Turn your protein shake into a Super Shake

To celebrate the launch of Precision Nutrition V3, over the next few weeks we’ll be sharing with you some important “big ideas” from V3, the most complete version of the Precision Nutrition System we’ve ever offered.

Today’s “big idea”: Turn Your Protein Shake Into A Super Shake

How to use liquid nutrition

Here’s one of the secrets to good nutrition: Not all of your meals have to be food meals.

In fact, you can even replace one to two meals each day with easy to make, tasty little drinks we call Super Shakes.

Now, we know that there are tons of stores and juice bars springing up all over, offering smoothies.  However, store bought and juice bar type shakes are usually barely better than fast food milk shakes.  They’re typically sweetened heavily with sugar, loaded with poor protein sources, full of dairy, and missing many nutrients found in whole foods.

The Super Shake, on the other hand, is packed with good stuff like high-quality protein, fiber, good fats, antioxidants and more. Translation:  Super Shakes are da bomb.

And that’s why we devoted an entire guide in PN V3 to the creation of Super Shakes.  Indeed, in PN V3 we’ve got over 40 Super Shake combos created and battle-tested by the PN Team and members of the PN community.  All nutritious.  All delicious.

That’s right, Super Shakes don’t just stand in for whole foods when times are tough.  They can actually be superior to most of the meals your neighbors are eating.  They’re are quick, easy, and high quality.  And you can use them as a snack, dessert, breakfast, etc.  (Uh, the shakes, not your neighbors).

But you have to do them right.  And that’s where this guide comes in.

Get a good blender

Before you start experimenting with our step by step guide, here’s a question for you.  Do you have a decent blender?  If not, and you want to start making Super Shakes, you’re going to have to go get one.  And remember, you get what you pay for.

That’s right, if your blender starts smoking when you add a few ice cubes, it’s time for a replacement, one that’s more powerful and ready for the task at hand.  And while you’re at it, why not splurge and get a nice-looking one too.  If you’re embarrassed by your blender and you keep it on the top shelf, tucked behind the cake pan, even with the best of intentions, you’re not going to use it.

Recommendations?  Sure.

For every-day use, I like the Magic Bullet.  It’s only 50 bucks and it’s quite powerful.  The only issue is that it’s small.  So if you want bigger Super Shakes you’ll have to go bigger with your blender.  In which case you might choose the Vita Mix.  This is the Mercedes Benz of blenders.  It’s pricey.  But I’ve never seen another blender match its power and longevity.

Making your shake super

Ok, so let’s assume you’ve got your blender out and it’s powerful enough to do the job.  Now you can follow the step by step guide below for creating nutritious and tasty Super Shakes.

Keep in mind, not all of the steps below are mandatory.  If you don’t want any fruit, leave it out.  If you are using almond milk and don’t want to add extra nuts, leave them out.  (Of course, if you’re looking to control your calories, carbs, or fats, use smaller portion sizes or cut out certain ingredients.) You get the idea.

In the end, we selected some of the fruits, vegetables and proteins that seem to work best for our clients.  However, our list isn’t exhaustive.   Feel free to branch out.  But for optimal mixing, flavor and consistency, follow the steps in order.   In other words, add your ingredients in the order listed.  Just go through each step and select an item (or two) from each column.  Mix and match as you like.  You’ll end up finding combinations you prefer the most.

So, how about an example?  Here’s one of my favorites.

• Step 1: 5 ice cubes
• Step 2: 1/2 frozen banana & 2 pitted dates
• Step 3: 2 kale leaves & 1 tsp of powdered greens supplement
• Step 4: 2 scoops of plain pea protein powder
• Step 5: Handful of walnuts
• Step 6: Water (just enough for it to mix)
• Step 7: Top with a few sprinkles of coconut
• Step 8: Drink.  Feel smug about getting more nutrition than most people get in one week.

There you have it, a template for creating awesome Super Shakes, every time. For a host of additional Super Shake recipes, check out Precision Nutrition V3 – everything you need to know to get the body you want and to maintain it for life.

Learn more

To learn more about making important improvements to your nutrition and exercise program, check out the following 5-day video courses.

They’re probably better than 90% of the seminars we’ve ever attended on the subjects of exercise and nutrition (and probably better than a few we’ve given ourselves, too).

The best part? They’re totally free.

To check out the free courses, just click one of the links below.

• Exercise and Nutrition Crash Course for Women
• Exercise and Nutrition Crash Course for Men