One word : YUCK!

Greetings Everyone!

After starting my week of liquid dieting yesterday, I have one word to describe Protein Shakes...
Y   U  C  K!

I purchased a whole bunch of samples of various flavors.  So far I've dried a Mocha one, a Dutch chocolate and today a banana.  Ewww!  Back to the drawing board!

I still haven't tried the vanilla, chicken soup or strawberry.  I didn't want to buy a big container of any one brand, so I have many, many samples.  I figured that when I found something I liked this week, I could purchase more.

I know that "tastes change" after surgery, so I guess I could just purchase more samples???  How did you all choose what you liked and when did you buy more?
Any suggestions for how to make these shakes taste better?  I'm sure they'd be better mixed with milk later on, but I can't have milk now. 

I have 1 unflavored package...what should I add that to?
Suggestions welcome!
Thanks a bunch!
Pat

Oh, one more thing...

I read (in my notes from this awesome board) about adding strawberry protein powder to Crystal Light lemonade.  I have both.  I don't have 3 scoops of strawberry, though, only 1 or 2 in my one sample package.  What do you think the right mixture would be?

Thanks again!
Pat

I would make up your protein powder as directed and make up crystal lite as directed and then mix half and half or something like that to see how it works out.  Just measure the amount of protein (already mixed with water) you use so you can guage how much protein you have in your glass (IE if your sample packet has 25gm of protein once mixed into 8 ounces and you use half of that mixture, you have 12.5gm of protein)

Why can't you have milk?  Are you on a clear liquid diet for surgery?  Protein mixed with water is even yuckier than just protein in general.  If it's not because of your restrictions on your diet and more related to lactose intolerance or something, try soy milk or lactaid milk

I liked to mix mine w/ milk (I know that doesn't help right now) and some frozen berries and make it into a milk shake like consistency.

The chicken broth one I had I LOVED shortly after surgery.  Before and then further out after surgery it was a totally different story.

There is a pre mixed one called Isopure, it's clear and comes in a big bottle.  I personally didn't like it - but there are some here who LOVE it.  There are also protein "bullets" which are 3 ounces.  Profect (brand name) has 25gm in 3 ounces.  New Whey (brand name) has I believe 50gm in 3 ounces.  Again...not the tastiest things on earth but it's 3 ounces...you can drink it in a few swigs and be done with it.

Something norm said to me years ago has stuck with me - you don't have to enjoy it.  You have to understand it's medicine and your body needs it and therefore, you MUST drink them.  Find something tolerable and deal with it.  Sounds harsh, but after surgery, it's sooooo true.

Once you can have milk my favorite combos were:

Cappuchino protein powder, milk, and sf chocolate carnation instant breakfast
Milk, frozen banana, vanilla protein powder

Hang in there!

Frankly, just mixing protein powder and water really IS a "yuck" to me.

Luckily, you can get REALLY creative with protein shakes... as Pam said, not sure why you can't have milk, but if it's a lactose thing, Rice Dream works well and tastes awesome, as do the unsweetened almond milks and hemp milks as alternatives.   

My favorite is Matrix chocolate mixed with 1/2 C nonfat milk, about 5 - 6 ice cubes, a tablespoon of PB2 (or simply jif peanut butter)... yuuum!

Also mixing them with Carnation SF instant breakfast and frozen strawberries...or frozen peaches... or any type of frozen fruit

1/2 banana with chocolate matrix, milk and ice cubes

Nectar wild cherry mixed with carnation choc instant bfast, milk and ice cubes was really yummy, too

If you haven't gotten yourself a  Magic Bullet yet, now's the time -- that little personal blender is a real life-saver and will help you make some really good-tasting smoothies!  Fruit, ice, a little milk, greek yogurt... yum!

This article might also help:  http://www.bariatriceating.com/BEhealthnutrition/proteindrinks.php

And here's a set of shake recipes that might give you some ideas:
http://www.bariatriceating.com/BEhealthnutrition/proteinshakes.php

Hope these help!

Karen

I agree with Karen. 

When I read that people can not stomach or get sick from their shakes...I think it is because they are mixing them with water which is YUCK!  Like Karen suggested, try rice millk, or lactaid for that matter...

I remember in the beginning of my WLS journey that I was convinced it was wrong to use a milk or like milk based product to blend my shakes and because of that I stopped drinking my protein until I finally listened to someone on this board and now, I love my shakes and cant live without them.  Buy yourself a magic bullet or something along that line and you will be suprised how great they can taste.

I personally can't tolerate milk or its taste, I use unsweetened soy milk.  As for banana's I find them too high in calories and carbs for my own preference so I substitute S/F Jello Banana Cream Pudding and Pie Filling Powder to get the taste of the banana without the baggage. Just one 1/2 tablespoon added to 4 oz. of soy milk along with a half or whole scoop of choc flavored protein powder, and if the choc flavor isn't strong enough I add an 8 calorie America's Choice Choc Milk Mixer.

For a long time I used water to make my shakes. Milk tasted terrible and made me extremely ill.  I have no problems with Organic Unsweetened Lactose Free Soy Milk.

I personally love my protein shake but it took me a LONG time to find one that works. (thanks Susan!!!)
I use MAX protein from GNC. I have it in chocolate and I mix it with water. That is my daily breakfast. The only GNC's that sell it are the franchised ones.
I know there are several folks on here that swear by this brand also. I would highly recomend them, I think they have chocolate, strawberry, vanilla, and cookies and cream.

Best of luck on your protein shake pursuit!!

Thank God for all of you!
I wasn't drinking milk because it wasn't on my list given to me by my doctor.  After reading all of your responses, I called them and I am allowed to have milk!  Yippee!  It's gotta make those drinks better!

I just called hubby (works at the grocery store) and he's bringing some home!
Thanks for all your suggestions...keep 'em coming!

You rock!

Pat

Hey Pat...your day is coming up...Im so excited for you.  Keep me (all of us) informed on how your doing after surgery...Hopefully we will get the chance to meet at the office sooner or later.  Do you go to any of the support group meetings yet?