by request

Hello guys! I have had a few people ask me to post my recipes for protein shakes. Here goes... Right now, due tot he weather changing to COLD, I am drinking a hot coffee protein shake. Some will argue that the protein is destroyed by heat. Some can be destroyed, but most will stay intact. I am not heating the protein powder, but adding it too a warm drink. First I put a cup of milk,a scoop of protein powder in the blender and mix on low until it's smooth. Takes just a few seconds. I also add into this: (these are all optional!!!) sugar free or no sugar added hot chocolate powder, cinnamon, splenda, sugar free coffee syrups (my fav is hazelnut and I found it last night at wal mart!! YAY!!!). Add these items too taste. Last winter when I was going to work int he am, I'd make my coffee protein drink and carry it with me to the office in a big to go coffee mug. Now at home, I make my coffee and then add the milk/protein/cocoa mixture like a creamer. I have two BIG cups of coffee this way. I like to drag it out! MMM! It's actually good. The brand of protein powder that I like is Isopure Zero Carb Vanilla. I buy it buy the 5 gallon buckets at GNC. They hav e a great deal,w here you buy a yearly card for $15 and you get 20% off of any purchaes the first week of every month. It pays for itself in the first month. Youcan use whatever protein powder that you like, but if you are having trouble finding onne that you like, keep trying. GNC will refund you if you don't like the product. Also, get creative. If you can't tolerate the powder and water or powder and milk combo, try adding things. Get some sugar free orange tang or sunrise crystal light. Make a strong batch of it. Put a handfull of ice cubes, a cup of milk and a cup of really strong orange flavored drink, and a scoop or two of vanilla protein powder and you have an Orangesicle protein shake! You may want to add splenda or more ofthe orange flavored POWDER to give it a real good oarange taste and too drown out the protein taste. My best advice is to use a blender!! No matter how much trouble it may seem, it is worth it. Try new things. and remember that what you love before surgery may make you SICK after surgery, so don't do like me and buy three cases of your favorite RTD (ready to drink) protein shak or buckets of protein powder!! I gave them all away! ICK! They were so good before surgery. But your taste usually changes. Also remember that after surgery, you will have to take it slow. DOn't beat yourself up if you can't finish a protein shake. It takes time. Work on getting in some protein, water, and nutrition. It's gonna take time. Hope this stuff helps someone out there! Take care, Kristen ps, I make a frozen (milkshake like) coffee drink when it's warm, but I can't even think about a cold drink right now! BRRR!

OH! I almost forgot....USE decaff coffee. Unless your surgeon doesn't have a preference. I can tolerate regular coffee, but at first it will really hit you hard! I try to stick to decaff or half decaff half regular. When I'm away from home, I just get regular. I also forgot to add that if you don't have a coffee pot (I don't), use instant. Works great. It's the only thing I use. Boil your water for 2 mins in the microwave and add the right amt of coffee per directions. Take care, Kristen