Shake It Up

by Laura Donnelly — July 25, 2007

My teenaged son has decided to develop more muscles. He goes to the "health food" store and buys mysterious, ghastly protein, high-energy, muscle-building powders with ridiculous claims on the containers. What is IN these? Buyer beware! Since most of these products don't even have to gain FDA approval, you have to educate yourself regarding the contents. Most just contain a lot of B vitamins and caffeine. No harm done, necessarily but.....

I like to play it safe and just get the Spriruteen brand of smoothie powder. It also tastes better than most!

Laura's Protein Shake

Makes one large shake

1 heaping scoop (about 3 Tablespoons) of your favorite protein powder; I like the banana, vanilla, and chocolate flavors)
1/2 cup low-fat milk, soy milk, or rice milk
1 cup ice cubes
1 banana
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Puree in blender, and drink immediately for maximum vitamin benefits.

A friend of mine makes his with fresh apple cider, fresh pineapple chunks, and frozen raspberries. Delicious!