Shopping at this point in mid-December calls for more than a little patience and a bunch of energy to make it through. Filling up with a protein-rich shake before you head out will give you the staying power to get everything crossed off your shopping list, and not feel like you're going to have a meltdown (just like a 3-year old) on your way home.

Lots of protein from the peanut butter, yogurt and milk, coupled with cacao powder for anti-oxidants and the indulgence-factor and a potassium-rich banana round out a fulfilling energy boosting drink without the bloat.

Blend, drink up, go forth and shop!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake recipe

Ingredients

• 2 T cacao powder
• 3 T natural peanut butter (or almond butter)
• 1 C low-fat milk (optional, almond or soy milk)
• 1 frozen banana, pre-sliced
• 1/2 C plain Greek yogurt, fat-free
• 2 T coconut palm sugar, honey is optional
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract or 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder
• ice as needed

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Add ice according to desired thickness.

Add-in suggestion: Amp up the protein level just a little more with a 1/2 scoop serving of your favorite chocolate, vanilla or natural protein powder.