1. Vegan PB & B Shake
When it’s hot out and you’re craving ice cream or frozen coffee drinks, this shake hits the spot. It’s cold, creamy, and the perfect mix of mocha, banana, and peanut butter flavors. I like to add in Life Time Vanilla Collagen Peptides in addition to the chocolate vegan protein for an extra boost. It truly tastes like a summer treat and gives me almost 40 grams of protein (with my customization). Plus, this shake includes café-mocha-flavored Life Greens, which are loaded with antioxidants from 50 different types of veggies and fruits.
– Samantha McKinney, RDN, LD, CPT, master trainer and dietitian for Life Time
2. Turkey Avocado Sandwich
My go-to order is the Turkey Avocado Sandwich with a few modifications. I swap for toasted gluten-free bread, ask for no tomato, and add bacon as well as extra turkey. These changes help fit my personal taste preferences, dietary needs, and protein goals.
– Paul Kriegler, RD, CPT, director of nutritional products for Life Time
3. Mediterranean Salad
The hot weather has me craving cold foods right now, and this salad is my favorite one on the menu because of all the ingredients and colors. I add in an additional cut-up beef patty to help boost the protein (over 50 grams in total) and love that it provides over two servings of vegetables. The vegetables provide fiber to keep me full and water to hydrate, along with some healthy fats from the olives.
– Anika Christ, RD, CPT, senior director of weight loss and nutrition for Life Time
4. Chicken Gyro Bowl and Acai Bowl
The Chicken Gyro Bowl is kind of like a hybrid salad-bowl — it’s a lighter meal choice for the days I don’t feel like fully committing to a salad. It’s full of kale and brown rice, as well as protein and additional veggies of cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes. The carb-to-protein ratio is something that works well for me at lunchtime. I substitute the chicken for beef, and I add harissa paste, which when mixed with the tzatziki sauce creates a mildly spicy flavor that I really enjoy.
During the summer months, I also often order the Acai Bowl, as it’s cool, refreshing, and surprisingly filling. I add Life Time Vanilla Collagen Peptides, which blend into the acai, for added protein and to make the bowl more macronutrient balanced. I also have them drizzle either peanut butter or almond butter on top for a salty-sweet flavor profile. It leaves me so satisfied! Any time I can sneak in collagen, I consider it a big win — it’s great for improving the nutritional profile of my food and positively impacting my skin, hair, muscles, and joint health.
– Julie Brown, RD, general manager at Life Time in Chanhassen, Minn.
