Protein Shake Recipes For Weight Loss
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Protein Shake Recipes For Weight Loss
 

Protein Shake Recipes For Weight Loss

How To Make A Protein-Packed Shake That Will Torch Fat

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Cutting weight is as simple as cutting calories. Except for one thing – it’s not really that simple.

Calories in versus calories out is the most basic formula for dropping weight. But not only do you want to be smart about it, you want to be healthy, maintain energy and most importantly, you probably want to get shredded. So just eating less is not going to work. It’s not entirely misguided, said celebrity trainer Adam Rosante, but “doing so mindlessly is a good recipe for muscle loss, mental fog and general grumpiness. And no one likes a grumpy guy, no matter how shredded he may be.”

The solution is to focus on packing healthy nutrients into a meal that doesn’t drown you in calories. So you might want to grab a smoothie. And don’t skip the protein either.

“It’s important not to skip the protein, even if it does add extra calories, but you can cut it if you’re trying to slim down” said Mike Espinosa, an instructor at Barry’s Bootcamp and a collaborator in the gym’s Barry’s new Fuel Bar. “And swapping out about half of the higher calorie ingredients you may find in a shake, such as nut butters, with fiber-rich vegetables such as spinach will help satiate you.”

One of the newest healthy food trends (and a pricey one too) is activated charcoal, which Espinosa lauded as super effective in regards to cleansing benefits. Guys are even using charcoal on their faces. It’ll help rid your body of toxins and keep you from feeling bloated, leaving your with more energy. It’s fine if you’re not looking to detox. There’s still steps to constructing a healthy smoothie that focuses on your weight loss goals while still allowing you to build lean muscle.

Rosante, author of the Super Shake Revolution (which is available for free download), explained it with these six steps:

  1. Pick a liquid
  2. Pick a protein powder
  3. Pick a veggie
  4. Pick a fruit
  5. Pick a healthy fat
  6. Pick a topping

But first you’ve got to ask yourself what you hope to get out of it. If you’re planning to supplement your meals and training with a smoothie, Espinosa suggests keeping the calories, carbs and fat low and going big on protein -- either a whey protein powder or a plant-based mix combined with water or fruit juice. If it’s meal replacement, start with a protein and add in healthy fats (nut butter or almond milk) and then veggies followed by fruit for a little sweetness , if you’re into that kind of thing.

Related: If You Want To Pack On Muscle, Try These Protein Shake Recipes

Why all the protein? Because while lots of us think of protein as a muscle/mass builder, it’s just as effective at aiding weight loss. Among other benefits, protein curbs cravings and increases energy so that you can train harder.

Rosante, shared a couple weight-torching protein smoothies to help get you rolling:

Brand New Day

Courtesy of Super Shake Revolution

Serves 1

Ingredients

1/2 cup frozen or fresh raspberries or black cherries
1/2 cup plain kefir or plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup kale, any variety
1/2 cup leftover brewed coffee or green tea
1/4 cup avocado
1/3 cup vanilla protein powder
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in blender.

2. Add four ice cubes and half a cup of water.

3. Process until smooth and serve immediately.

Spicy Ginger Fat Burner

Courtesy of Super Shake Revolution

Serves 1

Ingredients

1/2 red bell pepper, seeded

1/2 apple, cored

1/2 cup plain kefir or plain Greek yogurt

1/3 cup vanilla protein powder

1 tablespoon chopped macadamia nuts or almonds

1 tablespoon chia or ground flax

1/2 inch peeled ginger root

Pinch of cayenne or 1 teaspoon chopped habanero chili

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender

2. Add 4 ice cubes and 1/2 cup water

3. Process until smooth and serve immediately. 


We Recommend


Pure Protein All Natural Vanilla Whey

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$32.84 for a 2-pound tub at Amazon.com