The word "Smoothies" kept popping up on an electronic sign outside a shopping center I pass…read morefrequently. On hot days, I would stare into the shopping center, trying to locate the store that promised to deliver fruity, healthy goodness. There was pizza, Indian food, and an assortment of boring service shops, but no smoothie store. Finally, I pulled in one day and slowly drove around the complex. I found a narrow shop with the simple word, "Nutrition" above the door. Was this the place? I sure hoped so.
Upon entering, I found a comfortable atmosphere, complete with a leather sofa and some tables, along with a bar area. The owner, Michael, welcomed me in and I located a menu with more than 20 protein shake flavors. I was in the mood for a cold, refreshing pick-me-up, but with 20 grams of protein in one shake, I quickly realized this could be dinner. Michael told me one of his favorite flavors was raspberry cheesecake, which is what I ordered. With options on the menu ranging from Almond Joy to Butter Pecan and Aloha Delight, you are sure to find a flavor that suites your taste. They also offer herbal green tea, healthy snack bars and protein shake mixes. The shake I had was good, delivering plenty of healthy benefits along with an understated, yet rich, flavor.
Michael told me that his store isn't necessarily a smoothie bar, but more of a nutrition club where athletes and people looking to lose a few pounds can come for a protein shake and some heart-to-heart with a fitness specialist.
Shake It Up has plenty of customers that come in during breakfast and lunch, as well as a sizeable after work crowd. With such little signage, I was surprised that anyone had found this little joint, but Michael told me that most of his customers come via word-of-mouth. He works in his shop as a personal trainer and helps people tone up and lose extra pounds. Usually, they refer friends and stop by for meal replacement shakes. If you are interested in a personal training session, they begin at $40 and go up from there.
Michael was exceedingly friendly and willing to chat about my personal health goals. If you are looking to grab a healthy lunch snack, swing by Shake It Up. What's more, you might gain some pointers about how to live better and even find a way to squeeze in some work-out sessions with someone qualified and passionate.