Shaking it up

by Metropol | November 12, 2025 8:30 am

Protein drinks are all the rage. Ready in a couple of minutes, tasty, and nutritious. Great for breakfast on the go.

Protein drinks are increasing in popularity, valued for their convenience, rapid absorption, and low fat.

Powdered protein from ingredients like hemp, whey, pea, soy, and more, are readily available in an array of flavours from chocolate fudge to vanilla cupcake.
Fuelled by social media fitness influencers, the ‘protein craze’ initially targeted young men who were aspiring to lose weight and gain muscle. Increased marketing efforts, growing awareness of health and wellbeing, and boosted production of protein substitutes have amplified demand in all sectors.

Protein is essential for our muscles, hair, skin, and bones, and keeps us satiated for longer. Despite the rise in popularity of protein powders, the most beneficial protein occurs naturally in meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Whole foods provide a wider range of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, while protein powders often contain additives like sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Add natural protein to smoothies with nut butters, flaxseed, chia seeds, Greek yogurt, and avocado. Combine this with berries into a nutritious concoction like this recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 3/4 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 banana
• 1 cup of dairy or plant-based milk (or go half and half with Greek yogurt)
• 1 Tbsp almond butter (or alternative nut butter)
• 2 tsp chia seeds

METHOD

1. Put banana, frozen mixed berries and almond butter (or alternative nut butter) into the blender.
2. Pour the milk over the ingredients and blend.
3. Pour into glasses ready to drink.
4. Sprinkle chia seeds on the top of the smoothie and stir. (to avoid them sticking to the blender walls).

Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/shaking-it-up/

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