Sunday, January 29, 2012

The Bedtime Protein Shake

Hello again! I just thought I'd share an easy way to make a delicious protein shake! I usually make protein shakes with two different types of protein. One is whey protein, which is perfect when you need protein relatively quickly (pre- or post-workout), and casein, which is very slowly released, making it perfect for bedtime or sometimes in between meals. So knowing the difference between the two is pretty important so that each shake meets your own needs. I highly suggest that you research different types of proteins before you start drinking them up. I'd like to take the time to credit my dad with my knowledge about proteins. :) (He's a pretty smart guy.) Ok, so onto the shake! Every night before bed I make myself a casein protein shake. This helps feed my muscles throughout the night (since it releases slowly), keeping them from breaking down, especially since I will be going without food for the next 8 hours while I sleep. To make this shake, you need the following ingredients (feel free to make any modifications if you are opposed):


1 banana, the browner the better!
1/2 to 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
1 scoop of casein protein
A dash of cinnamon
Ice

If you would like to cut calories, I suggest using half a banana. You will still have the banana taste, but it cuts out about 50 calories. I also prefer browning bananas over the greener ones. When they start to brown, like the one above, they begin to taste sweeter, and break down a little easier. I find that the greener ones taste grassy, which makes your shake taste like grass, which is not delicious. Blend the above ingredients in a blender until well mixed. Remember, the more liquid you add, the thinner the shake will be. Depending on your preference of shake thickness, you may want to add less almond milk.

Please, forgive the dorkiness.
 I just love these so much that I feel obligated to take pictures with them.
Just kidding. :) 

Well-ah! You have a delicious midnight snack that is good for you! If you make it exactly the way it is listed above, the calorie count comes out to about 250 calories, give or take a few depending on your banana size. Play with this recipe a bit. It may not be the perfect consistency the first time. Casein is naturally very thick. You can make a shake for before or after your workouts by using this same recipe and swapping the casein powder for whey protein powder (or another faster-releasing protein), and cutting down on the liquid (whey is not as thick as casein). Now you no longer have to do the "stir with a spoon" method of protein. Take a little extra time to blend and you will thoroughly enjoy your protein. :)

Saturday, January 28, 2012

My First Post!

Hello world! I thought I'd try out this blogging thing. To start, I'm Haley! I'm a college student. And I love keeping myself busy. I have a boyfriend who is currently in Italy serving a mission for the LDS church. He'll be home in about 18 months, and I support him 100%.

Here he is. Isn't he handsome?! :)

Anyway, I have an incredible life. I love exercising and I am hoping to really tone up this year! So follow me for recipes to the protein shakes I make. I also love baking! So I'll post some awesome baking recipes as well. I hope you join me on my journey to ultimate fitness. Some other things I love include having my picture taken. Haha not in a vain stuck-up way. I just would love to model, but honestly the only pictures that ever get taken are the one's from my mom. But she takes beautiful photos, so it's a fun experience! 


Like this! Bwahahaha. Just kidding. I took this one morning when I woke up...with my phone. 


Here's two actual pictures. The bottom one was a lot of fun! I have a few like this. The snow was cold but the rose petals were already there! And a perfect match to my coat and shoes. 

Some other things I love include Pinterest and eBay. I LOVE eBay. Selling, buying, you name it. I only buy new items, but I will sell some of my gently used clothing, and make enough money to buy new clothing! It's like I just trade all the clothes I no longer want for brand new ones! And who doesn't love Pinterest?! I find so many great ideas for everything on there. It inspires me. :) Well, there's me in a nutshell, and I hope that you will find this blog worth your while! I hope that you can learn more about me as I embark on this journey we all call life.