Red, White and Blue Protein Popsicles (Featuring Premier Protein)

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein. 

It is my theory that the 4th of July is a blueberry's favorite holiday. Why? Because on that day the red/white/blue color combo is just everything -- and, really, what other food can you use to play that up?

I personally love blueberries, not only for their antioxidant qualities, but because they are a nice, mild berry. I like popping a few straight out of the fridge, adding to my cottage cheese and a multitude of other options.

That's why when the good folks at Premier Protein sent me the recipe for this Patriotic Protein Pop (see what I did there?) I couldn't wait to share it with you. It's so easy! Especially if you've invested in popsicle molds to make my Orange Creamsicle Protein Pops. Now you have not one, but TWO, three ingredient recipes to make in them!

Red, White and Blue Protein Popsicles

Ingredients:

• Sliced Strawberries
• Blueberries
• 1-2 Premier Protein® Vanilla Shake

Directions:

Line popsicle molds with sliced strawberries and blueberries.

Fill popsicle molds with Premier Protein® Vanilla Shake.

Freeze overnight.

Enjoy!

Protein Orange Creamsicles (featuring Premier Protein)

They call this weekend the "unofficial" start of summer.

Damn that. I'm calling it. It's summer!

I mean after the winter we had? We deserve it. (Unless of course you don't like summer in which case...sorry...I love it so forgive my obnoxiousness over the next few months.)

Raise your hand if the highlight of your summer day as a kid was hearing the jingle of the ice cream truck? (Raises hand) Oh what a joyous sound that was! The first faint sounds were my signal to beg my mother (in the most annoying voice possible) for a few coins so that I could partake in my all-time favorite summer treat: Orange Creamsicles.

Today, I still eat Orange Creamsicles but - sorry, ice cream man! - I make them myself. Using the basic frozen treat instructions from my book, The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes, here's how I make this delicious summer treat!

Nik's Orange Creamsicle Protein Pops

Ingredients:

• 1 carton Premier Protein Vanilla ready-to-drink shake (11 oz.)
• 1-2 sugar-free orange flavored drink sticks (depending on the intensity of orange flavor you like. I use two.)
• A generous squirt of lemon juice

Directions:

So let's not talk about how I got this Nutri-Ninja like a year ago and I am just starting to use it regularly. 

Combine everything in a blender for two minutes, then pour into popsicle molds.

NOTE: The ones I used, I got at Family Dollar...for a dollar! For these I had to add about three additional tablespoons of milk (I use almond) to fill all 8 slots.

Freeze well. To remove, run frozen pop mold under cool (not cold, not hot, not warm but cool) water for a few seconds and try to coax it out. Repeat until pops dislodge from the mold.

TIP: For an extra protein boost you can add more protein powder before blending the first time (I'd recommend no more than one additional serving of protein powder that has at least 25g protein in it). Stick with vanilla. And DO use the lemon juice. Lemon juice brings out the fruitiness of fruit flavors. The pop will taste a bit flat without it. 

Outtake pics!

My attempt at creating a summer scene. I will concede there may have been a bit too much going on here.

I handle my popsicles with the utmost care.

Yeah...being a food blogger is a tough job some days. But somebody's gotta do it!

And remember this recipe is just one of dozens included in The Bariatric Foodie Guide to Perfect Protein Shakes. The book not only gives you great shake ideas, but instructions on how to make your shakes into crave-worthy treats like this. Check it out on Amazon!