Not everybody has all the time in the world in their mornings to sit down and have a bowl of cereal, and for some people that’s just not how they like to start their days. Instead, they may prefer to quickly whip up a protein-packed shake that’s going to help them get a head start and get energized for the day, while also allowing them to reach their recommended daily intake of protein.
Protein shakes are incredibly flexible and adaptable – no matter what your preferred tastes may be, you’ll be sure to find the perfect flavor that suits you, as long as you’re ready to do a little bit of experimentation. Likewise, they take no time at all to make, and they can easily be taken with you if you have a hectic morning or you need to catch the next bus. They’re not fussy, they’re not messy, and, if you know what you’re doing, they’re delicious and packed full of nutrients at the same time. Whether you prefer savory foods, or you have a sweet tooth, you’re going to be able to find the perfect shake that suits you and starts your day off perfectly.
Protein is one of the staple nutrients in our diets, and we require a certain amount to keep our bodies functioning in the way they should be. We need protein to be able to carry out our day-to-day lives and conduct our daily activities, as it’s the main source of energy that we have. Along with sustaining the health of your body and your organs, protein keeps us feeling well and keeps us on our feet. Too little protein is going to leave you feeling weak and lethargic as your body isn’t being provided with enough energy that it needs to replace what it’s using up just by living.
If you’re neglecting to meet your protein requirements, then you could be on the path of potentially suffering from a protein deficiency, which opens up doors to a whole new range of health issues. The strength of your hair and nails will soon weaken, but you’ll also find that you’re going to start losing a lot of muscle mass as your body will use up the energy stores in your muscles. Too much muscle loss can result in your organs suffering and failing too, as they’re not going to have the strength to operate the way that they should be. This is why it’s so important to ensure that you’re meeting your protein requirements, and is one of the reasons as to why protein powder is such a good addition to nearly everybody’s diet as it prevents the potential of suffering from a deficiency.
Protein powder can be added to a range of dishes, shakes, smoothies, and treats, no matter what your tastes may be like, and there are so many benefits to using it. Not only is it going to leave you feeling energized and ready to continue your day, it’s also going to leave you feeling satisfied for longer. If you’re looking to get in shape, protein powder is a vital addition to your diet as it also boosts athletic performance and helps weight maintenance or weight gain.
There are many different types of protein powders, but whey protein is notably the one that’s best tolerated and it’s best absorbed by the body. This is due to the fact that it’s made up of a range of essential amino acids and nutrients that our bodies need. It’s important that you make sure you’re using an organic and natural whey protein powder, such as one that comes from grass-fed cows, as that ensures that you’re not being exposed to any additives or chemicals that you aren’t expecting.
Now, oatmeal is a strong contender for a healthy breakfast, but that’s almost where it’s positives end. It’s definitely nutritious, and packed full of healthy carbs that’ll get you revved up for the rest of your day, but it’s bland and not that exciting at all. Plus, whether you’re making it on the hob or by the sachet, it takes some time to prepare, which means it isn’t always the most convenient of breakfast meals. Luckily, we have the perfect recipe that combines the efficiency and benefits of a protein shake with all the nutrition of oatmeal, only it tastes a lot better.
To whip up this quick but nutritious protein-packed oatmeal shake, you’ll need:
- 2 scoops of whey protein powder
- 1 cup dry oatmeal
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp chopped almonds
- 1 cup water or milk (of choice)
Start by adding the whey protein powder and the water or your milk of choice to the blender. If you’d like to use milk, you can use whatever version or type you prefer, though keep in mind that certain milks (such as full-fat dairy milk) will result in a thicker shake. If you’re pressed for time, you can just blend up all the ingredients in one go, but taking the time to combine your liquid with your powder is generally going to provide a smoother shake. Once you’re happy that the protein powder and the water or milk are well mixed together, add in the rest of the ingredients and blend until smooth. If you want a thicker consistency, then you can play around with adding ice to the blender and seeing how much you need to reach your desired thickness. Take it slow, though, as you’re still aiming to have a protein shake, and not a smoothie bowl, so you don’t want to make it too thick. Then you’re done! Pour it into your favorite protein shaker cup and get your day started with a delicious protein oatmeal shake.
If you feel like adding a bit more flavor to the shake, then feel free to experiment with adding frozen berries, coconut shavings, cacao nibs, a tablespoon of peanut butter, or frozen bananas and finding out what delights your taste buds. Trial and error is key, and you’ll still be reaping all the health benefits.
You can also add flaxseed to this recipe if you want to get all the health bonuses you can. Flaxseed is also a great source of protein, but it also helps you meet your fiber requirements and is packed full of vitamins and minerals. Adding a tablespoon or two to the mixture in your blender is quick and easy, and makes the already-healthy shake even more beneficial.
