• Try to keep as many of your ingredients as natural as possible. A good example of this is using natural peanut butter instead of regular peanut butter. The natural version has better protein content and also natural fats that are important in your diet.
  
  
• Fresh fruit should be used whenever possible. Fruit contains the carbohydrates that will fuel your workouts and your day. The complex sugars in fruit are important to any diet (unlike the simple sugars in sweets, sodas, etc).
  
  
• Think about ingredients that will boost your shake's protein content. For example, you could throw a handful of nuts into the blender for a little extra protein without making the shake much thicker. You could add a few raw egg whites (if you are worried about eating raw eggs you may be able to find treated egg whites in cartons at your supermarket). You could always simply dump an extra scoop of whey powder in there as well.
  
  
• Make sure you have enough liquids. If you get a little too carried away you may discover your shake is easier to eat with a spoon then drink from a glass. When you first start creating your shakes it is a good idea to add your liquids (water, fat-free milk, fruit juices, etc.) in stages so that you get your desired consistency.
  
  
• Examine the nutritional information for each ingredient and consider the impact it will have on your dieting goals. For example, you may be opting for fat free (skimmed) milk if you aren't trying to gain weight.
  
  
• Always know what your goal is and make your shakes accordingly. If you are trying to shed the fat you will be skipping the types of ingredients that add too many carbohydrates and fats while trying to increase the protein content.
  
  
• Think of how you might create a unique flavor. You can try things like cinnamon, vanilla, honey, coconut milk, etc. Once you get the hang of this you will see the possibilities are endless.
  

Adam Zahler

Adam Zahler is the creater of a number of websites on various topics for businesses he is involved with.

The free Protein Supplements in Bodybuilding Recipes resource site provides ideas on using protein supplements together with household ingredients for more creative shakes, bars and snacks.

Atrillion China Machinery Sourcing is a company devoted to supplying 'foreign' businesses with high quality machinery manufactured in China. Being based in Asia allows Atrillion to ensure clients wishing to purchase from China achieve their production goals.

A to Z Net Ventures, LLC is a Houston Search Engine Optimization & Marketing firm providing clients with professional website promotion services using so-called 'White Hat' techniques (methods that do not violate guidelines suggested by the major search engines themselves).