Making a Protein Shake for Breakfast
During the winter months, we only make it to the gym twice a week but during the summer, we stay pretty active running and biking. No matter what the activity, I struggle to find balance in the foods because my body needs protein boosts from the workouts but I get tired of the same snacks over and over. A few years ago, a friend who used to body build would participate in the cardio strength class at the gym with me. After class, she would have a protein shake consisting of protein powder mixed with water – a habit she had developed from her days of power lifting. I tried it once and let me tell you, it was horrible. The taste was not as labeled (neither “berry” nor “chocolate”) and the texture was chalky… at best. I tried a few different brands and they were equally as awful.
Not long after that, another friend made a protein shake for me that actually tasted pretty good. I don’t know what she was using but I know it was a powder mixed with a milk-alternative product. Not expecting to make a habit out of drinking them, I never bothered to ask what she was using.
Now that I’ve developed more of an interest in my overall health and food intake, I’ve circled back around to trying to find healthy snacks to offset the chocolate and other snacks I like to eat. The folks at Skinny Jane offered to send me a 7-day sample to get a taste for the product in exchange for some honest feedback. Considering prior experiences with chalky, funky flavored protein shakes, I figured this could be an interesting test.
When I received the package of Chocolate Skinny Blend, it included tips on foods to eat to help lose weight. None of that interested me since the same information is readily available all over the place. My only focus was the shake itself; I had plans for breakfast or an after-workout snack since it boasted “a special blend of 7 proteins to maximize fat loss and decrease appetite”. Breakfast is an important meal and sets the stage for my day. Sometimes I have cereal or yogurt but most often I have granola, oatmeal or an omelet. The Skinny Jane protein shake instructions indicated to use 6-8 ounces of skim milk along with 1/4 cup of protein powder. Adding ice is an option also.
Since I’ve been primarily drinking almond milk, I decided to use that in place of the skim milk. The first day, I added 6 ounces of Silk Almond Milk with just under a 1/4 cup of Chocolate Skinny Blend in my DeLonghi Immersion Blender. I used the whip to mix it up really well. Then I added some ice to give it additional texture and make it seem more like a mocha frappe.
You know what I think? Seriously? It doesn’t taste like the chalky stuff my friend mixed with water. It reminds me a lot of the Carnation Instant Breakfast packets that my brothers and I lived on during high school. It is flavorful and chocolaty. It has a rich taste but doesn’t leave an aftertaste like some mixes.
The additional times that I’ve made it, I have added more ice and it definitely makes me feel like I’m sucking down a frappe for breakfast. The extra ice waters down the taste more but it is a trade-off that I am willing to make on occasion to enjoy this treat in a different way. As a bonus, it did fill me up until lunch.
Skinny Jane Skinny Blend is available in four flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry and Banana. A 30-day supply is available from Amazon for just under $40. It seems pricey to me but I’ve checked prices of other protein products at places like Sam’s Club and none are cheap. Considering this one actually tastes good, if you’re looking for this type of protein product then it is worth checking out.
For more information on Skinny Jane products, visit their website or connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ or Pinterest.
I have never used a protein powder before. Looks like a tasty shake!!
we do smoothies with silk almond a lot too!! YUMMY!
I will have to try Almond milk for my smoothies, it sounds good.
I am looking for a good protein powder for my smoothies. Will have try!
I LOVE using almond milk for my smoothies, but I make sure it’s unsweetened.
Awesome! I just looked them up on Amazon and I am going to give them a try.
My son uses a protein mix when he lifts weights. That would be a great thing for me to try now. I have an immersion blender which would work great.
YUM! Now that I’m no longer preggo, I want to start getting back into shape and protein shake will go great with breastfeeding. 🙂
Mmm thsi sounds good! I have a blender on the way so I’m excited to try more shakes and smoothies.
Oh yum! I know what you mean on chalky – I’m working my way through a yucky bottle of stuff right now!
I love making protein shakes for breakfast. This looks like a good mix to try!
Banana does sound really good. Great way to start the morning!
i only use almond milk in smoothies. i can’t wait for the warmer weather so i can get back to my smoothies. its just too cold right now. great for the kids too!
Well if it tastes like Carnation Instant Breakfast, I am sold. It looks good and easy to make.
I’ve been having a hard time getting ANYTHING in for breakfast. This is a great idea because I can make it and take it when me when I drive my son to school.
I love having smoothies for breakfast. This one sounds delish!
Mmmm, I love making my own smoothies and yes, it always includes banana.
sounds great, a great way to start the day! We use this same almond milk too!
My husband has a protein shake every morning and uses Almond Milk.
Mmm, I love Silk. I haven’t bought it in a long time though. I’ll have to pick up some soon!
I always thought protein shakes must taste chalky, too. Good to know there is a yummy option out there. I think I need more protein in my diet. I’ll have to look for these at Sam’s.
My husband needs more protein in his diet and fitness routine. I need to make him this to try!
$40 seems reasonable to me – especially if it tastes decently. That’s only like $1.03 a day. Life is too short for icky protein powder
I love making shakes. I’ve never of Skinny Jane. I’ll have to try this out. Thanks for sharing!
You and I are sooo much alike, I love my Protein shake with Almond milk, too it is THE BEST.. soo need to check out Skinny Blend and start a new Breakfast routine..thanks for sharing
Sounds like a really great shake! And frappe for breakfast, mmmm… yummy, lol
Yummy protein shakes!!! I love this stuff just on it’s own though too!
Looks like it would taste great – happy shaking!!
this actually looks really good. I’m excited to try it!
My son and I are doing smoothies in the morning and this would be great for more protein.
My son and his gf always drink protein shakes after their workouts at the gym. I like them myself. Protein is great for muscle and keeps me feeling full too.
we do smoothies all the time! I much prefer the Silk Almond or Almond/coconut milk in my smoothies because they just taste amazing! I haven’t tried the skinny Jane before. That sounds quite delicious.
YUM! I love almond milk and use it a lot! Great protein shake for my mornings! Great for after my run!
I’ve been coming across some good reviews of Skinny Jane but haven’t got around giving it a try yet. I’m even more encouraged to try it now that I see you didn’t even need to add anything else in it apart from almond milk. That, to me, speaks volumes about its great taste.