When it comes to clientele you usually have 2 different clients, ones that love eating and ones that barely eat at all. Now we are not talking about disordered eating, but individuals who just don’t have an appetite.
Force-feeding for the majority of my clients is not an option. I train your regular everyday person with the exception of a few fitness competitors. Gaining muscle to then get as lean as can be is nowhere in their new future. The question begs, What should I do If I cannot eat? This is where diet shakes, protein shakes, smoothies, or whatever you call them come into play.
When I construct diets for my clients there are a few things I always require. The majority of food should be whole foods, get in enough fiber, and have at least 1 serving of fruit and 1 serving of vegetables. Whole foods make you feel satiated, which is what we want when we are dieting.
Now don’t get me wrong shakes do have their purpose. So let’s get into why shakes are great, what brands are quality, how and when to use them.
Weight Loss Shakes – Which One is Right for You?
Whether you are a person on the go, a bodybuilder, or your everyday fitness enthusiast shakes can benefit you greatly. Yes, we all know food prep can be difficult and expensive so why not throw in a shake? I LOVE to eat more food because it keeps me satiated but there are days I am craving something sweet and a shake does it for me! Here’s a little tip, if you mix your shake with almond milk, peanut/almond butter with a little cocoa powder it’s like drinking ice cream. We have options!
Smoothie? Meal Replacement? Nutrition Shake? Diet Shake? Protein Shake?
I’m sure you have heard all these terms and to be quite honest these are all one and the same, but not. Diet shake to me sounds like something you would drink if you were nutrient deficient like Ensure. The point of these shakes is to make sure you are filling your body with something that it needs, so whether it’s filling you up with nutrients, protein, calories, or all 3 then we are getting our job done.
Do Protein Shakes Aid in Weight Loss?
This is a question I have been asked many times. The short answer, YES. But the answer you are expecting is probably not the one I am about to reveal. Protein is known to be satiating, therefore leaving you fuller and less likely to eat more or even worse binge.
Another reason protein shakes would aid in weight loss is their ability to control cravings. When you are looking for a sweet treat, a scoop of protein powder can easily cure that sweet tooth. Shocked by the answers? You shouldn’t be. Protein keeps you full, always make protein the priority,
Protein Powder
Before we get into the good stuff. I really want to stress quality when making these shakes. Below are my top picks when it comes to protein powders.
Metabolic Nutrition Protizyme
Talk about superior quality. Metabolic Nutrition did this protein justice, not only is the protein powder filled with high-quality ingredients the flavor is just amazing! The peanut butter cookie flavor will literally have your mouth watering and feening for more. Not a peanut butter lover? That’s OK. They have Chocolate Cake, Vanilla Cake, Banana Creme, Butter Pecan Cookie, and Strawberry Creme.
Animal Whey Isolate Whey Protein Powder
Animal has been around for quite a while and their products are superior! Of course, they have what is trending, but have stuck to the basics for the majority of their products. Packed With Digestive Enzymes and packed with flavor, you can’t go wrong with this protein powder.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Remember quality is key! If you are someone that has been in the fitness game for a long time you know that Optimum Nutrition is quality. Known for their slogan “Building Better Lives” this whey protein is sure to give you all you need and more!
Garden of Life Raw Protein & Greens
Believe it or not, I like a good vegan protein. If you are someone who is used to whey protein be prepared for a different consistency. I don’t want to say the taste is shocking but, it will definitely be different. The great thing about this powder is if you are not a vegetable eater, you can get a few servings in with this shake alone.
About Time Natural Vegan Protein
I can honestly say I have tried them all! Every new whey, every new vegan protein. You name it, I’ve tried it. I know sad, BUT I do not want you to fall for all nonsense I fell for when I first started off in fitness. The truth is you really do “Get what you paid for”. About time vegan protein is tasty, great quality, and is one of the BEST I have ever had in my arsenal.
Homemade Weight Loss Shakes
I’m sure you are all getting excited. Going out and getting shakes are easy, I know. BUT, when you make them at home you are for sure more in control of what goes into your concoction. Here are a few meal replacement shakes that are 300 calories or less that will help keep you on track.
Almond Butter Blast
1 Scoop of Whey or protein powder of your choice (100-150 calories)
1 Tablespoon Almond Butter (70 calories)
8 oz water or almond milk (0-60 calories)
Ice
Calorie total: 170-280
Peanut Butter Banana Bonanza
1 Scoop of Whey or protein powder of your choice (100-150 calories)
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter (70 calories)
1 Medium Banana (100 calories)
8 oz water or almond milk (0-60 calories)
Ice
Calorie total: 270-380
Berry Lovers
1 Scoop of Whey or Vanilla protein powder of your choice (100-150 calories)
1 Cup of Blueberries (84 calories)
1 Cup of Strawberries (48 calories)
8 oz water or almond milk (0-60 calories)
Ice
Calorie total: 232-342
Peanut Butter Mocha
1 Scoop of Whey or Chocolate protein powder of your choice (100-150 calories)
1 Tablespoon Peanut Butter (70 calories)
1 tbsp cocoa powder (12 calories)
4 oz water coffee (0 calories)
4 oz water or almond milk (0-35 calories)
Ice
Calorie total: 182-243
In Conclusion
Shakes are a great way to get fuel in! I think everyone should have protein shakes once in a while. It’s quick, efficient, tasty, and filled with protein! As always I hope this leads you down the right path to your health and fitness needs! If you have any questions, please contact me here.
