Ice Cream for Lifters by Chris and Dani Shugart

Introduction

The common misconception in the fitness realm is that those aiming for leanness must bid farewell to desserts. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. We're not advocating for occasional, minuscule servings of regular desserts. Instead, we propose indulging in substantial portions of high - protein desserts daily that rival the taste of their traditional counterparts. Here are three of our top - rated ice - cream recipes designed to support your summertime leanness goals.

1. Not - So - Basic Vanilla Ice Cream

Equipment Requirement

A Ninja CREAMI (available for purchase on Amazon) ice - cream machine is essential. This kitchen appliance is well - deserving of a spot on your countertop. We formulated this recipe to demonstrate how to utilize the machine and craft a versatile ice - cream base that can be flavored to your heart's content. You can check out the related video [here].

Ingredients and Preparation

• Milk Selection: The majority of Ninja CREAMi recipes commence with 12 ounces of milk or a suitable alternative such as almond, coconut, or oat milk. To achieve the creamiest ice - cream texture, opt for milk with at least a modicum of fat, although fat - free milk can also be used.

• Protein Powder: For the most flavorful, high - protein ice cream with an optimal mouthfeel, incorporate two scoops of Metabolic Drive (available on Amazon). Plain whey will not yield the same flavor or texture. You can choose between vanilla or chocolate flavors.

• Mixing and Freezing: Whisk the chosen milk and protein powder together, pour the mixture into the provided Ninja CREAMi pint cup, and freeze it overnight. This requires some advance planning. For instance, if you desire ice cream on Saturday, freeze the base on Friday.

Churning and Adjustment

• Churning: Place the frozen pint in the machine and select the "lite ice cream" button to initiate the churning process.

• Texture Adjustment: Inspect the ice cream. While it may be perfect, it could potentially appear powdery or dry. In such a case, add one tablespoon of milk, return it to the machine, and press the re - spin button.

Customization

• Mix - ins: As a general guideline, you can add one - fourth of a cup of chopped mix - ins per pint. Options include nuts, chocolate chips, coconut flakes, fruit, no - sugar granola, etc. Ensure that all items are chopped, as the CREAMi is not a blender.

Further Creativity

• Alternative Flavors: Beyond the basic steps, there's ample room for creativity. For example, sugar - free pudding mix (one or two tablespoons) can be used to introduce new flavors. Simply add it to the milk and protein powder base. Cocoa powder is also a great addition, and one or two teaspoons of sugar - free gelatin can expand the flavor options. Instant coffee can also be incorporated. You can find examples of these ideas and more in our dedicated Ninja CREAMi Thread.

Macros for Basic Vanilla

• Calories & Macros (whole pint without mix - ins):

• Calories: 425

• Protein: 67g

• Carbs: 25g

• Fat: 7g

Although a pint is typically considered two servings, realistically, you're likely to consume the entire portion.

2. Triple Chocolate Ice Cream

Health Benefit

A recent study has indicated that consuming dark chocolate on a daily basis can enhance mood. We're all for it. Check out the video [here].

Ingredients

• 12 oz 1% milk

• 2 scoops Metabolic Drive (Buy at Amazon), chocolate

• 1 tablespoon cacao powder (100% pure)

• 2 tablespoons 90% dark chocolate bar (chopped)

Instructions

• Mixing: In a bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the chopped chocolate bits.

• Freezing: Pour the mixture into the Ninja CREAMi pint cup and freeze overnight.

• Churning and Adjustment: Follow the instructions on your Ninja CREAMi using the "lite ice cream" setting. If the ice cream appears powdery, grainy, or too thick, add one tablespoon of milk and press the re - spin button.

• Adding Chocolate Bits: Create a hole in the ice cream using a spoon and add the chopped chocolate. Then, use the mix - in button to blend everything together.

Calories & Macros

• Servings: 2

• Calories: 250

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 18g

• Fat: 8g

3. Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Comparison

There's nothing quite as delectable as peanut butter ice cream, but with 640 calories, 57 grams of sugar, and only 12 grams of protein per pint in store - bought versions, it's a rare indulgence. Hence, making your own is a great option. Here's the video.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces 1% milk + 1 optional tablespoon

• 2 scoops Metabolic Drive (Buy at Amazon), vanilla

• 2 tablespoons PB2 powdered peanut butter

• 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts

Instructions

• Base Preparation: Whisk all the ingredients together except the peanuts and the extra tablespoon of milk. This forms your base. Freeze it overnight.

• Churning: Insert the frozen base into the machine and press the "lite ice cream" button.

• Texture Fix: If the ice cream looks a bit powdery, add the extra tablespoon of milk and use the re - spin button.

• Adding Nuts: Once the churning is complete, create a hole reaching the bottom of the pint and add the chopped nuts.

• Final Mix and Enjoyment: Hit the mix - in button, let the machine do its job, and then savor your creation!

Calories & Macros (Whole Pint)

• Servings: 1

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 64g

• Carbs: 32g

• Fat: 9g

Note

For a lower - calorie, reduced - carb version, use unsweetened almond milk.

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