Get Fit Today: 6 Protein-Packed Shakes for Weight Loss
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Shakes and smoothies are an amazing breakfast or go-to snack option. They require virtually no time to prepare, they have many vitamins and nutrients that will keep you going throughout the day, and they are also yummy! However, you have to be aware that not all shakes are created equal. The one you pick up on your way to work or coming back from the gym might have way more sugar in it than you’d like to know, preventing you from reaching your fitness goals.
However, protein is of the essence in your weight loss
process. Protein shakes are handy, as the added protein you take in this way
satisfies your body, boosts your metabolism and reduces your cravings. But you
don’t want any of that added sugar. The solution to this is simple: make your
own shakes at home! There are so many recipes online that literally anyone can
find the one they like, and the health benefits will be doubled if you know
exactly what’s in it. So, here are a couple of recipes to give you some ideas.
1. Berry oats smoothie
This might become your new staple smoothie, not only because
it’s incredibly quick to prepare, but also because it’s fresh and delicious.
You can use a mix of berries – raspberries, blueberries, blackberries,
strawberries – which will provide you with plenty of antioxidants, and the oats
will give you the much-needed fibers and will make you feel full. The added ice
makes this smoothie perfect for the summer or warmer weather. You can sweeten
it with a little bit of honey, which is a much better option than sugar.
2. Ice coffee protein smoothie
If you’re really in a hurry, why not merge your morning
coffee and your breakfast into one? This iced-coffee protein smoothie will make sure you’re awake, supplied with plenty
of protein, and will even spoil you with its sweetness and creaminess. Put some
coffee into your fridge the night before, and in the morning, mix it together
with vanilla protein powder, some soy milk, a frozen banana, ice cubes and a
bit of flax meal. Flax meal is really good for you on several fronts so don’t
skip this ingredient!
Photo Credit: Unsplash
3. Orange Julius smoothie
Low in calories but high in protein, this creamy and
delicious smoothie is a perfect guilt-free dessert. The taste of orange and
strawberry mixed with vanilla gives the perfect balance of sweet and sour,
while cottage cheese provides texture and just the right amount of protein. If
you want to switch out the cottage cheese, use bananas and protein powder
instead to get a similar effect!
4. Blueberry-peanut butter smoothie
For berry lovers, this is another great
recipe to try – and it’s very rich in protein! Combine a banana,
blueberries, peanut butter and almond milk, optionally add a cube of ice to
make it refreshing, and enrich the mixture with just two tablespoons of whey protein powder.
Drinking this smoothie in the morning will prevent you from craving snacks,
and, besides protein, it also provides you with healthy fats thanks to the
peanut butter!
5. Minty green protein smoothie
This list would not be complete without a fresh green
smoothie. A great sugar-free option is this very healthy minty
smoothie, so even if you’re not a fan, give it a try, you might be
surprised! The color is green thanks to the avocado and the spinach, which give
you lots of potassium, vitamin C, magnesium and so on, while the peppermint
extract gives it a cool, fresh quality. Here, too, you can add some whey
protein to boost the benefits.
6. Piña colada protein smoothie
For last, here is an exotic protein smoothie that will
remind you of your holiday. This piña
colada smoothie is made with coconut milk, banana, pineapple, mango, and a
bit of protein powder, and in just a few minutes, you can have this delicious
but healthy snack on your table. Use the remainder of the pineapple to garnish
it, and you’ll really feel like you’re on a tropical island!
As you can see, your options are basically endless. You can
also mix and match these recipes and adjust them to your needs and taste to get
all the necessary vitamins and proteins. Be aware, though, that striking the
right balance is essential, as too much protein is not good for you either. So,
make sure you keep to your advised daily intake and you’ll be able to remain
strong and healthy and reach your fitness goals!
