Best Overall: Naked Casein
Boasting 19 grams of protein at just over a dollar per ounce, this cost-effective, unflavored protein powder more than deserves a place in your pantry. Its another micellar casein formula, ensuring that youll feel fuller for longer. You can tell this is a superior quality to other micellar casein by the lack of grittiness, an Amazon reviewer explains. Bonus: It contains just two ingredients.
There’s A Reason Smoothies Are Loved By Health Freaks Around The World They’re Easy
- NDTV Food
- Smoothies are the perfect and quickest breakfast health drinks.
- You can add almost anything to a smoothie.
- Adding cinnamon to your smoothie can help burn fat faster.
There’s a reason smoothies are loved by health freaks around the world. They’re easy-to-make and are a quick breakfast fix for people who are usually pressed for time in the morning. They’re the perfect recharge drinks for your post-workout meals and smoothie recipes are very amenable to all kinds of fresh and healthy ingredients, from berries to fresh fruits, vegetables, protein and oat powders, as well as healthy nuts and seeds. Smoothies are preferred drinks for people looking to lose weight because of the easily modified nature of the drink.
Apart from adding nutritious superfoods to your breakfast smoothie, you can also add the following fat-burning foods to attain quicker weight loss:
1. Green Tea PowderGreen tea is well known for its weight loss promoting powers. Adding green tea powder to your smoothie can trigger release of fat from your cells, thanks to the catechins present in it. Green tea doesn’t have any overpowering flavor so you needn’t worry about it spoiling the taste either.
Green tea is well known for its weight loss promoting powers2. Blueberries And StrawberriesBlueberries have proven their mettle as powerful fat burners in multiple studies.3. Spinach
Chia seeds help in increasing the satiety factor of your drink, preventing hunger pangs and your need to snack often.
Are Green Smoothies Healthy
Generally speaking, you can consider green smoothies a healthy choice.
Theyre an easy way for kids and adults to consume more servings of vegetables and fruits. Embrace them as a quick and easy option for a filling snack or a light meal, depending on which ingredients you use.
However, keep in mind that your diet and lifestyle as a whole determine your overall health.
Though adding green smoothies to your diet can improve your nutrient intake and certain markers of your health, green smoothies cant make up for an unhealthy diet, lack of sleep, or sedentary lifestyle.
Here are a few reasons you may want to add green smoothies to your diet.
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Whole Foods And The Brain
The brain is a really hungry organ, and it uses 25% of the total energy you consume from your food. Everything it needs to function at its best isyou guessed ita whole, unprocessed food.
In fact, the best diet recommended for brain health is the MIND Diet. In one study, it was shown that people who follow the MIND diet closely had a 53% reduced rate of developing Alzheimers.
Some of the best whole foods for the brain are:
- Oily fish
- Whole grains
Can You Freeze Fresh Greens For Smoothies
One of the absolute best things about these make ahead fruit smoothie freezer bags is that you can freeze fresh produce and enjoy it later. Gone are the days of grabbing that container of baby spinach or that bag of fresh kale, only to find its old and unusable. Instead, you can add them to your freezer bags and have them ready to blend any time you want. Freezing the greens doesnt have any effect on their flavor, texture, or nutrients when used in these freezer packs!
To freeze raw kale, wash it and get rid of all the woody stems. Drain it of any excess moisture and place in an airtight container or a freezer bag. Kale can last up to 10 months in the freezer and is a great addition to your favorite green smoothie!
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Nutritionists’ Favorite Weight Loss Smoothies
For this selection, I asked the country’s top nutritionists to share with me their favorite weight loss smoothies, keeping the best weight loss foods in mind, and the results are all delicious and nutritious. Pay attention to the protein countsâif it’s under 25 grams, you don’t want them as a meal replacement, but rather paired with a meal.
All recipes serve one unless otherwise indicated.
“I really love this weight loss smoothie because it tastes super-decadent, but in reality is just loaded with a ton of natural, unprocessed, and healthful ingredients. The cocoa powder is a good source of flavonoids that are both brain and heart-healthy, and also makes the smoothie taste like I’ve added a ton of chocolate. In addition to the healthy cocoa, this smoothie also has other healthy ingredients like raspberries that are a source of immune-boosting vitamin C, and the spinach that’s a source of energizing B vitamins. If I have this smoothie post-workout, I’ll also add a plant-based protein like sprouted rice or pea protein to help my muscles recover more quickly.”
- ½ banana
by Kristin Reisinger, MS, RD, CSSD, founder and owner of IronPlate Studios
- ½ cup frozen mixed berries
- Handful of spinach
- 8 oz unsweetened Silk almond milk
- 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder
NUTRITION: 230 calories / 2.5 g fat / 20 g carbs / 5 g fiber / 7 g sugar / 26 g protein
by Cassie Bjork, RD, LD of Redefined Weight Loss
Processed Foods That Are Okay On A Whole Food Diet
Many brands of cereals are fortified with B vitamins, which can be hard to come by on a plant-based diet.
For example, vitamin B12 , is largely found in animal sources. It is something that those on a plant-based diet need to keep an eye on, as studies show that around 20% of us are deficient. And we also know that 65% of vegans and vegetarians dont take a B vitamin supplement.
So in that case, choosing a cereal fortified with B vitamins would be a good option, if done wisely. By that I mean use your discretion and check the labels, as many brands of cereals are packed with sugar and additives. But you can strategically choose minimally processed foods using a whole foods mentality.
As a rule of thumb, if there are any ingredients that you cant pronounce, dont understand, or sound artificial, they probably are best avoided.
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Meal Replacement Green Smoothie
Shalek isn’t super big on replacing meals. But if you’re going to do it, make sure you’re limiting the meal that’s being replaced to just one a day. “I have a bunch of clients that work a night shift or work crazy hours, so in some instances it’s appropriate,” she says. And smoothies like this green smoothie from Simple Green Smoothies will load you up on good-for-you foods. Oats for example, have fiber that can help keep you feeling fuller, longer, not to mention it will also keep your blood sugar stable, Jessica Cording, RD previously told WH.
Recipe: Blend 2 cups fresh kale, 2 cups almond milk , 2 cups berries, 1 banana, 2 tablespoons almond butter + ¼ cup rolled oats.
Nutrition: 320 calories, 8.3 g fiber, 8.6 g protein, 12.6 g fat
Green Smoothies For Weight Loss And Fat Burning
The following green smoothie recipes for weight loss are rich in plant-based nutrients, include natural sugar only , and are balanced with healthy fats.
Replace one or two meals per day with one of these green smoothies, and youll feel and look fantastic. Research for my book The Green Smoothies Diet showed that the top 5 results from a daily green smoothie habit are: more energy, weight loss, better digestion, brighter skin, and decreased cravings.
Green smoothies are also super simple and inexpensive to make. Take advantage of the frozen produce section, and buy fresh produce thats in season to make the most of your smoothie dollar. Feel free to amp up the protein content with clean, no-additive protein powder.
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Green And Lean Shamrock Shake
Most minty shamrock shakes are drool-worthy, but not at all diet-friendly. Quench your cravings and stay on track with your health goals with this creamy, fresh shake from Felicia Romero, nutrition and fitness expert on Lifetime’s From Fit to Fat to Fit. “The peppermint is refreshing and has been shown to reduce sugar cravings and the healthy fats give it a creamy texture while keeping you full,” she says.
Recipe: Blend 1/2 banana, 1 cup spinach, 2 drops peppermint oil, 1/2 avocado, 1 cup coconut milk, 1 scoop protein powder, and ice.
Nutrition: 257 calories, 16 g carbohydrates, 27 g protein, 8 g fat
Organifi Complete Protein All
Looking to get your hands on the best meal replacement shakes that taste good even though they are plant-based? Check out what Organifi has to offer here!
First of all, the Organifi Complete Protein All-in-One Mix is 100 percent organic. Organic meal replacement drinks are not generally known for having the best taste. But this one is an exception. It tastes delicious and provides you with all the vitamins and minerals of a complete raw organic meal.
All of the natural ingredients that this meal replacement contain plenty of macronutrients. And this raw organic meal shake also utilizes the elements that are USDA Organic Certified. The ingredients are even dairy-free, keto diet-friendly, soy-free, and gluten-free.
While other meal replacement powders will require you to take at least two large scoops per serving, you will need only one large scoop for this. And that scoop will contain 20 grams of high-protein content, along with a chunk of essential vitamins and minerals.
Highlighted Features
- Each scoop contains 20 grams of protein
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People With Tight Schedule
Having a proper meal requires you to sit and chew the chunks of food slowly. That could be a troublesome thing for people that are living their lives with a tight schedule. Switching one of those meals with a meal replacement shake can offer you the ability to finish your lunch, for example, in just 5 minutes.
Furthermore, these on-the-go drinks will even have caffeine in them. Those will offer you the energy boost to go through the rest of the day. So, you will be filling your tummy up with essential minerals and nutrients and will be refilling the energy bar at the same time.
Orgain Organic Meal All
Another vegan meal replacement formula that we have on the list is this one. Like the others, it also relies on healthy fat and plant-based proteins to offer you the fulfillment and support your health at the same time. Want to know more about what it contains? Continue reading!
The Orgain Organic Meal is up to the mark when it comes to having the right amount of protein. Each serving contains 20g of protein that is from brown rice protein and other plant-based sources. That makes the meal replacement shake fully vegan and cruelty-free.
This blend also includes dozens of plant extracts, including green tea extract, green coffee bean extract, antioxidant fruit extracts, kale, garbanzo bean sprout, and many more. Those will enhance the weight loss effect and make it effective in making you feel full after drinking it.
Moreover, the Orgain Organic Meal is free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. Instead of utilizing sugar, the formula sweetens the drink using organic amla fruit extract. And the meal replacement shake is also pretty affordable.
Highlighted Features
- Can offer the feeling of fulfillment
- It does not have preservatives, color, or artificial flavors
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Creamy Chocolate Avocado Shake
Got a serious chocolate craving? This shake will scratch that itch and prevent cravings later in the day when your willpower is weaker, says Amy Shapiro, RD, CDN, and Truvia dietitian. “The avocado adds creaminess and heart-healthy fats and fiber that will keep you full and your skin glowing, too,” she says. “The cacao is a powerful antioxidant and the chia seeds provide a dose of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, protein, and hydrationso this smoothie will keep you going all day long.”
Recipe: Blend 1/2 avocado, 1/2 cup fresh coconut water, 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 scoop protein powder, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 1 tablespoon honey, ice, and 2 packets Truvia or other stevia-based sweetener.
Nutrition: 290 calories, 21 g carbohydrates, 27 g protein, 11 g fat
This simple swap will make your smoothies so much more filling:
Are They A Good Choice For Meal Replacement
It depends.
Could a green smoothie made with frozen fruit, veggies, protein power, and nut butter be a good choice for breakfast or lunch? Yes.
However, youd need a higher calorie green smoothie in order to feel full enough to replace your meal.
Remember that most green smoothies available in stores contain only fruit and vegetable purees. These smoothies dont contain enough calories or protein to be a suitable meal choice.
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Ingredients And Nutrition Breakdown
Your smoothies nutrition depends on the ingredients you use.
For example, smoothies made with only fruits and vegetables are lower in protein and healthy fats than green smoothies made with ingredients such as protein powders and nut butters.
Heres a nutrition comparison between an 8-ounce serving of a store-bought green smoothie containing just fruits and vegetables and the same serving of a homemade green smoothie made with protein powder and avocado.
| Store-bought Naked Juice | |
|---|---|
| 1.92 grams | 5.3 grams |
As you can see, youre drinking two completely different green smoothies with different nutrients, despite the similar calorie intake.
The Naked Juice smoothie consists of fruit purees, fruit juices, and vegetables all low in protein and fat. It also lacks fiber.
Protein, fiber, and fat are essential components of a balanced and satisfying meal because these nutrients help regulate your appetite. For example, protein is the most filling macronutrient and can help you feel satisfied between meals .
Although smoothies made entirely of fruits and vegetables boast a variety of vitamins, minerals, and essential plant compounds, they wont keep you full for long.
However, you dont have to consider this a bad thing, especially if youre drinking a fruity green smoothie alongside a satisfying meal thats rich in protein, fiber, and fat.
What Types Of Protein Powders Are Available
Protein powders can come from both animal protein sources:
- whey- from milk
Beyond the sources of protein, there are three broad types:
- concentrate
- isolate
- hydra
The best weight loss shakes are high in protein, but low in fat, carbohydrates and calories. Therefore, protein isolate comes out on top for dieters as its lowest in fat and carbohydrates compared to concentrate and hydra.
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Dietitians Recommend These 9 Ingredients For The Best Weight
Smoothies are one of the easiest breakfasts you can make. But if you’re trying to get leaner, registered dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, author of The Anti-Inflammatory Kitchen Cookbook, told POPSUGAR, “an all-fruit smoothie wouldn’t be the best idea, since it’s a large dose of sugar coming at you at one time with not a lot of protein or healthy fats to satiate you or to prevent a huge spike in your blood sugar levels.”
In order to create a filling smoothie that will help you lose weight, Leslie suggested this recipe formula:
- 1 cup fruit: berries are the highest in fiber and antioxidants.
- 1 cup milk of choice: if using plant-based milk, try getting one with protein like Silk Protein Milk, Ripple , or unsweetened soy milk.
- 1 fat of choice: 1/4 avocado 1 tablespoon nut butter 1 to 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed, chia seeds, or hemp seeds or 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or almond flour.
- Extra protein: 1 scoop protein powder try plant-based for added fiber and nutrients.
Savory Weight Loss Smoothies
A smoothie can be a lot of things: a pre- or post-workout boost, a cold and refreshing thirst quencher, a thick and creamy dessert, a perfectly balanced breakfast. But one thing most of us never think of when we think of smoothies: comfort food.
These recipes, from the book Zero Belly Smoothies, stake out a new territory in the smoothie landscape, a culinary point of departure into a taste realm you might not have considered. While these smoothies are still cold and refreshing, they’re going to taste more like a savory soup than a bright pick-me-up.
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop plant-based plain protein powder
- 3 ice cubes
- Water to blend
NUTRITION: 232 calories / 2 g fat / 28 g carbs / 3.5 g fiber / 10 g sugar / 26 g protein
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Best Value: Muscle Milk Protein Powder
Muscle Milks whey comes in at just under 60 cents per ounce, a steal compared to many of its competitors. But it doesnt skimp on nutrition: Youll get 32 grams of complete protein per serving, but only 3 grams of sugar. And because its a whey isolate, its absolutely packed with muscle-building protein, McDaniel explains. Ive tried many other protein powders over the years, especially during my competitive powerlifting days, trying to find the best one and always found myself coming back to this brand, one reviewer writes.
How To Choose The Best Protein Powder
As you scan labels, Jennifer McDaniel, M.S., R.D.N., a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, recommends choosing options that include their specific type of protein as the first ingredient then, its best to go for ones that dont use artificial sweeteners, keep their ingredient lists short, and have neutral flavors like vanilla or unflavored. Now, its time to pick the right kind of protein for you.
Know your diet. Theres a protein powder out there for every diet imaginable plant-based eaters can enjoy soy and pea protein, for example, while paleo adherents can reach for egg white protein. And if youre dairy-free, avoid whey or casein and reach for hemp or soy. Before you settle on one, make sure youre clear on your eating plan.
Understand PDCAAS.One of the more recent, accepted ways to assess the protein quality and bioavailability is the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score , McDaniel explains. PDCAAS ranks proteins on a quality scale of zero to one. The closer to one, the better whey, casein, and egg white score 1.0, collagen scores 0.0, and plant-based options score in the middle.
Ready to explore some new options or learn more about your favorite? These are the best protein powders to try, according to dietitians and reviewers.
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