So there's no doubt about it: protein shakes are a processed food; but do they have a place in a Freed Animal's diet?

I think so, but in a very limited way. I'll have one about twice per week, usually on the morning after a previous day's workout for a real nice boost of good quality whey protein. Chris at Zen to Fitness lays out a lot of the nutritional benefits.

For me, sometimes it's by itself, and other times, along with something like maybe a few slices of bacon, a small 2-egger plain omelet, and/or a little fruit. The shake alone really appeals to me when I'm hungry but really feel like a very light meal -- not so much in terms of calories, as just bulk. As far as the flavorings and sweeteners go, it's so infrequent, I don't do diet sodas or other artificially sweetened things, so it's one of those convenience flexibilities for me.

But as with all things, I just can't mix them like the package says (1 scoop in a cup of water). Yuko! Here's how it goes.

• 2 eggs
• 1 scoop of whey protein (chocolate or vanilla - I use Gold Standard) 
• (if vanilla whey - a dash of vanilla extract) 
• 1 heaping tsp to 1 heaping tbsp of Coconut Oil (critical secret ingredient -- don't forget to lick the spoon clean) 
• 1/2 cup heavy cream 
• 1/2 cup whole milk (raw, non-homogenized, if you can get it)
• a handful of ice cubes 

All that goes in the blender. Bonus if you can get yourself a smoothie maker with the spout at the bottom. That's what I use and it's really convenient and it breaks up all the ice easily. Have a supplemental handful of ice cubes that you can add in one at a time until it gets to your desired thickness. Sometimes if I really want it light, I'll just do 1/4 cup cream and 3/4 milk. Doesn't make a difference in taste or smoothness that I can tell.

So, what you get is either an amazingly delicious chocolate-coconut or vanilla-coconut. The flavor of the very healthful coconut oil really comes through. I guarantee you're gonna love it if you try it. It's whey good.

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