One of the most popular fitness supplements is whey protein. To get the most out of your workouts, it would be best that you choose the right whey protein supplement for yourself. There are three types of whey protein – whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolyzed.
If you are someone who has lactose intolerance, then it is best that you choose whey protein isolate. It is considered the purest form of whey with 90% pure protein and least fat and lactose content. Check out the various whey protein isolate supplements available in the market and choose the best one.
Whey protein benefits
Some of the main benefits of whey protein are –
- Helps build lean muscles
- Improves overall athletic performance
- Keeps you satiated for a long which helps in calorie control
- Aids in weight management
- Reduces fatigue and muscle cramping, especially after intense workouts
- Maintains energy levels throughout the day
Easy whey protein-rich smoothie recipes
Bored of having whey protein in the same old way? It is time to switch things up and make delicious breakfast and post-workout smoothies with the goodness of GNC whey protein and whey protein isolate. Try these 5 easy whey protein smoothie recipes.
Spinach and banana smoothie
For those who don’t like eating their greens, this whey protein-enriched smoothie will come to your rescue. It is the perfect smoothie recipe to start your day and keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Bananas will provide a creamy texture, whey protein will give all the benefits, and spinach is rich in iron, so it is a super beneficial smoothie. The best part is you can make it with whey protein isolate and any plant-based milk if you have lactose intolerance.
Ingredients
- 1 cup baby spinach leaves
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- ½ cup milk (any plant or dairy-based milk of your choice)
- 2 scoops GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein (vanilla)
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
Method
- Add all the ingredients in a high-speed blender jar and blend well for 1 minute.
- Adjust the consistency and sweetness as per your liking.
- Transfer to a glass, add ice if needed, and enjoy.
Mixed berry whey protein smoothie
Berries are considered a powerhouse of antioxidants and you should include them in your diet. A great way to consume berries and get all the benefits is by making a delicious protein smoothie. This creamy and delicious smoothie is gluten-free, soy-free, and has no added sugar. It will keep you satiated for a long which means no munching and in turn, you can control your calorie intake to manage your weight.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries) (frozen or fresh)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 2 scoops GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein (strawberry)
- ½ frozen banana
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts
Method
- Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender jar and blend well for 1 minute.
- If the consistency is too thick, add more water and blend again.
- Transfer to a glass or your shaker and relish the yummy taste.
Chocolate and oats smoothie
On days when you crave a decedent chocolaty dessert, but cannot have it because of your fitness, you should try this whey protein-rich smoothie. It is creamy, delicious, and full of chocolate. It also has the goodness of oats to make it the perfect breakfast smoothie. Start your day and you’ll not just feel energized, but full till lunch. You can use any whey protein of your choice or replace it with whey protein isolate or plant-based protein to make this a vegan and gluten-free smoothie recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (any plant or dairy-based milk)
- Pinch of cinnamon
- 2 scoops GNC AMP Pure Isolate (chocolate)
- 1 tsp flaxseeds
- 1 tsp honey or any other sweetener (optional)
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- ¼ cup rolled oats
Method
- In a blender jar, put all the ingredients and blend on high speed for 2 minutes.
- Adjust the consistency and sweetness as per your taste.
- Transfer to a glass, add ice if needed, and enjoy this chocolatey smoothie.
Coffee kick smoothie
If you are someone whose day begins with a cup of coffee, then you need to try this simple yet flavorful protein smoothie recipe. Have it for breakfast for a powerful start to the day, 20 minutes before workouts, or within 30 minutes post workout to get all the benefits of whey protein. You can have it in the morning, in-between meals, or post workout as a healthy snack. The addition of banana gives a smooth and rich consistency and of course all the benefits of whey protein.
Ingredients
- 1 shot espresso
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tsp honey or any other sweetener (optional)
- ½ cup milk (you can take any plant-based milk of your choice as well)
- 1 tsp hemp seeds
- 2 scoops GNC AMP Pure Isolate (chocolate)
Method
- Place all the ingredients in a high-speed blender jar and blend well for about 45 seconds or until you get a smoothie-like consistency.
- Transfer to a glass and enjoy it chilled.
Tropical Smoothie
Tropical fruits are a delight to have. But when you are on a fitness journey, you need to be conscious about the portion size. Including fruits in smoothies is the best way to enjoy the taste, manage the portion size, and get all the benefits at the same time. It is creamy, thick, and delicious like having a healthy version of a dessert. It is a gluten-free recipe and has no added sugar. You can replace the whey protein with GNC plant protein to make this a vegan protein smoothie.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mango (diced)
- 1 cup pineapple (cut into small pieces)
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 scoops GNC AMP Gold Series Whey Protein Advanced (vanilla)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- ½ cup coconut milk (or any other plant or dairy based milk of choice)
Method
- Add all the ingredients in a high-speed blender jar and blend well for 45 seconds or until you get a smoothie-like consistency.
- Adjust the consistency and sweetness. Transfer to a glass and enjoy!
Keep in mind to follow the dosage instructions of any new whey protein supplement that you include in your routine. Do not consume more than the mentioned amount, as it may trigger allergic reactions like redness, itching, and rashes and other side effects like nausea, bloating, stomach cramps, gas etc.