Chapter Overview
Pros of Protein Shakes
Protein shakes have gained popularity in recent years thanks to the convenience and variety they can provide. A true, good-for-you protein shake is not typically something you’ll find on a drive-thru menu, however, which is why it’s important to note that quality ingredients matter, and not all protein shakes are as nutritious as we might hope.
Protein shakes can serve many purposes; it all depends on what your goals are. While some shakes are intended to supplement an individual’s diet with protein, others are more nutritionally dense and can be used to replace a meal or multiple meals per day. Both types of shakes are offered by Herbalife Nutrition, with its #1 selling product around the world, Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix.
When prepared according to its label instructions, Formula 1 shakes are a quick, nutritious (and delicious) meal replacement. Each serving provides protein, fats, carbs, as well as a variety of other essential vitamins and minerals. Although most Formula 1 shake varieties are made with soy protein, alternative protein sources are offered as well, including whey, milk, pea, and sesame.
To sum up the shake stats, one serving of Herbalife’s Formula 1 shake made with 8 oz. non-fat milk contains:
· 25 grams of protein
· 21 vitamins and minerals
· 30% of your recommended daily intake of antioxidant vitamins A (as beta carotene), C, and E
· More than 25% of your recommended daily intake of potassium
· No cholesterol, no trans fat
Variety is the Spice of Life
Of course, Herbalife’s Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix comes in your tried-and-true flavors like Vanilla and Chocolate, but the brand also offers a wide variety of other delectable flavors like Cookies ‘n Cream, Piña Colada, Strawberry Cheesecake and many more. There’s truly something for everyone.
One of the reasons people may fall off of a weight loss regimen is that they grow bored with their food choices. An added benefit of supplementing your eating regimen with protein shakes is that your options are nearly limitless, as most shakes can be tweaked to your liking using ingredients already found in your home.
How to Make a Shake
After you’ve chosen your desired protein powder flavor, select your base liquid. Water, milk, or milk alternatives like soy milk or almond milk are all excellent options, depending on your specific nutrition needs.
At this point, you’re probably wondering, “Can I mix Herbalife shakes with water?” And the answer is, “Yes, of course, you can!” That’s what adds to the convenience factor. Whenever you’re on the go, you can simply add the recommended number of scoops of protein powder to a blender bottle beforehand. That way, all you have to do is add cold water, shake and enjoy it anytime, anywhere.
If you’re making your shake at home using an electric blender, add your base liquid, desired protein powder, any add-ons like fruits and veggies, some ice, and blend until smooth. From there, you can mix in any additional ingredients based on what you’re craving.
Shake Things Up Through Customization
Now that you’ve mastered the basics of making a protein shake, it’s time to make it your own. There’s no reason to ever grow tired of protein shakes when you can craft and customize until your heart’s content. Here’s what Susan Bowerman, Sr. Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education, and Training at Herbalife has to say about some of the best ways to customize your Formula 1 shakes:
Protein – Needs vary from person to person – age, gender, body size, and body composition all factor in. Protein powder may already be an ingredient in your shake, but adding extra protein, such as Herbalife Personalized Protein Powder, is one of the easiest ways to get more protein and to tailor the amount to your personal needs. Plus, it blends right in and doesn’t change the flavor. Fat-free or low-fat dairy boosters like cottage cheese, ricotta cheese, or yogurt can also be used to provide extra protein.
Fruits and Vegetables – Aside from the typical berries or bananas, you might try mixing it up with less-typical fruits like kiwi, pomegranate seeds, guava, or melon. Vegetables like cooked carrots, pumpkin, beets, or butternut squash are great shake boosters because they’re mildly sweet. And baby greens – like baby spinach – are mild in flavor and make great shake add-ins, too. Plus, it’s an easy way to get servings of fruits and vegetables each day.
Beneficial Fats – Seeds like flax, hemp, chia, or sunflower add a bit of texture to your shake and give a little boost of minerals (especially copper and zinc) and omega-3 fatty acids. Nut butter – such as almond, walnut, or pistachio – contribute zinc and copper, along with some protein and fiber, too.
More Fiber – Rolled oats, chia seeds, flaxseeds, apples, and berries help to boost your soluble fiber intake – that’s the type of fiber that traps water and swells, contributing to feelings of fullness. Carrots, most other seeds, and leafy greens can boost the amount of insoluble fiber in your diet – the type of fiber that helps keep you regular. You can also add Herbalife Active Fiber Complex®, which provides both types of fiber.
Spices and Herbs – Try a dash of sweet cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or clove, or add some spicy heat with ginger or even a dash of white pepper. Since they’re plant products, spices also contribute phytonutrients and antioxidants. Herbs may not be something you’ve thought about adding to your shake, but there are plenty of herbs that work well, such as mint, rosemary, thyme, or basil.
Extracts and Zest – A little fresh lemon or orange zest adds a bright, fresh flavor to your shake, and there are some healthy oils in citrus peel, too. I also like to keep all kinds of extracts on hand – like pure vanilla, almond, coconut, and peppermint for an extra flavor boost.
Digestive Support – Herbalife Herbal Aloe Concentrate adds a mildly sweet flavor to your shake and helps support nutrient absorption in your digestive tract. Yogurt contains probiotics – the “good” bacteria that help support digestive health. Ginger and peppermint are both known to aid the digestive process. Chia seeds are a very rich source of soluble fiber, which supports the growth of good bacteria in your intestines.
Shake Recipe Inspiration
When it comes to crafting the perfect protein shake, figuring out your preferences is always key. Some like their shakes thick enough to eat with a spoon, while others prefer them to be the perfect consistency to sip through a straw. With a little experimentation, you’ll have your go-to recipes figured out in no time. Until then, you can put all of this information into practice with the mouth-watering recipes below.
Mango Tango Shake
Treat yourself to this tropical-inspired shake that’s good for you and good for your digestion as well.
Ingredients
- 2 scoops Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix, French Vanilla
- 3 capfuls Herbal Aloe Concentrate, Mango
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- ½ cup mango chunks, fresh or frozen
- 3-5 ice cubes
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a blender and mix well.
Coffee Banana Bonanza Shake
Rise and shine with this protein-packed shake featuring Formula 1 Café Latte!
Ingredients
- 2 scoops Formula 1 Healthy Meal Nutritional Shake Mix, Café Latte
- 2 TBSP Herbalife Personalized Protein Powder
- 1 cup water
- ½ medium banana
- 3–5 ice cubes
Instructions
Blend to mix well.
Lean Green Shake
Packed with protein and unexpected flavors, this shake combines delicious, nutrient-dense ingredients with high-quality protein for a healthy treat worth envying.
Ingredients
- 2 scoops Herbalife 24® Formula 1 Sport, Vanilla
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- ½ cup pineapple chunks
- ½ orange, peeled and seeds removed
- 1 TBSP unsweetened coconut flakes
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a blender and mix well.