Weight loss shake recipes provide tasty alternatives to pre-made commercial shakes.
Types of Weight Loss Shakes
What type of shake you make to help your weight loss efforts will depend on what kind of diet you are following. If you don't have time to make your own, commercial brands like Slim Fast come in a variety of flavors created to mimic a milk shake. These shakes work as a meal replacement and are rich in vitamins and minerals.
As delicious as they try to make these meal replacements, they are not for everyone, and if you don't really like them the bottom line is: you won't drink them. If that's the case for you, or you prefer a more natural approach, there are a variety of ingredients and weight loss shake recipes to provide a number of options. The easiest of these alternatives are still ready-made shakes that come in powdered form.
Soy Protein Shakes
Soy protein shakes are also used as meal replacers because soy is not only a low-calorie and low carb food, but it has been documented by doctors at Iowa State University as a food with inherent medical properties that aid in weight loss. This study points out the following benefits of drinking soy protein shakes:
- Decreases body fat stores
- Helps control insulin levels
- Increases muscle mass
Sample Protein Shake Recipe
- 2 scoops protein powder
- 3/4 cup fresh fruit
- 8-10 ounces of water (Less water makes a thicker shake)
Homemade Weight Loss Shake Recipes
Fresh, healthy weight loss shake recipes made with fruit or vegetables can be low calorie, a great source of fiber and satisfying. It's best to use a heavy duty blender or vita mix to get the right consistency. Here are a couple recipes to try. They make a great option for breakfast, lunch or a midday snack.
Strawberry Pineapple Smoothie
(200 calories)
- 1 cup frozen unsweetened strawberries
- 1 cup fresh pineapple
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1/2 cup skim milk (substitute soy or rice milk for a non-dairy shake)
Blueberry Banana Smoothie
(213 calories)
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 small frozen ripe banana (about 6-7 inches)
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seed
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 1/2 cup acai juice
Vegetable Shakes
If you haven't tried a vegetable shake, don't rule them out. They can be a great alternative to eating a salad. The key to making a shake you like is to choose vegetables you like. Selections like romaine lettuce blended with water make a good base because the lettuce does not have an overpowering or bitter flavor. Some people like to add greens like this to a fruit smoothie.These creamy salad replacements are a convenient way to add vegetables to your diet and the blending process actually improves the body's absorption of nutrients.
Citrus and Greens
(224 calories)
- 2 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 cup orange sections
- 1 cup fresh pineapple
- 1 tablespoon walnuts
- 1/2-1 cup filtered water
Spinach also makes a good selection for vegetable shakes. As you experiment with variations, here are some other ingredients to try:
- apple cider vinegar
- avocado
- bell pepper
- celery (if you have a blender that can handle it)
- green onions
- lemon juice
- powdered dulse
Benefits of Fruit and Vegetable Shakes
Whether you decide to make your weight loss shakes from commercial powders, or fresh fruits or vegetables, the key to keeping them successful is calorie content. Be aware of how many calories you're taking in, because it's easy to over drink when the shake tastes good and you know they are good for you. Along with being low in calories, these fruit and vegetable shakes aid in weight loss because they help clean your colon. However, even with all that, it is important to remember that you still need to burn more calories than you take in if you want to lose weight. .
