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Four Foods You Can Mix with Protein Powder

Fitday Editor
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Protein powder can be a healthy way to increase your protein intake, but it can be tricky to find a way to swallow it. Many protein powders have a chalky taste. The following list contains four delicious and healthy foods you can mix with protein powder. You can use just one ingredient or combine some or all of them to make a healthy and great tasting protein drink.

Yogurt

Yogurt is a healthy option for a protein mix drink. Yogurt masks the chalky taste that accompanies many whey and soy protein powders. For best results, use a non-fat or low-fat yogurt to decrease the thick consistency. Find a flavored yogurt or yogurt that comes with a fruit mix. Add 1 cup of yogurt per each serving of protein powder. You will also need to add some type of liquid, such as juice or water. Yogurt is high in protein and "good" bacteria which supports your immune system and decreases your risk of infection. For a thicker smoothie, use ½ cup of vanilla or strawberry ice cream instead of yogurt.

Juice

You can mix almost any juice with protein powder. Look for a 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice. Depending on your desired consistency, you can use a liquid juice or a frozen juice concentrate if you want to make a thicker protein drink. Use two cups of liquid juice or ¾ cups juice concentrate and blend it with one serving of protein powder (and whatever other ingredients you want to throw in the blender). Orange juice is ideal for mixing with protein powder. Orange juice contains high amounts of vitamin C and calcium. Grape juice is another popular choice as a protein drink base. Grape juice in high in antioxidants and resveratrol; which is thought to prevent heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease.

Frozen Fruit

Frozen fruit makes the best consistency for a protein powder drink. Kiwis, pineapple, berries and bananas are all very popular fruits to mix with protein powder. Try mixing in 1 to 2 cups of berries into your protein powder drink. Berries are high in antioxidants and low in fat and calories. Bananas are loaded with potassium and kiwis are inexpensive and contain essential nutrients such as vitamin C and omega fatty acids.

Coconut

Coconut is compatible with protein powder in almost any form. Use a little bit of coconut milk in your mix or even coconut water. You can even use the flesh of a fresh coconut. Coconut is high in unsaturated fat, but it might not be the best option if you are trying to lose weight. Coconuts are also high in B vitamins, iron and dietary fiber. Coconut has a sweet taste that will overpower any objectionable flavor of the protein powder.

All of these foods are ideal for mixing with protein powder. If you want a sweeter tasting smoothie, you can try topping your smoothie off with some honey or vanilla extract. For a thicker protein drink, use less liquid. You can even give your protein drink a boost by adding ginger or ginseng.

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