Remake the Protein Shake

If you’re looking for a new take on the protein shake, put down that scoop of protein powder and make this deliciously sweet, smooth and slightly tangy chocolate peanut butter banana protein shake made with only real food ingredients. Here, bananas, vanilla Greek yogurt and cocoa powder are paired with two often-overlooked sources of plant-based protein—peanut butter and rolled oats. Just ¼ cup of each takes this recovery shake to the next level as far as taste, texture and protein content are concerned. This post-workout treat provides 17 grams of quality protein while keeping to the ideal carb-to-protein ratio for optimal muscle repair and recovery after a tough training session. Something this shake offers that most other powder-based shakes don’t is 9 grams of filling fiber, which gets you well over one-third of the way to meeting the daily recommended amount.

Before you bust out your blender, here are a few tips to achieve the tastiest, smoothest chocolate peanut butter banana protein shake ever:

1. Use a natural, salted peanut butter.

Here, salted peanut butter will help replace some of the salt lost in sweat. Stay away from peanut butters that contain partially hydrogenated oil and even palm oil when possible.

2. Stash overripe bananas in the freezer.

Frozen bananas make for a frostier shake.

3. Grind up your oats.

If you have a quality, high-powered blender, the oats will be almost undetectable if added as is—but if you’re going for an ultra-smooth shake, give those oats a few pulses in a coffee grinder beforehand.

Makes: Two 8-ounce smoothies

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender and puree until very smooth, about 30 to 45 seconds. Portion and top with additional banana slices and a peanut butter drizzle, if desired.