How I finally hit my protein macros without the misery
Plus the vegan protein that actually tastes like dessert — and 14 shake recipes you'll actually look forward to.
By Melinda Spencer · @melinda_spencer.fe
The root cause nobody talks about
Whey intolerance is incredibly common, especially among women who train hard — and it's almost never diagnosed. Whey is derived from dairy. For a significant percentage of people, the lactose and bioactive compounds trigger an inflammatory response in the gut — bloating, gas, cramps, even skin issues.
During bodybuilding prep, powerlifting meets, and Spartan races, my post-workout whey was undoing all my hard work. Switching to Arbonne's clean vegan protein formula stopped the bloat overnight.
The bloat-free protein system — 5 steps
Choose the right formula for your goal
Use FeelFit Simply 1 (1g sugar, lower carb) for cutting phases or low-carb lifters. Use FeelFit for everyday use and maintenance. Use EssentialMeal as a true meal replacement on busy days — more protein, carbs, and fat per serving.
Use it as a macro tool, not just a shake
Build shakes into your meal plan like a food group. Target at least one shake per day during high-training weeks. It's not a treat — it's a nutrient delivery system that happens to taste incredible.
Make it feel like a treat
Blend with frozen fruit, nut milk, almond butter, cold brew, or spices. The 14 recipes in this guide are specifically designed so your shake feels like dessert — so you look forward to it instead of choking it down.
Time it strategically
Post-workout or mid-afternoon when cravings spike and you're most likely to reach for something that derails your macros. A shake that tastes like dessert is your best weapon against afternoon sugar cravings.
Track the bloat, not just the macros
Notice how your digestion responds within the first few days. Most people who switch from whey feel the difference immediately — the absence of bloat is usually unmistakable.
Choose the right formula for your goal
FeelFit Simply 1
Best for: Cutting phases, low-carb, competition prep
Key feature: Only 1g sugar, lower carb
FeelFit
Best for: Everyday use, maintenance, general fitness
Key feature: Complete pea protein, smooth taste
EssentialMeal
Best for: Busy days, meal replacement, more fuel needed
Key feature: Full macros: protein + carbs + fat + 20+ vitamins
A taste of the collection
Here are a few favorites. Take the quiz to unlock all 14 recipes.
Almond Butter Banana
Vanilla base
Ingredients
- 2 scoops Arbonne Vanilla or Chocolate Protein Powder
- ½ banana
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- 12 oz unsweetened almond or coconut milk
- Ice to desired consistency
Tip: You can also make this in a shaker cup with water for an on-the-go version — it tastes great and takes 30 seconds.
Birthday Cake Shake
Vanilla base
Ingredients
- 2 scoops Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder
- 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp butter flavor extract
- 8 oz unsweetened almond milk
- 6 ice cubes
Tip: This one tastes shockingly close to birthday cake batter. Great for days when you want something celebratory without going off track.
Pro tip: Add fiber to every shake
Arbonne Fiber Powder Boost is odorless and tasteless. It helps you feel full longer and keeps your digestion on track. Most people get less than half the fiber they need daily — adding one scoop to your shake is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. It won't change the flavor at all.
12 more recipes inside
Take the wellness quiz to unlock the full collection — free.
Antioxidant Boost
Berry Breakfast Smoothie
Seasonal Favorite
Carrot Cake Shake
Post-Workout
Chocolate Banana Split
Rich & Indulgent
Chocolate Cherry Almond Torte
Holiday Vibes
Gingerbread Smoothie
Clean & Green
Green Smoothie
Bright & Refreshing
Lemon Meringue
Coffee Lover
Mocha Frappuccino
Summer Staple
Peach Pie Smoothie
Fall Favorite
Pumpkin Spice Shake
Holiday Classic
White Peppermint Shake
Summer Refresh
Watermelon Banana Strawberry Smoothie