Base Shake
- 3 scoops Nutrimeal
- 1 scoop Soyamax (optional)
- 1 tsp of Optomega
- 1 – 1¼ cup Cold water (8 - 10 oz)
Recommended Combinations, Additions and Modifications
Flavor Combinations: Use the Chocolate Nutrimeal with the Almond Fibergy and the Vanilla Nutrimeal with the Peach Mango Fibergy.
Liquid Base: Some people prefer to make their shake with skim milk or 1% milk as opposed to water. This will add 90-130 calories to the shake, making it more filling and providing extra energy for those who need it. It will also give the shake a richer flavor. Alternatively, you can make the shake with water, but add 2 Tbs of nonfat yogurt to provide extra calories and a creamier texture. Using "live culture" yogurt also provides a probiotic benefit. We avoid using soymilk in the shakes because the base shake is rich in soy protein to begin with, and because most soymilks contain added sugar and provide too many extra calories.
Amount of Liquid: Preparing the shake with 1 cup (8 oz) of water (or skim milk) makes a thicker shake, while mixing it with 1¼ cup (10 oz) of liquid makes a thinner shake, but one that is more filling given the greater volume. We find that using chilled water (refrigerated as opposed to tap) makes a more refreshing shake. Adding ice shavings to the drink makes it a thicker and more tasty drink.
Add Fruit: The base shakes are flavorful on their own, but to create flavor variety, we recommend adding fruit or fruit juice.
- Try adding half of a ripe banana to the Chocolate shake, and if you like ginger, you can add ½ - 1 Tbs of fresh, peeled ginger root as well. Blend at high speed (Liquify) until smooth.
- Fresh or frozen fruit is a great addition to the Vanilla shake as well. Add ½ cup of frozen raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, sweet cherries, mixed berries or cantaloupe to the shake and blend at high speed (Liquify) until smooth.
Shaker Cup versus Blender: If you don’t have a blender or if it is inconvenient to use one, you can easily make your shake in a shaker cup. This will preclude adding whole fruit, but you can use fruit juice or fruit juice concentrate instead. Just substitute a good quality fruit juice (orange, orange-banana blend, etc.) for half of the water in your recipe, or add the full amount of water plus 1 Tbs of frozen fruit juice concentrate. Shake well until homogenized. (Avoid juices and concentrates that contain added sugar or corn syrup.)
Get Creative: In any event, we encourage you to experiment with your shakes and to develop several recipes that you like. There is only one precaution. Be careful about making too many additions. In particular, adding high-glycemic carbohydrates (e.g. refined sugars) to your shake can defeat its purpose. Nevertheless, variety is a key to looking forward to your USANA shakes everyday. And, if you come up with a recipe that you think is outstanding, please send it to us. We’d love to post it on our website and share it with others.
Share a Recipe — if you have discovered a great drink idea, please share it.
