Protein Packed Chocolate Shake

We tend to have a weakness for Ice Cream in our household. It is a Harris trait. It is so hard for me to pass the frozen food section without giving in and buying ice cream but lately I have been trying to show some self control. Don't get me wrong we are not taking a break from Ice Cream just trying to eat it a little less.

The healthy alternative: shakes and smoothies! Not only are they so refreshing and tasty but packed with protein and rich nutrients. Though we still love ice cream, I don't think there is a day that goes by that we do not make smoothies or shakes. Our freezer is always stocked with frozen bananas, strawberries, juice and mixed fruit. We eat them not only for breakfast, but anytime of the day.

One of the kids and my favorite go to shakes is a chocolate one of course. I experiment and add new things to it all the time but this chocolate/ berry one is our favorite. It is sure to please everyone in your household. I have some really freaky eaters in my house but once I say chocolate they come to their senses. I know it sounds weird to add strawberries to a chocolate shake but believe me they add so much to it and your kids won't even know that there are strawberries in it if they don't happen to like strawberries.

I love making one after I come home from a run or working out since protein is vital in healing  muscles, not that I have any huge ones to speak of. It's also good to have some magnesium to balance out your protein intake. That is where the strawberries come in but I just think they taste good.

Now that summer is here you really need to try these! This shake is so easy to make and requires really no time at all. Because the quicker you get protein into your body the quicker your muscles will heal after a workout and get you ready for another one like trying to get your toddler in his car seat or high chair.

Protein Packed Chocolate Shake
Printable Recipe
 Makes 9 cups( I make enough for my whole family but you can cut this in half)
Ingredients
2 frozen bananas( you could use unfrozen, but the frozen ones make it so creamy)
1 cup of frozen strawberries(or mixed berries)
3 cups of milk( or you could use coconut milk)
1/3 cup of honey or brown sugar
1/4 cup of cocoa powder
2  heaping Tbs. of all natural almond or peanut butter
2 Tbs. coffee-optional( If I have some leftover coffee I add a little to give it a little kick)
1tsp vanilla(optional)

Mix on the crush button for about a minute and then blend until smooth and creamy!
Oh and I added some whip cream to mine because whip cream just makes everything better!

All together this shake has 36 grams of protein which would be 4 grams per cup.

We have gone through a lot of blenders in our day and now have a Ninja! It is a beast! It has to be to survive the constant use of our family. Not only can you make enough shakes for a whole family but it comes with individual cups also. Mine came with a dough mixer too!

If you have any leftovers just store in an airtight container in the fridge and it will be ready when you need a boost of protein and refreshment! Because come on, who doesn't need a little chocolatey, creamy goodness in their life?!

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