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These four drinks, each an optimal blend of carbohydrates and protein, will help you rebound faster from tough workouts.
Calnaturale Svelte Organic Protein Shake
The new banana crème flavor is a pleasant mix of soymilk and banana purée (which are the first two listed ingredients). The vegan drink tastes great chilled, or even better blended with ice and an actual banana. Naturally sweetened with stevia, each 11-ounce serving contains 21 grams of carbs (including 6 grams of sugar), 180 calories, 11 grams of protein plus sodium and vitamins. The flavor joins a Svelte shake lineup that includes chocolate, vanilla, cappuccino and spiced chai. $2.59 for 11-ounce drink, Drinksvelte.com
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Orgain Organic Nutritional Shake
After sipping this drink, you would never guess that it contains 10 nutritional powerhouse fruits and veggies, such as kale, beets and açai. Taste testers enjoyed the iced café mocha flavor best (also available in creamy chocolate fudge, sweet vanilla bean and strawberries and cream) for its subtle chocolate and coffee flavors. The drink comes either in liquid form in convenient paper carton packaging or as a powder. Each 11-ounce drink contains 16 grams of protein derived from milk of grass-fed cows, 255 calories, 32 grams of carbs, and is rich in electrolytes, vitamins and minerals. $3.69 for 11-ounce drink, Orgain.com
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Clif Shot Protein Recovery Drink Mix
The reformulated protein drink from Clif is made with 70 percent organic ingredients and is available in two tasty flavors—chocolate and orange mango. While the orange mango flavor offers a nice fruity punch, it’s a little chalky mixed with just water—add it to post-workout fruit smoothies, or mix it with milk for an orange creamsicle-inspired drink. Each serving contains 10 grams of protein, 33 grams of carbs, 170 calories plus electrolytes sodium and potassium. $3.29 for single-serve packet, $25 for 10-serving pouch, Clifbar.com
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Amazing Grass Raw Reserve Greens & Protein
Available in vanilla spice and chocolate, this organic drink mix is packed with heaps of nutrient-rich raw ingredients, such as wheat grass, alfalfa, kale and kelp. Each serving has 14 grams of plant-based protein—from brown rice, hemp seed, quinoa and pumpkin seed—as well as 90 calories, 8 grams of carbs, 25 billion probiotics and a long list of vitamins and minerals. It’s ideal for post-workout recovery when mixed into a fruit-packed smoothie—try blending with berries, bananas and almond milk. $40 for 10 single-serve packets, Amazinggrass.com
