Smith Street Fusion

Irresistible Protein Shakes & Prepared “Grab & Go” Homemade Healthy Meals

By Julia Romano

High protein, low carb food and drinks are all the rage and what many people are consuming to keep themselves healthy these days.

Protein shakes are a popular drink that are not just for body builders or those looking to develop muscle, but are for anyone who is looking for a delicious, healthy alternative to a sugar laced smoothie.

Derived from protein powder, protein shakes are made with a dry powdered supplement that can come from both animal and plant-based protein sources. e shakes can be avored or un avored and are typically mixed with water, milk, or another liquid as part of a shake or smoothie. Protein powder can also be used in a variety of other ways – like in baking or mixing with oatmeal or cereal.

Our bodies require protein for many reasons — boosting our immune system, sending messages throughout the body, as well as for growth and repair of cells and tissues. Protein shakes are a great, avorful way to supplement your daily dietary protein intake.

e bene ts of protein powder focus primarily on functional abilities, like adding mass, improving muscle recovery in times of injury, and also, such as why I love them, to satisfy my hunger. Since consuming protein shakes gives muscles the fuel they need to build and repair, your body will target fat burning during workouts. With workouts that include protein in your diet, your lean mass will increase – and long term, the protein will also increase your metabolism.

Protein powder is also low in fats and carbs (unlike some other food sources) that you can drink down straight a er a workout, or as a meal replacement in a smoothie or shake at any time you skip a meal; and with protein powder, it’s never been so easy to boost your nutrients.

ere are other bene ts that are unrelated to healthy eating that may warrant a visit to a restaurant that o ers a menu that includes protein shakes and prepared, healthy meals. With the hectic daily lives most of us experience, it’s not uncommon for takeout to be a “go to” to avoid the tasks of planning and cooking an entire meal, especially a er an 8 to 10 hour workday. Many restaurants o er what we like to eat, but attention to cooking “healthy” is not so common. erefore, eating takeout from these places frequently, may not be the greatest of decisions. Having a convenient place to go for a satisfying meal that is prepared with healthy ingredients and is plentiful, as well as tasty, is a perfect alternative.

My favorite local go-to for both protein shakes and delicious high protein, low carb prepared foods is Smith Street Fusion in North Providence.

Smith Street Fusion, formerly Slim Pickings, RI, is owned and operated by Carol Hulsebus and her daughter, Brianna, and is a popular North Providence establishment that caters to those looking for “grab & go” prepared healthy meals, irresistible, refreshing and smooth protein shakes, energy and protein infused, high energy iced teas and co ees, and treats that are as yummy as they are healthy. In addition to an abundant 60 avors of protein shakes, they also o er other sweet tasting, no added sugar goodies that are incredibly delicious, while made with the healthiest of ingredients.

For a quick and satisfying snack, I can’t get enough of the peanut butter, oat, and mini chocolate chip protein balls (3 in a serving) and the moist, avorful protein mu ns that come in a variety of avors including blueberry, chocolate chip/banana, chocolate avocado, pumpkin, french toast avored (my absolute favorite), among others (only 5gm sugar per mu n). Another item that I absolutely love is the creamy pudding that you will be shocked to nd has no sugar, and with avors such as banana, chocolate, french toast, and many others, they are super good and are perfect as a dessert.

Smith Street Fusion also o ers “grab & go” fully prepared meals that are not only high protein and low carb, but are made on site, with the freshest of ingredients. If you are looking for a homemade, complete meal, but don’t have the time to pay attention to making it healthy and delicious, let the ladies at Smith Street Fusion do the work for you, and at an a ordable cost.

Check out Smith Street Fusion on Facebook to view the entire prepared food menu:

Call ahead to check daily operation times, typically, 7am to 4pm, Monday thru Friday and 7am to 3pm on Saturday.

When you visit Smith Street Fusion, mention that you read about them in Shop In RI magazine.