Holiday meals with friends and family might be full of nostalgic memories, but they’re also full of calories, fat, and loads of added sugar. But we’re not saying you shouldn’t have any delicious indulgences during Christmas (we certainly will!), it’s just that rich desserts do not make for a balanced diet.
The next time you get that urge to nosh on your favorite seasonal treats, blend up one of these sweet protein shakes instead: Eggnog, Peppermint Candy, Frosted Sugar Cookie, Pumpkin Pie, Gingerbread, Chocolate Peppermint, and Snickerdoodle. They will satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you from feeling hungry while supporting your healthy goals, whatever they might be 🙂
Eggnog Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1-¾ cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of your choice)
- 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
- 1-½ scoops your fave vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp Truvia (or sweetener of your choice)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch cinnamon
- 5 tbsp whipped cream (aerosol)
- Ice as desired
- Nutmeg for garnish
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients, except for whipped cream, in a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and garnish with cocoa powder. Enjoy!
Nutrition:
344 calories | 35g protein | 10g carbs | 19g fat
Peppermint Candy Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 scoop your fave vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 2 tsp Truvia (or sweetener of your choice)
- ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup ice
- 2 tbsp whipped cream (aerosol)
- Optional garnish: 2 tbsp crushed sugar-free candy canes
- Optional garnish: 2 sugar-free candy canes
Directions:
- Combine ice, yogurt, protein powder, sweetener, peppermint and vanilla extract.
- Add milk and blend until well combined.
- Pour shake into glasses and serve with a tablespoon of whipped cream on top!
Optional:
Crush candy canes and dip the rim of serving glass in water. Roll rim in canes to coat.
Nutrition:
200 calories | 23g protein | 35g carbs | 3g fat
Frosted Sugar Cookie Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or other milk of choice)
- ¼ cup uncooked raw oats
- ¼ tsp imitation butter flavor (found next to the vanilla extract on the baking aisle)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 scoop your fave vanilla protein powder
- 2 cups ice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: garnish with whipped cream (aerosol) and sprinkles
Directions:
- Place ingredients in blender and mix until smooth.
- Garnish with optional toppings and serve!
Nutrition:
205 calories | 25.5g protein | 17.5g carbs | 4g fat
Pumpkin Pie Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (vanilla)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 cup skim milk (or other milk of your choice)
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
- 1 cup ice
Directions:
- Make sure you have a strong, powerful blender.
- Add all of the ingredients to the blender in the order listed. Blend on high for at least 3 minutes or until smooth – this may take longer if your blender isn’t very strong. Scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
- Add more milk to thin out if it is too thick. Add a couple more ice cubes for a thicker texture, if desired. Add more spices to taste, if desired.
Nutrition:
263 calories | 33.7g protein | 27g carbs | 2.8g fat
Gingerbread Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 banana
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup your fave vanilla protein powder
- 1/4 cup oats old fashioned or quick cooking
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 5-6 ice cubes
Directions:
- Place all ingredients in a high speed blender and puree until smooth.
- If needed, add more ice until you’ve reached designed thickness.
Nutrition:
368 calories | 21.2g protein | 43.7g carbs | 13.7g fat
Chocolate Peppermint Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 large banana, frozen
- 2–3 large ice cubes
- 1 cup milk of choice
- 1 scoop your fave dark chocolate protein powder
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 tsp pure peppermint extract
- optional: 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
- optional toppings: homemade whipped cream, vegan whipped topping, or Greek yogurt
Directions:
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition:
296 calories | 22g protein | 49g carbs | 6g fat
Snickerdoodle Protein Shake
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop your fave vanilla protein powder
- 1 tsp peanut butter
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tbsp honey (or sweetener of your choice)
- 10 ounces almond milk
- 1 cup ice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
-
Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
-
Enjoy!
Nutrition:
336 calories | 23g protein | 42g carbs | 9g fat
