Summertime is just around the corner, and here’s the conundrum: it’ll be hot. You’ll want ice cream. Popsicles. You’ll definitely want margaritas. On the other hand you want to look fab in that teenie bikini, so you’re planning to deprive yourself. Don’t do that. We’re about to get real with you: there’s a whole world of sweet, refreshing summertime treats out there that won’t pack on the carbs. Instead, they’ll pack on the protein to keep your fitness (and physique) on point.
These six protein-rich recipe hacks will get you through the lingering days of spring feeling and looking your best.
Cookies & Cream Protein Popsicles Gals, this one’s basically hot day heaven. Cookies. Cream. Popsicles. PROTEIN. Need we say more? Ok we will: that’s 22 grams of protein per popsicle, and only 4 Net carbs. Better yet, they only take 5 minutes to make and they taste a-maaahhh-zing. They secret is a combo of chocolate and vanilla milkshake protein powders from Quest that taste better than they have any right to. These treats are so easy to make, you could probably have a batch in the freezer by the time you finish reading this article… but don’t go quite yet! There’s some other recipes in here that you don’t want to miss… like protein ICE CREAM.
Strawberry Protein Ice Cream Yup. Protein ice cream. If you weren’t in protein heaven with popsicles, you’re there now: sitting on a creamy, pink, strawberry flavored cloud. Honestly, this one takes a little more work than the pops, but it’s worth it. Trust us. Break out that ice cream maker your in-laws gave you… and you thought you’d never use. The time is now: creamy Greek yogurt, Strawberries & Cream protein powder, fresh strawberries… Yum City. It’s everything you ever wanted from a summer evening treat, without the junk. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, or the time to invest, how about a simple, game-changing protein shake that totally redefines the category?
PB Cup Protein Shake Must. Have. Peanut butter. Must. Have. Chocolate. Yeah, trust us, we get it. That craving is almost undeniable. Somehow you manage it though, you shove that craving into the back of your mind, but it’s always there, hungry, waiting, begging for a peanut butter cup. Well, it’s time to feed the craving, without your diet crashing and burning. This isn’t your grandma’s protein shake. This is a shake for the fit foodie in all of us. It just takes 5 minutes (and the elusive, but oh so worth it peanut butter protein powder), and you’ve got a one-way-ticket to chocolate-peanut butter bliss. 27g of protein and only 4 Net carbs make this treat a total "yaaas." Not a peanut butter fan? Then check out the next shock-worthy shake!
Double Chocolate Chip Mint Protein Shake If you’re hankering for one of those mouthwatering minty chocolate shakes from the diner or the drive-through, this one’s your summer protein lifesaver. It’s got a bit of a coconut twist, too, which really sets it apart from the ordinary. Truth be told, we might even like this one better than the one made with ice cream. 13g of protein and only 170 calories doesn’t hurt either.
If you’re a chocoholic like we are, then you’re gonna love the next recipe too!
Chocolate Coconut Protein Fudge Pops Fudgepops! Protein! OMG Yes! A dessert so good it hurts… but it won’t hurt your waistline or your fitness goals. Pop some of these in the freezer on a Friday night, and then invite all your friends over after Saturday morning Spin class for a post-workout recovery treat. The recipe here is quick but a little unusual, it actually involves microwaving coconut and chocolate protein bars and mixing them into the batter, so you have to make sure and get junk-free bars that are up for the task. They only take 10 minutes to make, the recipe makes 10 pops, and they earned a perfect 10 at the Delicious Olympics. (Ok, so that’s not actually a thing, but it totally should be). Speaking of delicious, how about some raspberries to shake things up?
White Chocolate Raspberry Protein Shake We’ve got the chocolate fans covered, but this one’s for the fruity foodies. It blends up 18g of protein in about 15 seconds… and if you haven’t tasted the white chocolate/raspberry combo yet, you’re seriously in for a sweet surprise. Trust us, it’s addictive. You’re gonna want one with you at all times. Quest has a white chocolate raspberry protein bar that you can keep in your back pocket just in case a craving strikes and you aren’t near the blender.
