A DELICIOUS PROTEIN SHAKE

this is a great "how to" for the start of the new year. a lot of people want to start eating "right" and a lot of people begin a excercise routine and also would like to increase the amount of protein in their diet. this shake is NOT a diet shake. it is calorically dense and filling. the man drinks this shake every day, i'm really not exagerrating, every single day he drinks it. if he doesn't drink it for breakfast, he has it for lunch, if not for lunch than for dinner or when he gets home from work late. when i worked out a lot i would drink it as well, but i don't excercise enough these days to require the amount of protein or calories, but if you do and are looking for a delicious meat free alternative to adding protein, this is it!

we have a vitamix, which saves a lot of time on the blending process because the man likes his shake thick, so i use the least amount of milk possible. i make this shake every morning so i have it down to quite the science.

 1. TAKE YOUR CLEAN BLENDER AND PLUG IT IN AND REMOVE LID

 2. ADD MILK (3/4 CUP)

 3. ADD 1 RIPE BANANA 

(the ripeness of the banana makes a big difference in the taste, a few brown speckles is the best, there is a point of too ripe and too green makes it a lot less sweet and almost bitter.)

 4. ADD 2 TBS PEANUT BUTTER 

(we use adams, you can use any kind)

 

 5. ADD 2/3 CUP OLD FASHION OATS

 6. ADD 1 SCOOP PROTEIN POWDER

(the protein powder from whole foods is really good. it adds a good sweet vanilla flavor and doesn't taste fake like some other powders do)

7. ADD 1 CUP SPINACH

 

8. ADD A PINCH OF COCOA NIBS (ABOUT 1 TBS)

9. ADD ICE (1-2 CUPS DEPENDING ON HOW THICK YOU WANT IT)

10. BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH AND ENJOY!

(i don't have a picture of the actual shake. it was eaten this morning before i could snap one, so tomorrow i will post it, but it looks like every other green smoothie that circulates the internet, so use your imagination or choose your favorite one.)