12 Healthy Protein Shakes for Weight Gain

12 Healthy Protein Shakes for Weight Gain
Here are 12 protein shakes that can help you gain weight in the form of muscle mass

If you are trying to bulk up, protein shakes are great to add to your workout arsenal—they are a convenient and cost-effective way to meet your daily protein needs.

However, if you are getting sick of drinking protein powder mixed with water, the good news is that there are a ton of shake recipes out there that include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, all of which are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help you boost your overall health.

Here are 12 protein shakes that can help you gain weight in the form of muscle mass.

12 protein shakes for bulking up

1. Dark chocolate and peppermint shake

This is a tasty recipe that puts all of the flavors of a marshmallow-topped peppermint hot cocoa into a protein-packed dessert shake. Nutrients include calcium, protein, and antioxidants. You can alter the quantities of different ingredients to suit your calorie requirements and taste preferences.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 cup of whole milk (you can replace it with almond or soy milk if you are a vegan)
    • ½ cup of grated dark chocolate
    • ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract
    • 1 tablespoon of unsweetened almond butter
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold
    • Garnish with some marshmallows and chocolate flakes.

2. Peanut butter and banana milkshake

Peanut butter is high in protein as well as healthy fats. With the addition of bananas, it can make a delicious shake that will help you bulk up.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 tablespoon of unsweetened peanut butter (you can use almond butter instead for an extra boost of minerals and antioxidants)
    • 1 cup of whole milk (you can replace it with almond, coconut, or soy milk if you are a vegan)
    • 1 sliced banana
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 
    • Sprinkle some granola on top.

3. Birthday cake shake

Although there is no frosting, you may be surprised how much this vanilla protein shake recipe satisfies your cake cravings. Because it contains protein rather than simple carbohydrates, it will fill you up rather than weigh you down. Adding nuts rich in omega-3 fatty acids provides added health benefits.

  • Ingredients: 
    • 1 cup of cake batter of your choice
    • 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
    • 1 scoop of unflavored whey protein or pea protein
    • ¼ cup of mixed nuts
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 
    • Sprinkle some granola or grated nuts on top.

4. Cinnamon banana shake

Since bananas are naturally sweet and filling, banana protein shake recipes are a great option for healthy weight gain. Bananas are a powerhouse of B vitamins and minerals, cinnamon and honey increase your antioxidant intake, and almond butter gives you an extra boost of protein and healthy fats.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 sliced banana
    • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond butter
    • 1 teaspoon of honey
    • 1½ cup of milk or plant milk of your choice
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 
    • Garnish with some sliced bananas and pumpkin seeds

5. Chocolate, chia seed, and hazelnut milkshake

This combination not only tastes delicious but is also rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that are good for immunity and overall health. You can also add some unsweetened protein powder to increase its protein content. 

  • Ingredients:
    • 1½ cup of almond milk or any other milk of your choice
    • ¼ cup of diced hazelnuts
    • ¼ cup of grated unsweetened chocolate
    • 1 teaspoon of chia seeds or mixed chia, hemp, and flaxseeds
    • 1 tablespoon of hazelnut chocolate spread (optional)
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 
    • Garnish with some sliced hazelnuts or extra seeds of your choice.

6. Strawberry mango protein shake

This strawberry and mango smoothie is a must-have if you're looking for a protein shake recipe that is fresh, delicious, and healthy. Strawberries and mangoes are rich in phytonutrients, and Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein and probiotics. You can add a scoop of protein powder to bump up the protein content.

  • Ingredients: 
    • ½ cup of chopped strawberries
    • ¾ cup of chopped mangoes
    • 1½ cup of yogurt
    • 1 scoop of unflavored whey or plant protein
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 
    • Garnish with some sliced mangoes and strawberries.

7. Coffee, granola, and honey milkshake

With this protein smoothie recipe, you can turn your morning coffee into breakfast. It's a great way to obtain a serving of protein while enjoying the benefits of coffee, such as enhanced metabolic rate and improved physical performance. Pumpkin seeds and granola offer healthy fats and protein that are excellent for healthy weight gain.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1½ teaspoon of instant coffee
    • 1 tablespoon of granola
    • 1 teaspoon of pumpkin seeds
    • 1 teaspoon of honey
    • 1 scoop of unflavored whey
    • 1½ cup of milk
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 

8. Pineapple protein shake

This fruity protein smoothie will satisfy your craving for a pina colada. Pineapple is loaded with phytonutrients that help lower inflammation in your body and boosts metabolism. This simple and protein-rich recipe is great for helping you build lean mass.

  • Ingredients:
    • ½ cup of diced pineapples
    • 1½ scoop of whey or unflavored plant protein powder
    • 1½ cup of Greek yogurt
    • Sweetener or sugar to taste
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 
    • Garnish with sliced cashews.

9. Strawberry and cream cheese shake

This rich drink tastes like strawberry cheesecake but with plenty of protein and healthy fats. It is a great option for muscle gain when you run out of protein powder or prefer to stick to natural foods.

  • Ingredients: 
    • 1 cup of chopped strawberries
    • 1 cup of Greek yogurt
    • 2 tablespoons of cream cheese
    • 2 tablespoons of mixed nuts>
    • Sweetener or sugar to taste
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 

10. Cinnamon protein shake

If you like cinnamon rolls, look no further than this cinnamon protein shake. Despite being delicious and decadent-tasting, it is both low in calories and high in protein. It also contains plenty of essential minerals and antioxidants.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder
    • 3 egg whites
    • 1 cup of almond milk or regular milk
    • 2 teaspoons of maple syrup
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 

11. Avocado and mint shake

This unique blend of creaminess and freshness will liven up your protein shake routine. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals in addition to being high in protein. Mint is also a great source of vitamins A, B, and C.

  • Ingredients:
    • ½ avocado
    • ¼ cup of chopped mint
    • 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
    • 1 cup of milk
    • 1 scoop of protein powder
  • Instructions: 
  • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold. 

12. Mixed seeds and dates shake

Simple to make and quite filling, this protein shake is made up of two superfoods that are sure to give you a health boost beyond just muscle gain. Seeds and dates are loaded with good fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals like iron.

  • Ingredients:
    • 1½ teaspoon of chia, pumpkin, and flaxseeds
    • 6-7 de-seeded dates
    • 2 teaspoons of unsweetened almond butter
    • 1½ cup of milk or non-dairy alternative
  • Instructions: 
    • Blend ingredients in a blender and add a few ice cubes if you like it cold.
    • Sprinkle with some roasted seeds.

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References
Image Source: iStock image

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-tips-choosing-best-protein-powder/

https://www.lifebridgehealth.org/Sinai/ProteinShakeRecipes.aspx]

https://dailyburn.com/life/recipes/dessert-inspired-protein-shake-recipes/