Chocolate Pear Banana Protein Shake

I think I am in Love. And addicted. 

Let me tell you why:

I make this shake almost every day. That is the addiction part. It is my favorite treat/drink/food to eat after I work out!

I go to this AMAZING exercise class that I LOVE! Thanks Jan! I get my butt kicked and finish off with some push ups, come home and I am hungry. After I wash of my stink, I make this shake. Ready to feed my muscles. Yes, sometimes I will flex in the mirror and kiss my arms (LOL, cuz I am crazy) and my husband calls me a "monster". Ok. Ok. But I work hard. So there you go. 

Let me tell you, over 20+ grams of protein per serving (the shake makes 2 servings) it is just what my body and muscles need. It is ALL natural and raw. Plus it tastes SO DANG GOOD! I mean, have you ever had a chocolate smoothie from Wendy's? It is about the same thickness, but a million times better for you. I will tell you what is in it, but first let me back up it up with some facts: 

In Sports Medicine it says "One study found that athletes who refueled with carbohydrate and protein had 100 percent greater muscle glycogen stores than those who only ate carbohydrate. Insulin was also highest in those who consumed a carbohydrate and protein drink.

Protein Needs After Exercise
Consuming protein has other important uses after exercise. Protein provides the amino acids necessary to rebuild muscle tissue that is damaged during intense, prolonged exercise. It can also increase the absorption of water from the intestines and improve muscle hydration. The amino acids in protein can also stimulate the immune system, making you more resistant to colds and other infections."

Here is another Link to 6 Smart Snacks to Eat after a Workout. 

Oh ya, I usually drink both servings. That is if my husband or kids aren't around (they like it too). But in saying I drink both servings, that is my entire lunch. It fills me up. The shake is also loaded with fiber. Another one of my favorite things...fiber!

So I recently got a Blend Tech and I think I am having a love affair with my blender. It's ok, I told my husband. Before I made this shake, my "after work-out snack" would be: some peanut butter with 8 dark chocolate chips melted in the microwave. Then I would mix in some hemp seeds and dip a banana in the mixture. After I got my blend tech I started experimenting and came up with this marvelous shake!

The pictures don't do it justice. I am telling ya, I am licking out my cup at the end. And while I am eating it, I am doing a little jig. 

After, I am completely satisfied. Satisfies my sweet tooth. Satisfies my hunger. Satisfies and gives me energy and strength. Satisfies my belly. Get in my belly! 

Enough rambling, let me get on to the recipe: But wait! Before I do, let me give my thanks: Thanks Jan for your workouts-You Rock! Thanks Blend Tech for your amazing blender! Thanks to my kids for coming and getting dragged along when I go workout! Thanks to all my friends who call me "muscles" and those who I work out with and dance while we work out...I love ya! Thanks to my hubby for loving me and my bod! And thanks to my brain and butt for making a commitment to get my butt moving and exercise. Seriously, exercise is a addiction all in itself! Thanks! And thanks to YOU readers for reading my blog, even though I lack here and there with posts. 

Power Bars: Loaded with Protein & Fiber

I eat these A LOT! They satisfy my taste buds and sweet tooth. They give me power. They are loaded with tons of protein and fiber. Therefore, I build my muscle and eat less throughout the day because I am full with all the fiber it gives. PLUS...They are Super Good for you! I snack on them all day.

So here you go...I gave you my intro on my these Power Bars Rock! They are Created my Me. Yes, you could call them "Nicole's Power Bars". 

And did I mention: THEY ARE VEGAN!!! SweeeeeT! Can you tell I am excited about them? 

Honestly, my body can't take a lot of sugar, so when it comes to making those sweet treats on my blog, I really don't eat them. I mean, of course I taste and try and make sure they are super delicious, but I can't eat a lot of it. That is why I love these power bars, they have some dark chocolate in them that satisfies my sweet tooth. 

I go and swim laps in the morning and before I go I eat a couple spoonfuls of my power bar. It wakes me up and gives me strength. Then I come home and eat more. After that, I am on my way to aerobics. I enjoy working out. I love the way it makes me feel. Feel the burn! Oh ya! Then I come home and eat a Chobani Yogurt, Lemon is my favorite. Which is also packed with protein! 30% of your daily protein intake in fact. Then I eat lots of fruit and veggies throughout the day. Of course I have other foods, but I am just telling you how much I love these bars! I hope you like them too. And you can modify them however you want. That is what is so great about them! 

WAIT! I forgot to tell you about the MOST IMPORTANT part of my eating routine. First. Every single day BEFORE I take a bite of ANYTHING, I drink a full glass of Lemon Water. Fresh squeezed Lemon. There are SO many benefits to drinking Lemon water. I will save that for another time. But that is all I drink. Water. 

I hope my sister is reading this post because ALL she eats is protein. She weight lifts and does a killer awesome job grilling meat. She eats a lot of meat. Here is to you Jessica. So here is to you.

Enough talk, here is the recipe. Tell me if you like it too!