My typical weekday begins with waking up a few minutes before my 7 a.m. alarm rings. I often spend those moments scrolling through my phone to catch up on emails and social media—a habit I’m working on changing—before finally mustering the will to rise and put on some workout attire. (I sometimes allow myself to sleep in one morning as a rest day.) Once I’m dressed and out of bed, I become quite eager to work out, whether that’s jogging, walking on the treadmill, or giving the new stationary bike that my husband purchased a try for his marathon training.

After wrapping up my workout, which typically lasts about thirty minutes, I make my way to the kitchen in search of a protein-packed breakfast to recharge. Most mornings, I whip up a smoothie or shake that I can quickly prepare before heading to work. Since I often rely on smoothies or shakes, I enjoy mixing up the ingredients to keep things interesting.

EatingWell recently featured a delightful recipe for a Chocolate-Cherry Protein Shake. Upon reading through the list of ingredients (chocolate, cherries, peanut butter!), I was instantly inspired to try it. After making the shake, I enjoyed it so much that it quickly became a staple in my breakfast rotation.

To create the shake, blend together unsweetened vanilla soy milk, frozen banana slices, some frozen cherries, Greek yogurt, peanut butter, and cocoa powder. In a mere five minutes, you can enjoy a smoothie that tastes like a chocolate shake with a fruity twist and a hint of nuttiness. The flavors meld beautifully, and it’s packed with nutrition.

The soy milk, yogurt, and peanut butter contribute a good amount of protein. Additionally, the bananas provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and potassium. While these ingredients are a regular part of my morning smoothies, I normally don’t add cherries. Cherries not only bring natural sweetness but are also rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals, promoting healthy aging. Furthermore, they are high in fiber, which aids digestion, and are an excellent source of vitamin C, boosting immune function.

This recipe yields two servings, but I typically halve it for my morning shake, which works perfectly. I usually have ripe bananas sitting on the counter instead of frozen ones, so I’ll use a fresh banana and toss in a few ice cubes for the blend. I also prefer almond milk over soy milk and use a full container of Greek yogurt to maintain a high protein count (since almond milk contains less protein than soy milk). Occasionally, I’ll use powdered peanut butter, and it still tastes fantastic.

This smoothie is not only quick to prepare but also delivers 15 grams of protein and 49 grams of carbohydrates, making it an excellent fuel source after my workout. Protein is crucial for muscle growth and maintenance, while the carbohydrates provide the necessary energy to keep me going through the morning. Additionally, kickstarting my day with a nutritious, protein-rich shake encourages healthier eating choices throughout the day. I’ve noticed when I focus on a healthy breakfast, my subsequent meals and snacks align with that mindset.

If you’re seeking a rapid and nutritious breakfast option that’s rich in protein to complement your exercise routine or morning activities, this high-protein shake is an excellent choice that you’ll likely find yourself making repeatedly.