Sugar Cookie Protein Shake

It’s the holiday season and cookies are every where! Every where except this Sugar Cookie Protein Shake, it just tastes like cookie!

Don’t get me wrong I love my cookies and can’t wait to bake and decorated dozens of them this coming weekend but I also try (try being the key word) to keep things balanced during the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Years. Of course I still indulge at holiday gatherings and enjoy my festive coffee drinks and wine (a little more than usual). Luckily I still keep up with my workouts through the holidays to help reduce stress and keep me from going crazy. I actually really look forward to my workouts more this time of year and I also try adding it more “relaxing” or mind clearing exercises this time of year and while in past years it’s been Piyo or yoga I’m obsessed with barre this year. Finally a barre studio opened up a week and a half ago close to me. I have been looking forward to it since October when I bought a month membership. I was in love from that first pre opening class just over a week ago and I went 5 days last week and I’m going 4 times this week while still doing strength and some running. Now if a year ago someone would have told me I would love barre I would have laughed and said I don’t lift baby weights and I’m not a ballerina but amazing things happen when you step out of your comfort zone. With the workouts and added stress (not to mention germs going around) of the holidays nutrition and recovery is important.

All the running around while it would be easy to just mindlessly grab a cookie or eat cookies because you may have them sitting around I like to whip up a healthy Sugar Cookie Protein Shake! There is also a non protein powder variation. I also like to add in some of my favorite superfoods like maca. I like Vega Performance Protein (gluten free, vegan, plantbased protein) but you can use your favorite vanilla protein. While it isn’t as sweet as a sugar cookie it satisfies my cookie cravings guilt free. Even with the coconut whipped cream and sprinkles. Tis the season right? I’m not a huge whipped cream fan, even though I like coconut whipped cream if I add to much it just fills me up before I get to the shake. I found the perfect solution which is also great for those who want the fun but not the added calories. I just dip the rim of the glass in whipped cream so when I take a sip I get a taste, and the sprinkles have something to stick to! It’s a great shake to shake things up and my daily mint mocha or chocolate peppermint shakes I’ve been having the last couple weeks.

Cheers to the holidays and trying to keep a healthy balance while still enjoying life! It’s only once a year and I plan on enjoying them.

Sugar Cookie Protein Shake
Makes 1 serving
1- 1 1/2c non dairy milk of choice
1 scoop vanilla protein powder (Vega Performance Protein, Vanilla)
2 TBSP rolled oats, gluten free
1/8-1/4 tsp almond extract (3 drops LorAnn Oil)
1c ice cubes
coconut whipped cream and sprinkles, optional (So Delicious Coco Whip)

*I like to also add a superfood boost to mine with gelatinized maca powder (Navitas Naturals).
** For an optional non protein powder version you can sub 2 TBSP cashew butter for the protein powder. If you still want a protein boost you can use a plantbased protein milk like RIPPLE.

In a Vitamix, or high-speed blender, blend together milk, protein powder, rolled oats, almond extract, and ice cubes until smooth. Dip the rim of your cup in coconut whipped cream, add sprinkles, and pour in shake. Enjoy!

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