I recently wrote a blog post about macros. Today, I was reading it and noticed a real flaw in my logic. Because what if you don’t like protein shakes?
I mean let’s be honest – they’re really not for everyone. For starters, they’re universally sweet (I could be wrong here – has anyone ever had a savoury protein shake?!?!), which isn’t ideal if you’re the salt popcorn kind. Especially since some of them can be curiously high in added sugars. Then there’s the lack of satisfaction when you actually bite down on something solid, plus fiddly transportation (best I’ve found for leak prevention is Optimum Nutrition shakers – the usually-flippy lid is actually a screw-on, which prevents accidentally flippage in baggage. Which is as gross as it sounds). So if you’re not overly sold, you probably aren’t going to bother.
Having said all that, I am actually a HUGE protein shake fan. but incase you’re not, here are some protein-rich alternatives to whet your fussy whistle ;).
Lindahls Kvarg Drink – So this it what I’d recommend if you just CAN’T with all the faff of mixing and shaking a protein shake. Lindahls is a ready-to-go drink that’s somewhere between a shake and a yogurt drink. Except that it’s lactose-free. And crazy-high in protein (23g per 330ml bottle).
Optimum Nutrition Protein Pancakes – This one only really works if you’re going home after the gym. Or have the discipline to make a batch the night before without eating the lot (not me). You mix a couple of scoops with water, then fry lightly, like… a pancake. I’ve been topping mine with cranberries, banana and yogurt (or froyo when it’s hot). If you like your pancakes sweet, add some Natvia sweetener to the mix. It’s a natural, 0 calorie alternative to sugar that doesn’t mess with your blood glucose levels (which is what causes sweet cravings an hour or so later).
Lindahls Karg Natural – 23g protein per serving (250g). It is technically fat free soft cheese, but it has an almost identical taste and texture to greek yoghurt. Only real difference is the extra protein. For savoury, I’ve been mixing it with grated carrots, garlic and a little lemon juice for a tzakziki-style dip. And for sweet, I’ve topped with kiwi, peanut butter, berries and gluten-free granola.
Blue Diamond Smoked Chipotle Almonds Mix – The addition of chickpeas into the humble train mix ups the protein content, and unlike many that are over-sweet, Blue Diamond’s mix has only just enough dried fruit to add that kick.
Rejuvenation Protein Water – ok still a drink and still sweet and still with huge protein content, but not at all like a protein shake. Protein Water is (as the name suggests) a wonderfully light, refreshing way to up your protein count. Each bottle contains 5g of L-Glutamine, which is an Amino Acid used by the body as protein.
