Most of the typical protein shake recipes are woefully inadequate for athletes and bodybuilders. Another lesser-known group of people who need extra doses of protein is academics. Believe it or not, those brain cells can eat up protein as fast as muscle - so if you're working on a research paper and desperately crave meat and eggs, there's nothing wrong with you in the least.

If you're feeling skeptical - as you have every right to be - here are three things you can do with your new food processor.

1. Decadent Cookie smoothie

1.5 cups skim milk
Low-fat cookies, enough to make a thick mix when crumbled in the milk
2 scoops chocolate protein powder
For an extra treat, add a square of dark chocolate to the mix.

Give it a whirl, and there's your treat!

2. Chocolate, and coffee too!

2 cups skim milk (or 1 cup skim milk and 1 cup water)
1 teaspoon instant coffee
2 scoops protein mix

Add ice in summer, or have it warm in winter - it's good either way!

3. Protein overload - NOT for wimps!

1 cup milk
1 banana
1 scoop chocolate-flavor protein mix
1 tablespoon Nutella

Blend together the milk and eggs until smooth and frothy. At the last step, add the bananas and peanut butter - give it a quick whirl on the lowest setting, leaving chunky bits of banana and peanut butter in for some decadent pleasure!

Now, tell me - has your food processor paid for itself yet?

Homemade high protein shakes beat store-bought any day. You can choose what goes into your drink: you can pep up the protein quotient with eggs, soy, whey and other naturally protein-filled foods. And with these three recipes, you can also enjoy a thick, chocolatey shake without betraying your fitness regime in any way whatsoever.