Have Your Milkshake and Eat it, Too

Ok, I apologize.  That was a pretty terrible title.  After all, I've always thought the expression, "Have your cake and eat it, too" was an awful one.  I mean, let's be real--what's the point of having cake if you can't eat it?  Seriously.

Moving on.

Until about a week ago, I had never tried protein powder.  To be honest, I thought it seemed a little stupid.  I'm a firm believer in the premise that it is entirely possible to get an adequate amount of protein simply by eating a balanced diet.  That is not to say, of course, that I didn't think protein powder could be useful for certain people.  Just that it didn't seem particularly useful for me.  Plus, I've always preferred to eat my calories in food form rather than, well, powder.

But then, on a whim, I decided to try it.  And I realized something kind of crazy: I really liked it.  It provided texture, substance, satiety, and--get this--it tasted delicious.  (And no, I was not paid off by any protein powder companies to write this.  But hey, if any protein powder companies out there are reading this, I'd be more than happy to sample some of your stuff! *hint*hint*)

Anyway, back to the subject at hand.  I am now completely in love with protein powder.  Or at least with SunWarrior, the (VEGAN!) protein powder that I tried.  I saw on their website that one could request samples, so I wrote to them, and, voila!  They kindly sent me a sample of each flavor: plain, vanilla, and chocolate.  I liked all of them, but I was especially enamored with the chocolate (I mean, it's chocolate.  Do I have to say anything more?).

Since chocolate milk is supposed to be the perfect post-workout snack, and since I love making smoothies, I decided to meld the two together to create what turned out to taste a whole lot like a decadent chocolate milkshake.  Only my version is actually super healthy (and way more satisfying than a tiny container of chocolate milk).  Don't believe me?  Just try it.*

Ingredients:
1/2 c plain, unsweetened almond milk (I used Silk brand)
1/2 c plain, unsweetened, organic soy milk (I used Eden Organic)
1 medium frozen banana
1-2 T chocolate protein powder, depending on desired thickness/protein content/chocolate-y-ness, etc.
1/8 c plain, lowfat (yes, lowfat.  don't you dare use nonfat for this one.) Greek yogurt.  If you're vegan, try subbing soy or coconut milk yogurt.
A couple of ice cubes--adjust depending on desired thickness

Directions:
Place all ingredients into blender and blend away!  If you have a finicky blender, it helps to put the liquid ingredients in first and the frozen ingredients in last!

*Disclaimer: In full disclosure, I must admit that I consumed this smoothie right after an 80 minute run.  Obviously, that had some effect on my taste perception.  BUT it was so orgasmically delicious (is that inappropriate for a blog?  do I care?) that I made another one AFTER eating lunch, and it was still pretty freaking delicious.  Make of that what you will.