The Top 20 Protein Shakes for Weight Loss
If you want to lose weight in a sustainable, safe, and effective way, drinking protein shakes can help you get there. Unfortunately, many protein shakes are either loaded with sugar or lacking in flavor. Thankfully, with the right recipes, your weight-loss protein shakes can be so delicious you’ll want to drink them every day.
How do protein shakes help with weight loss?
So, how exactly can protein shakes help you meet your weight loss goals? It mainly comes down to the benefits of protein itself. According to Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, “Protein helps you to feel full, so you can feel satisfied and stop eating, and it also helps to preserve lean muscle, which correlates to your metabolism (the faster your metabolism, the faster you burn calories).”
For many people, getting enough protein throughout the day can be challenging. This is where protein shakes come in handy. They are convenient, easy to sip on the go, and allow you to control how much protein you’re getting in one serving. You can buy ready-made protein shakes from the store or make your own at home using high-protein ingredients like Greek yogurt (10 grams), protein powder (20-25 grams), milk and soy milk (8 grams), and nut butter (7 grams).
How much protein should be in your shake?
This number depends on your individual goals, how much protein you’re aiming to get daily, and whether you’re using it as a snack or a meal replacement.
If you’re drinking a protein shake as a meal replacement, you’ll want to aim for no less than 30 grams of protein, but somewhere between 35-40 is better.
If you’re using it as a snack, the protein amount truly depends on the daily amount you’re aiming for and how much you’re getting at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For example, let’s say you’re aiming for 125 grams of protein per day, and you get around 30 grams of protein per meal. At this rate, you could benefit from a protein shake that has around 30-35 grams of protein.
If you’re unsure about how much protein you should eat in a day, talk with your doctor or a dietitian for guidance.
And Now for the 20 Best Protein Shakes for Weight Loss
Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie
This one is for the Nutella lovers. Made with hazelnut chocolate milk, banana, frozen cauliflower rice (for creamy texture), and protein powder, this protein-rich drink is a sweet treat that avoids added sugars and comes packed with plenty of nutrients. Your sweet cravings will feel satisfied, and you’ll stay full until your next meal with this chocolate hazelnut beverage.
Get our recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie.
Conclusion
Protein shakes can be a valuable tool in your weight loss journey, providing a convenient and delicious way to increase your protein intake and stay full throughout the day. With a variety of recipes to choose from, you can find the perfect protein shake to fit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Try out these top 20 protein shakes for weight loss and see the difference they can make in helping you reach your goals.