Mixing It Up

As my name suggests (and as I have documented ad nauseum), I am a protein bar whore. I have started each morning since roughly 2004 with a bar of heavenly goodness, and I didn't think I would ever be able to do anything different. Until yesterday.

When I reached into my cabinet for my Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Caramel Pecan bar, I was dismayed to find my hand rattling around an empty cardboard box. Holding back tears, I decided to swing by my neighborhood Carolina Smoothie for a Peanut Butter Slam With Protein. Despite my sadness, this shake absolutely hit the spot.

While I waited for it, I browsed the shop and was elated to discover packets of Spiru-Tein protein shake mix. I had stumbled across Spiru-Tein in the summer of 2003, and I loved it, but I hadn't thought about it since. Excitedly, I scooped up 5 packets and couldn't wait to try one this morning.

To complement my Spiru-Tein, I decided it was high time to unwrap the Magic Bullet Deluxe I received for my birthday. OMGoodGracious, ladies, my face hurt so much from all the smiling I did while uncovering each piece. From party mugs to chopping blades to comfort fit lip rings, I was a happy camper. I spent about 30 minutes flipping through the 10-Second Perfection "cook" book that accompanied the Bullet. I barely slept last night, with flutters of excitement abounding in my tummy.

This morning I agonized over which flavor to use: Cherries Jubilee? Cookies 'N Cream? Blueberries 'N Cream? Strawberry Banana? I settled on S'Mores. I layered the powder, skim milk and ice in my handy-dandy party mug and pulsed the bullet for 6 seconds. Instant, creamy, cold smoothie perfection.

When I arrived at work, I happily unscrewed the lid of the party mug and sipped my way to sweet satisfaction. For six seconds of magic, I was able to whip up a shake featuring 190 calories, 1 gram of fat and 15 of protein. While I'm not shelving protein bars for good, the shakes (and the Magic Bullet) will definitely be a fixture of my morning routine from now on. Perhaps I should consider a name change to Polka Dots & Protein Shakes? I guess Sheryl Crow was right when she said, "A change will do you good..."