Strawberry Protein Shake or Smoothie

Entered for safe-keeping. From Bettina Newman RD and David Joachim's "Lose Weight the Smart Low-Carb Way", received in February 2009 Cookbook Swap. If you have a Vita-Mix, all ingredients can be processed in one batch. Possible substitutions: frozen blueberries for the frozen strawberries; pear, peach or mango nectar for the orange juice.

• Ready In: 3 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 12  ounces frozen unsweetened strawberries, quartered (16 large strawberries)
• 1  cup plain yogurt
• 2  cups  orange juice (or 1 1/2 cups orange juice and 1/2 cup seltzer)
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄4 cup  unflavored  protein powder

Directions

1. Combine half of the berries, yogurt, orange juice, vanilla, and protein powder in a blender and process until smooth, thick, and creamy, 1-2 minutes.
2. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
3. Serve cold.