Have you and your family decided to adopt a healthier diet and lifestyle? With the obesity epidemic in our country, many people are making this wise choice. How can you supplement your meals for a total weight loss plan?
The diet and fitness world has been a multi-billion-dollar industry for decades. Every time you watch tv, read a magazine, or surf the Internet, you’re bombarded with ads for pills, supplements and meal replacements that promise weight loss. Drink two of these chalky shakes a day, eat a small meal, and you’ll be on your way to good health.
Protein shakes don’t have the best reputation for all their years on the market. Even today, you’ll find pre-mixed shakes laden with artificial sweeteners and flavors to mask their yucky synthetic vitamin taste and smell. Other brands don’t even bother reducing the sugar and sodium to make you gain weight.
The good news is that you can find plant-based protein shakes that taste good. Save your money and don’t bother paying for the expensive pre-mixed ones. Most of these include artificial sweeteners that can present serious health problems.
Best Protein Powder to Lose Weight
Remember that not all protein powders are created equal. Some have added amino acids and are used by weight trainers to build muscle. If you want to lose weight, choose a protein powder that doesn’t contain starch sugars. Find one that is low in carbohydrates and without milk proteins, if you prefer a vegan option.
How Often Should You Have a Protein Shake
Since your body needs a boost of protein to start your mornings, having a protein shake for breakfast would be ideal. It may help stabilize your blood sugars and keep you from getting the munchies before lunch. You might also consider enjoying a protein shake before your daily exercise regimen or as a post-workout recovery.
Maybe you’ll decide to replace two of your daily meals with protein shakes and then eat a low-carb/high-protein healthy meal. Depending on your daily calorie intake goal, you may incorporate healthy snacks or another shake. Avoid drinking them before bedtime because they may give you an unwanted energy boost.
Since you’re getting protein from whole foods, you don’t want a protein overload. The daily recommended amount of protein for women is about 46 grams and 56 grams for men, both in the 19-30- year-old bracket. You can still get too much of a good thing, and it can cause health issues.
Get Professional Medical Advice
If you want to include protein shakes, tell your provider about your medical history and any medicines or herbal supplements you’re taking. People with diabetes or kidney disease should be especially careful when dealing with a high daily protein intake.
Possible Side Effects of Protein Powder
Even if you’re consuming plant-based protein powder, you may experience gas, bloating, or other digestive upsets in the beginning. Some medical studies suggest that soy protein may provide too much plant estrogen that can cause health issues in women. Be sure to scan the protein powder label for any artificial ingredients, fillers, or allergens.
What Do You Need to Get Started?
Once you get approval from your healthcare provider and have solidified your diet and fitness plan, all you need is protein powder and a blender. Purchase the best quality blender in the department store or online that fits your budget. If you’re using crushed ice to turn your protein shakes into frosty treats, be sure to get a multiple-speed blender with ice-crushing capacity.
What you add to your protein shakes is only limited to your imagination. Use whole foods and natural flavorings to create tasty fat-burning concoctions that your whole family can enjoy. Here are some delicious protein shake recipes to consider.
1. Chocolate Peanut Buster Shake
Did you get your peanut butter in someone’s chocolate, or did someone get chocolate in your peanut butter? It doesn’t matter because it tastes like the iconic chocolate peanut butter cup without the guilt. Plus, this shake provides a powerful pack of protein for your weight loss plan.
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop (1.5 Tablespoons) vegetarian protein powder, chocolate, or vanilla
- ½ cup skim milk or unsweetened nut or rice milk
- One Tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 1 Tablespoon natural peanut butter, unsalted
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- ½ frozen banana, peeled
- ¼ cup of unsalted peanuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
Combine protein powder, milk, and cocoa powder and blend until completely incorporated and smooth, about 1 minute.
Add peanut butter, banana, and syrup and blend until smooth and creamy, another 1-2 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. If the peanut butter is still lumpy, add a couple of tablespoons of cold water as needed and blend until smooth, top with optional chopped peanuts.
2. It’s Easy Being A Green Shake
Do you have a difficult time getting your kids to eat their recommended daily allowance of vegetables? Here’s a delightfully green shake that a famous cartoon muscle-bound sailor would love. It’s got a secret stash of protein power from baby spinach, and your family will be none the wiser.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup of cold purified water
- ¼ cup organic apple juice, no added sugar
- ½ lemon, juiced
- 1 scoop (1.5 Tablespoons) vegetarian protein powder, plain or vanilla
- 1 small pear, cored and chopped
- One small bunch baby spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ avocado, peeled and cubed
- ½ frozen banana, peeled
Instructions:
Using your blender on high speed, add water, apple juice, lemon juice, and protein powder and blend until combined, about one minute.
Add pear, spinach, and avocado and blend until smooth and creamy. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Purple Haze Protein Shake
What’s not to love about this delightful shake with its vibrant color and yummy flavor? The purple hue comes from adding a fresh assortment of dark berries known to have vital nutrients and antioxidants. A serving of Greek yogurt provides extra protein and a decadent creaminess.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla Greek Yogurt, low-fat
- 1 scoop (1.5 Tablespoons) vegetarian protein powder, plain or vanilla
- One cup of frozen mixed berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries
- 1 organic orange, peeled and segmented
- 1 frozen banana, peeled
Instructions:
Using your blender on high speed, add yogurt and protein powder and blend until incorporated about 1 minute.
Add frozen berries, orange segments, and banana and blend until smooth and creamy, another two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the blender with a spatula as needed.
4. The Funky Monkey Protein Shake
Have you ever seen a monkey without boundless energy? Perhaps they know that bananas are a rich source of potassium and other vitamins. This tasty and whimsical shake also gets a bolt of energy from your favorite coffee splash and flaxseed for fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly brewed coffee, chilled
- 1 cup low-fat Greek yogurt, plain or vanilla
- One scoop (1.5 Tablespoons) vegetarian protein powder, plain or vanilla
- 2 bananas, frozen, peeled, sliced
- 1 Tablespoon honey or pure maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla
- 1 cup ice, cubed or crushed
Instructions:
Using a blender on high speed, add the coffee, yogurt, and powder and blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
Add bananas, honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and ice and blend until smooth and all ingredients are incorporated. Garnish with extra sliced bananas if you want.
5. Orange You Glad It’s A Healthy Protein Shake
Tangy oranges are the quintessential breakfast fruit that provides a generous amount of Vitamin C and calcium. When it’s mixed with Greek yogurt, strawberries, and other nutritious ingredients, your protein shake will be a welcomed taste of sunshine. Make extra because your family will love it, too.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup vanilla Greek Yogurt, low-fat
- 1 cup skim milk, or unsweetened nut or rice milk
- One scoop (1.5 Tablespoons) vegetarian protein powder, vanilla
- 2 large organic orange, one peeled & sectioned, one thinly sliced into pinwheels
- 1 cup organic strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 Tablespoon light agave nectar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup crushed ice
Instructions:
Using your blender on high speed, add yogurt, milk, and protein powder and blend until smooth, about one minute.
Add orange sections, strawberries, agave, vanilla, and ice. Continue to blend on high until smooth and creamy, another 1-2 minutes. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Garnish with orange pinwheel slices before serving.
Final Thoughts on Losing Weight with Protein Shakes
Using plant-based protein shakes can be a yummy and nutritious way to lose weight. Remember that these shakes are not meant to replace whole foods in your diet completely. If you experience digestive problems or allergic reactions, stop drinking the protein powder and talk to your healthcare provider.
The post 5 Best Protein Shakes That Help You Lose Weight Fast appeared first on Power of Positivity: Positive Thinking & Attitude.
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