of protein quickly, and cost effectively. The most popular use of these protein products, are making protein shakes.

The method is simple, you combine your protein of choice (now usually whey protein powder, at roughly 24g of protein per scoop) with fruit or other additions for flavor and a desired liquid base (like milk or even just water). This mixture is blended with ice cubes (a freezing cold protein shake tastes amazing). The fruits could be anything, and mostly depend on what flavor or protein you have gone for, as bananas go best with chocolate protein powder etc.

The biggest hurdle in whey protein and other protein additives gaining popularity has been its association to bodybuilders and steroids. The first misconception that needs to be cleared is that, not everything called a supplement is a steroid. The second point that needs to be noted is that there are no known side effects, and the only thing you need to do is to drink more water so the excess protein does not increase the workload of your kidneys.

Here is an example recipe:

Chocolate Banana Protein Shake
Ingredients:
30g Protein Powder (Chocolate)
1 medium to large banana
8 oz. light Soy Milk or Fat Free Milk
1 TBSP Linseed, Soy and Almond Mixture
Throw this into blender for several minutes with some ice cubes.

Now you have a solid filling shake with zero fat and loads of energy. Great as a meal replacement or after workout snack! I have one before and after my workouts. Absolutely awesome.

Looking for more recipes? get 74 more Protein Shake Recipes over at the Fat Loss School