(Secret) Chocolate Protein Dream

Some days, you just need a great big creamy sugary chocolate milk shake. Unfortunately, those days also tend to be the days you need a health-kick up the proverbial.

That was me this morning.

Up at 6 in on this rainy October morning to do a muscle-melting bootcamp workout (more on which in a later post), I was just craving comfort food - BUT I didn't want to counteract all the good effects of my workout.

Enter Secret Chocolate Protein Dream. The one-and-only of my protein shake love-life. 

The best part (aka the 'secret' part), is that it doesn't even taste like a protein shake! It tastes like a milkshake: thick, creamy, indulgent and delicious. Almost too delicious to be as healthy as it is: but it IS! 

Plus it's just so simple and easy, AND you can vary it according to your needs.

The basic ingredients are:

This image (aka my appalling photography skills) does not do justice to the creamy loveliness of this shake - but you get the idea! By the by, this photo was taken in the truly awesome Carnaby Book Exchange (more on that in a soon-to-come post, so watch this space!)

1) Chocolate protein powder (1 scoop is all I need, but feel free to add extra)

2) 300ml water/milk

3) Ice

4) 1/2 Avocado

5) Honey (optional)

Now. Before you run away screaming. It does not taste like avocado. If I hadn't told you there was avocado in there, you wouldn't even know it. All that super-healthy little fella does is make the shake extra creamy and indulgent tasting! (you're welcome)

If you're watching your weight, just use water as the liquid base. If not, go for milk for an even creamier taste. Add honey to taste - personally I don't feel the need, as I don't have much of a sweet tooth, but most people love it. Plus, we all know the health benefits of honey, so what's to stop you twirling a little bit into the mix?

Essentially, just chuck all the ingredients together in a blender and...blend. Then drink, and feel smug :)

For those of you who are interested, I've even done some rough calorie counts for the different combinations (based on shakes with 1 scoop average chocolate protein powder):

1) Protein + water + avocado: 200kcals

2) Protein + water + avocado + honey (2tsp) : 250kcals

3) Protein + skimmed milk + avocado: 300kcals

4) Protein + skimmed milk + avocado + honey (2tsp) : 350kcals

So give it a go, and let me know what you think! And if you've got any other great protein recipes out there I'd love to hear them!