Last Updated on May 19, 2023 by River Tree Farms
Do you want to introduce some protein into your diet? Blending some protein powder with your smoothie or juice is a great idea. It could help you get your required protein intake.
Protein powders help build your muscles, repair tissues, and make important hormones and enzymes. The main question for many people is ‘Does blending protein powder destroy it?’
Whether you will be using dairy-based or plant proteins, blending does not affect your powder. The content remains unaltered even though the taste may be different. Protein shakes have been around for a long time, and their benefits in sports and fitness remain unrivaled.
How to Consume Protein Shakes
The procedure for making a protein shake depends on the brand of the protein powder. While some formulations are generally flat in taste, others are flavorful. The best way to add some flavor to the flat-tasting ones is by putting them in smoothies.
Blending aside, you can also mix them with other ingredients. Popular ones are such as fruit juice, yogurt, and ice cream. If you want something different, add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
Various brands offer ready-to-drink shakes that contain whey proteins. These drinks are usually made using low-fat milk, but they do not necessarily have added flavors. They are easy to prepare and consume, and they provide all the benefits of having a high-protein diet. But, if you prefer to drink your protein shake without extra ingredients, consider buying a good-quality protein powder.
Liquid Vs. Dry Protein Powders
Protein powders come in various forms. Some are designed to be mixed with liquid, while others are meant to be consumed dry. Some protein powders are available in both powdered and liquid forms. You need to choose one depending on your preference and needs.
If you are looking for a convenient option, go for the liquid version. This type of protein powder does not require any preparation before consumption. On the other hand, the powdered version needs to be mixed with water before drinking. This means that you will have to take time to prepare your protein shake.
When choosing between the two types, you should consider how often you plan to use the protein powder. If you only intend to consume it once a week, you may opt for the powdered version since it requires less preparation. However, if you plan to consume it daily, you should select the liquid version.
You must also think about the amount of protein you need. A single scoop of protein powder contains around 20 grams of protein per serving. Depending on your weight, you might need anywhere between 2 and 4 scoops of protein each day. If you plan to consume many servings of protein powder each day, get the largest container.
When selecting a protein powder, you should look at the label carefully so that you know what’s inside. Avoid those that include sugar, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and other chemicals. Instead, you should stick to natural products. They shouldn’t affect your blood sugars.
In addition, you should check whether the product has been tested for safety and effectiveness. There are several companies that test their products for these purposes. Look for labels that mention “USDA Certified Organic” or “Gluten-Free”.
However, it would help if you kept in mind that these tests do not guarantee that the product is safe and effective. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Adding Protein Powder to Fruit Smoothies
The best way to add protein powder to a fruit smoothie is by mixing it into the fruit before blending. This ensures that all of the nutrients from the fruit are retained in the final product.
You can also mix the protein powder directly into the blender when making the smoothie. However, you need to be aware that some flavors may get lost in the process. If you decide to go ahead with this method, buy a high-quality protein powder to preserve the flavor.
You can also take advantage of the fact that many protein powders contain added sugars. You don’t need to worry about adding more.
The Best Fruits and Veggies For Your Smoothie
Almost all fruits are great for smoothies. However, the best ones include:
- Mangoes
- Melons
- Strawberries
- Bananas
- Cherries
- Pineapples
Some of the best veggies for your smoothie include:
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Spinach
- Kale
- Tomatoes
How Much Protein Should I Add To My Smoothie?
When deciding how much protein to add to your smoothie, you need to consider the type of protein you are adding. The easiest way to figure out how much protein you need is to look at the label on the packet.
When planning your smoothie, you should also think about the nutrients you wish to take in. For example, if you want to lose weight, you should avoid adding carbs to your smoothie. On the other hand, if you are trying to gain muscle mass, you should include plenty of carbs.
The best way to store your protein shake smoothie is by refrigeration. If you can’t, keep it at room temperature. Ensure that your protein shake never gets too hot. Cold temperatures are good for both taste and texture.
Conclusion
Can you blend protein powder? Does blending protein powder destroy it? These are a few of the questions you may have asked if you are a fitness fan who enjoys protein powders and shakes. Luckily, you can blend your protein powder or add it to your juices and smoothies. While blending could affect the taste and texture, it doesn’t destroy your protein powder.
Flavor your protein powder depending on your preferences. Popular flavors include vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. You can also mix your blender protein shake with ice cream, fruit juice, or yogurt.
Always read the label carefully to get a good idea of the protein powder and its contents. The label should also state the amount you need to add to your smoothie or juice.