The protein shake that kept me happy, healthy and strong this past winter

(Originally posted April 2, 2014)

It seemed like the winter that would never end. Mountains of snow. Non-stop wind. Frigid temps (thank you, Polar Vortex). To stay happy, healthy and strong, I often made this: A protein shake recipe for your Vitamix I’m calling the Chiberia Chiller.

Life in Chiberia

Winter in Chicago was freezing this year. Yes, it’s always freezing here. But thanks to the Polar Vortex, it was one of the worst winters of all time.

Residents compared life in Chicago to Siberia. They called it Chiberia.

Many days, it was impossible to get to the grocery store. Many times, my SAD was so bad, I just needed to eat something rad (rhyme intended).

Like a DQ Blizzard

So I created this drink.  It’s a combination of my Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie and the famous Banana Oatmeal Smoothie.

This drink was the best part of my 2013-2014 winter in Chicago.

When I drank it, I became:

• Energized by all the protein.
• Motivated by the awesomeness I had created.
• Comforted by its similar taste to a DQ Chocolate Blizzard.

Keep in mind, this isn’t the best shake for weight loss. But, there’s enough good stuff in it that you certainly won’t be set back. It’s dairy-free, has no added sugar and is loaded with all-natural protein.

I’m so thrilled to share the Chiberia Chiller with you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did (and still do).

Update 12/13/16

We received a comment from a reader, April, asking why there were egg whites in this smoothie.

Yup. Time to veganize this one.

It turns out this drink is almost identical to the new noyoke shake. A few extra raw almonds is the only difference.

But hey, this one’s got a great name and good story. A story that I can relate to as I’m updating this post. Currently in Chicago:

• It’s feels like 3 degrees fahrenheit.
• Which is the same as -16 C.
• Which means my toes are freezing despite wearing wool socks and a stocking hat.

Here’s the updated Chiberia Chiller.

And, oh while we’re at it, how about some new pics?

Here’s the original:

Okay, here’s a new image that better depicts our winters in Chicago.

Good thing we’re Hawaii bound for the next few months!

Okay, for you that follow our Pinterest, here’s a tall one:

Recipe