My weekday routine usually consists of waking up just slightly before my 7 a.m. alarm goes off, spending a few minutes scrolling on my phone to catch up on emails and social media (a habit I’m trying to break) and then convincing myself to get out of bed and put on some workout clothes. (I’ll usually opt to sleep in one morning and call that my rest day.) Once I’m up and dressed, I’m pretty motivated to exercise, whether that’s running or walking on the treadmill or attempting to use the new stationary bike my husband got to help him cross-train while marathon training.
After I’ve finished my half-hour or so workout, I head to the kitchen looking for a high-protein breakfast to refuel. Most days, that’s a smoothie or shake that I can quickly throw together before work. Considering how often I drink smoothies or shakes for breakfast, I like to vary what’s in them so I don’t get bored.
EatingWell recently published a recipe for a Chocolate-Cherry Protein Shake, and as soon as I read through the ingredients (chocolate, cherries, peanut butter!), I knew I had to make it. And once I made it, I loved it so much that it became a regular in the rotation.
To make the shake, you simply combine unsweetened vanilla soymilk, sliced frozen bananas, some frozen cherries, strained (Greek-style) yogurt, peanut butter and cocoa powder in the blender and then blend it all together until smooth. Just 5 minutes is all it takes. It’s seriously like drinking a chocolate shake with a burst of fruitiness and a hint of nuttiness. It all goes so well together. And it’s really good for you.
The soymilk, yogurt and peanut butter all provide protein. And the bananas are a good source of complex carbs, fiber and potassium. These ingredients usually make up the base of my morning smoothie, but I don’t usually add cherries. Not only do they add natural sweetness to this smoothie, but they’re packed with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, so they actually have benefits for healthy aging. Plus, they’re rich in fiber, which helps support healthy digestion. And they’re a great source of vitamin C, which helps support your immune system.
The recipe makes 2 servings, but I cut it in half when making my morning shake, and it works out just fine. I’m also much more likely to have bananas ripening on the counter rather than stashed in the freezer, so I use a fresh banana and add a few ice cubes to the blender. And I tend to swap in almond milk for the soymilk (personal preference) and use a full container of yogurt to ensure that I’m still getting plenty of protein (since almond milk has less protein than soymilk). Sometimes I even make it with powdered peanut butter, and it still tastes great.
Not only is this smoothie quick to make but it also features 15 grams of protein and 49 grams of carbohydrates to refuel my body after my morning workout. Protein is so important for building and maintaining muscle, and the carbohydrates provide the energy I need to power me throughout my morning. Plus, starting my day with a healthy, filling high-protein shake sets me up to make more nutritious choices throughout the day. I find when I’m working out and prioritizing a healthy breakfast, the rest of my meals and snacks follow suit.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast that’s high in protein to help support exercise or however you start your morning, you really can’t go wrong with this high-protein shake. And you might find yourself making it over and over again too.
