There are a million ways to put a spring in your vanilla protein shake. But it’s nearly winter so we’re going to focus on…

The Top 10 Ways to Spice Up Your Protein Shake this Season

1. Peppermint Extract (a little goes a long whey!)

2. Anise Seeds for a little twist of black licorice

3. Cranberries

4. Starbucks VIA Christmas Blend

5. Apple or Pumpkin Pie Spice

6. Pomegranate Arils or POM Wonderful juice

7. Almond Extract or Vanilla Bean (yes, I know these are two different things, but this is a top ten list so consider this your fitness bonus)

8. Metromint Cherrymint or Orangemint Water (use it in place of the water in your shake)

9. Butterscotch or Pistachio Sugar Free Instant Pudding Mix (a heaping tablespoon…ok, two!)

10. Pumpkin Puree, of course!

Now I really must go to the gym…you can bet I’ll be dashing all the whey!

You might need to make your own Peppermint Protein Mocha if…

• You can’t get to Starbucks because you’re snowed in!
• You need a shot of protein and a splash of nonfat Christmas cheer
• Your ice maker is still broken (are you listening, Santa?!)
• You have really good taste

If you picked any of the above you have come to the right place because here is the recipe for a grande…

Protein Peppermint Mocha

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chocolate whey protein powder  (I use Protein Freeze)
• 1 packet Starbucks VIA instant coffee (optional)
• 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
• 3/4 cup water

Instructions:

• Blend ingredients together in your shaker or blender.
• Pour into a coffee cup and microwave for 45-60 seconds.
• Sprinkle with crushed candy canes and enjoy!

If you are a fitbook e-newsletter subscriber you might have noticed this very recipe was featured in the December issue. If you are not on their distribution list click here so you won’t miss out on some great information. In case you missed this issue, check the Fitness & Spice Facebook Fan Page to see a copy of the December fitbook newsletter–it is packed full of affordable stocking stuffer ideas and a special offer.

Now I really must go whip you up a cup of cheer, I think you’ll agree, it’s beginning to taste a lot like fitness!

I met my friend Sondra for coffee yesterday and let me tell you after leaving Starbucks I was energized not only from the caffeine in my Grande Americano, but by the positive energy that Sondra brought to the table, too.

One would think after spending three hours (!) chatting away at Starbucks that I would have remembered to pick up the coffee coated almonds that I had my eye on, but I forgot.

When I got home from the gym tonight I decided I had everything in my cupboard to make…

Starbucks & Spice Almonds

• 1 egg white
• 2 cups natural almonds
• 1 packet Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee
• 3 Tablespoons Splenda for Baking

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Beat the egg white until foamy. Add the almonds to the egg white and toss well. Blend the Starbucks VIA and Splenda in your Magic Bullet or blender into a fine powder. Add this mixture to the almonds and stir to combine everything well. Spread the mixture onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 12 minutes, stirring half way.

The result? A cup of coffee infused nuts…very, very, grande!

And if that wasn’t enough…I wanted to see if I could make chocolate covered almonds using chocolate whey protein powder. So, I made another batch of almonds. This time, instead of using the Starbucks VIA in the recipe above I used  3/4 cup chocolate Protein Freeze. The result? Chocolate Protein Glazed Almonds…one powerful snack!

I think these almonds will make great gifts for the coffee and health nuts on my gift lists this year. Because, let’s face it, some of my best friends are quite nutty (except for Sondra, of course).