Protein shakes are a protein drink commonly consumed before or after exercise to help in muscle building. Protein shakes are usually made with frozen fruit/ice, a protein source such as protein powder and liquid.
These smoothies contain essential nutrients that keep your skin, hair, bones and muscles healthy. Protein shakes from local gyms and juice stores often contain more sugar than a dozen donuts, and the same goes for some of the recipes you find online. Eliminating them every day will not come close to achieving your health goals. That is, of course, unless you choose from our range of the healthiest protein shake recipes.
Losing weight is not easy. This requires many permutations and combinations of foods to eat, foods to avoid, and a practical exercise regimen. Constant effort is vital here, and if you understand these basics correctly, you can lose weight quickly and maintain your weight loss in the long run. The usual advice that most health experts and nutritionists give you is to add lots of quality protein foods to your diet to help you healthily lose weight.
One of the essential nutrients for weight loss is protein. Protein shakes are a convenient way to add protein to your diet. Increased protein intake reduces sugar cravings and suppresses appetite. This makes you eat less and lose fat. The high protein content also boosts your metabolism, helping you burn more calories than usual, as a lot of energy is wasted in digestion and metabolism.
To help you stay on track if you’re trying to lose weight, we’ve looked through our recipe archives for the most mouth-watering protein shake recipes for weight loss. Then you’ll find something to satisfy any appetite, from a refreshing fruit dessert to a milkshake-style dessert. We tried to find the best recipes; all you have to do is pick a recipe, start up the blender and enjoy.
Are Protein Shakes Good For You?
The healthiest protein shakes are those you make in your own blender because you have control over what goes into them. The goal here is to save calories and make it low in sugar which has high protein and no additives.
Protein Shakes Benefits
There are numerous benfits of protein shakes and are a great post-workout drink to help your muscles recover properly. In addition to post-workout shakes, protein shakes can be used as a meal replacement if they are high in calories or even a high protein breakfast.
Protein Shake Before or After Your Workout?
We prefer to drink a protein shake after training, but it has been said that both before and after training will have the same benefits!
What are the Best Ingredients to Look for in a Protein Shake?
You can use plant-based protein powder (peas, chia, or brown rice) or animal protein powder (whey, casein, or collagen) depending on your tastes, but make sure it is free of hormones, additives, fillers, and ingredients.
Fiber is the next most crucial weight loss ingredient. It also helps keep you feeling full, suppresses appetite, and keeps your gut healthy. Fruits and vegetables are the best source of fiber and nutrients.
What you don’t want:
Added sugar and other empty carbs. You don’t need to add a lot of sweeteners to make your cocktail taste good. If you use high-quality ingredients, it will be delicious on its own. It’s a good idea to add some stevia, monfruit, or erythritol as these natural zero-calorie sweeteners don’t mix with your blood sugar, but don’t take artificial sweeteners too heavily.
25 Homemade Protein Shake Recipes for Weight Loss
In this article, we’ve compiled the best high protein shake recipes for weight loss. From protein shakes for breakfast to protein shakes as a snack or dessert, these recipes are perfect for anyone looking to increase their protein intake and lose weight.
1. Blueberry Muffin Smoothie
Frozen blueberries, honey, vanilla and cinnamon make this smoothie as delicious as a blueberry muffin. Oatmeal, peanut butter, and greek yogurt contain protein.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2/3 cup frozen blueberries
- 2/3 cup plain greek yogurt with 2 percent fat
- 3 tablespoons oats
- 1 1/2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
In a blender, combine the ingredients and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 403 calories
- 18g fat (4g saturated)
- 42g carbohydrates
- 6g fiber
- 22g protein
2. Gingersnap Green Smoothie
Greek yogurt, almond butter and oats add protein to this smoothie, while a little ginger and vanilla add a ginger flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana, peeled, chopped, frozen
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2/3 cup plain greek yogurt with 2 percent fat
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate until tender.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 398 calories
- 16g fat (2g saturated)
- 46g carbohydrates
- 20g sugar
- 8g fiber
- 23g protein
3. Cherry Chia Smoothie
There is an unexpected hidden ingredient in this smoothie: the avocado gives it a great creamy texture without affecting the tart cherry flavor. Greek yogurt adds protein.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen cherries
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt with 2% fat
- 1/4 medium ripe avocado
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 396 calories
- 20g fat (3g saturated)
- 42g carbohydrates
- 21g sugar
- 16g fiber
- 20g protein
4. Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie
This smoothie requires peanut flour, which may not always be in the cupboard. It’s made from peanuts (and nothing else!) with some of the fat removed, and you can also use it in baked goods to add a peanut flavor without adding as much fat as peanut butter.
Ingredients
- 227 grams (1 cup) plain low fat greek yogurt
- ½ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 packs of natural sweetener (truvia, stevia, etc.)
- 25 green grape varieties
- 60g (½ cup) peanut flour
- 4 ice cubes
Instructions
- In a fast blender add greek yogurt, milk, sweetener, and grapes.
- Stir until you can not see the skins of the grapes.
- Add peanut flour and ice and stir until smooth.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutrition per serving
- 260 calories
- 4.5g fat (0.5g saturated)
- 29g carbohydrates
- 22g sugar
- 5g fiber
- 29g protein
5. Healthy Red Velvet Smoothie
Nice and chocolatey, not least beauty. This thick and creamy, sweet and addictive, rich chocolate smoothie is sugar free, low in carbohydrates, low in fat, high in protein and gluten.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ cup plain low fat greek yogurt
- ¼ a glass of roasted beetroot puree
- 32g (cup) chocolate whey protein powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened dutch cocoa powder
- 4 packs of natural sweetener (stevia, truvia, etc.)
Instructions
Add the ingredients to the shaker in the order shown in the recipe (blender works too!). Close the lid, then shake, shake, shake!
Nutrition Per Serving
- 250 calories
- 4.5 g fat (1 g saturated)
- 16 g carbohydrates
- 10 g sugar
- 4 g fiber
- 39 g protein
6. Healthy Snickers Smoothie
This snickers smoothie is very creamy, chocolatey, with caramel and peanut butter flavors. When there is this smoothie, there is no need for candy made from highly processed artificial ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon homemade chocolate syrup
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup peanut flour
- 3 packs of natural sweetener (stevia, truvia, etc.)
- 2 teaspoons homemade caramel sauce with dates
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Pour in 2 cups of chocolate syrup and place in the freezer while you make the smoothie.
- In a high speed blender (I used my vitamix) add all ingredients except ice. Beat until smooth.
- Add ice and stir until smooth. Add more ice if you want a thick shake texture.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutrition per serving
- 250 calories
- 4.5 g fat (1 g saturated)
- 16 g carbohydrates
- 10 g sugar
- 4 g fiber
- 39 g protein
7. Fresh Blueberry Smoothie
This homemade protein shake is delicious, creamy and nutty. It is filled with delicious blueberries, almond butter and vanilla protein powder.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 tbsp natural unsalted almond butter
- Water to blend (optional)
Instructions
Add the ingredients to the shaker and run the blender. Enjoy!
Nutrition Per Serving
- 232 calories
- 6 g fat
- 16 g carbohydrates
- 3 g fiber
- 28 g protein
8. Gingersnap Cookie Smoothie
This protein smoothie is as delicious as it is nutritious! Oatmeal gives this sweet, seasoned smoothie a slightly starchy texture.
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe banana, peeled, chopped, frozen
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2/3 cup plain 2-percent-fat greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
In a blender, combine the ingredients and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 398 calories
- 16 g fat (2 g saturated)
- 46 g carbohydrates
- 20 g sugar
- 8 g fiber
- 23 g protein
9. Carrot Cake Smoothie
This rich smoothie contains healthy ingredients like walnuts, coconut, carrots and oranges. More importantly, it really tastes like dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut (or flakes)
- 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped walnuts
- 3/4 cup grated carrots (1 large carrot)
- 1/2 cup frozen peeled orange wedges
- 1/2 banana, chopped and frozen
- 1/2 cup low-fat greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup coconut water
Instructions
In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate until tender.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 18 grams of protein
10. Raspberry Almond Chia Smoothie
A chia raspberry and almond smoothie is the perfect start to the day. Made with real ingredients like raspberries, almonds, chia seeds, and yogurt, you’ll have protein to energize your body in the morning. It’s a much better option than anything you can get out of the driver’s window, and your body will feel much better.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup plain greek yogurt (i like fage greek yogurt)
- 2/3 cup almond milk (or any other milk of your choice)
- 2/3 cup frozen raspberries
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tsp. Semyan chia
Instructions
- In a blender, add all the ingredients, leaving some almonds.
- Mix until smooth and include all ingredients.
- If desired, chop the canned almonds and stir.
- Pour and enjoy.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories 365 Kcal
- Fat 23 G
- Carbohydrates 38 G
- Protein 10 G
11. Peach And Pecan Smoothie
This frozen peach summer drink can be made any time of the year. Protein includes pecans, greek yogurt, and oats.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2/3 cup plain greek yogurt with 2 percent fat
- 1 medium peach, chopped and frozen
- 1/2 large ripe banana, peeled, chopped and frozen
- 14 halves of pecans
- 2 tablespoons oats
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of cinnamon
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until tender.
Nutrition per serving
- 411 calories
- 20 g fat (4 g saturated)
- 41 g carbohydrates
- 24 g sugar
- 7 g fiber
- 21 g protein
12. Spinach Banana Super Smoothie
Green spinach banana with spinach is a quick (in as little as three minutes) way to get a decent breakfast or recharge after a workout.
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana
- 1 large handful of spinach (1 handful = approximately 60 g)
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 cup unsweetened soy milk (or your favorite milk – almond, oats, coconut, even water)
Instructions
Pretty damn simple – put it all together and mix!
Nutrition Per Serving
- 310 calories
- 13 g fat (2 g saturated)
- 37 g carbohydrates
- 6 g sugar
- 17 g fiber
- 15 g protein
13. Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie
This glass of peanut butter smoothie has a whopping 28 grams of protein – no protein powders!
Ingredients
- 1 large banana, peeled, sliced and frozen
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 ounces chobani 0% greek yogurt (or 2%, flavored or unscented)
- 3/4 cup skim milk (or your favorite milk or milk)
- 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup, or agave
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter (any kind)
Instructions
- Make sure you have a strong and powerful blender to mix the frozen banana.
- Place all ingredients in a blender in the order shown and stir on high speed until thick and smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, stir, and then add 1 more for a stronger chocolate flavor.
- Stop and stir / scrape the sides of the blender several times.
- Pour 1 teaspoon of chocolate syrup into a glass (optional) and enjoy!
Nutrition Per Serving
- 28 grams of protein
14. Double Chocolate Protein Shake
Nowadays, more and more people are beginning to realize how important it is to be more physically active and eat wholesome food. We all have our own unique goals, but the three most common are building muscle / gaining weight, losing weight / losing weight, and improving overall health. Of these three, the most popular goal is weight loss, and while it may seem like a daunting process, it really isn’t.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- ¼ cups frozen raspberries
- 1 teaspoon chocolate protein powder
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- liquid stevia to taste (optional)
- 1/2 to 1 cup ice
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and whisk until smooth.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 453 calories
- 22.7 g fat (2 g saturated)
- 24.2 g carbohydrates
- 8.4 g sugar
- 37.2 g protein
15. Avocado Spinach Fitness Smoothie
Inspired by ben greenfield, nutrition and fitness expert, triathlete and spartan racer and new york times bestseller, this spinach and avocado smoothie fits the bill perfectly.
Ingredients
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- ½ avocado
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (not nesquik trash, lol)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon walnuts (almonds are good too)
- 1 teaspoon dark chocolate beans
- 2 tsp coconut flakes
- ½ glass of water (maybe a little more)
- 1/2 teaspoon maple syrup (baby, if you’re good at it)
- ½ cup soy milk (milk will work too – keep it gluten-free if necessary)
- 1 serving of protein powder
Instructions
- Put everything in a blender and knead for 60 seconds.
- Serve it.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 402 calories
- 21 g fat (4 g saturated)
- 15 g carbohydrates
- 5 g sugar
- 5 g fiber
- 14 g protein
16. Healthy Nut Blueberry Smoothie
Want a tropical smoothie to drink and enjoy your guilt? This healthy walnut smoothie from eating bird food contains your typical fruit drink and packs in protein by adding a few teaspoons of protein powder and almond butter, a secondary protein source.
Ingredients
- Mix 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 2 teaspoons (about 4 tablespoons) vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk
Instructions
In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate until tender.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 350 calories
- 16 g fat
- 42 g carbohydrates
- 6 g fiber
- 20 g protein
17. Superfood with Peanut Butter, Banana and Green Cocoa Smoothie
This smoothie superfood is rich in antioxidants, fiber and magnesium.have this smoothie for your first meal of the day, especially for customers who tend to skip breakfast.
Ingredients
- Mix 3/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1 lost cup of baby spinach
- 2 teaspoons peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon whey protein
- 1/2 frozen ripe banana
- 1/3 ounce tablespoon of ice cocoa beans.
Instructions
In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate until tender.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 240 calories
- 11.5 g fat
- 21 g carbohydrates
- 18 g protein
18. Lemon Blueberry Smoothie
This sweet jelly smoothie is refreshing and quite thick, so if you feel like eating it with a spoon, grab it! (A little muesli on top would probably be delicious too.)
Ingredients
- 1 glass of mandry for friendship 1% cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a blender and whisk until smooth. Enjoy!
Nutrition Per Serving
- 15 grams of protein
19. Green Pistachio Pineapple Smoothie
A sweet, tangy green smoothie with 18 grams of protein.
Ingredients
- 2 small bananas, fresh or frozen, diced
- 2 cups loosely wrapped spinach leaves
- 1 cup usually 2% fatty greek yogurt
- 1 cup frozen pineapple slices
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup pistachios
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth.
- Divide evenly into 2 (12 oz.) Freezer-safe jars with airtight lids.
- Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and shake well before serving.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 349 calories
- 11 g fat (2 g saturated)
- 49 g carbohydrates
- 27 g sugar
- 8 g fiber
- 18 g protein
20. Blood Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
This smoothie has no added sugar but is slightly sweet with orange and pomegranate seeds, 2% greek yogurt protein, and a little almond oil.
Ingredients
- 1 red orange (or 1 small navel orange), peeled, chopped into 1 inch chunks, and freeze
- pomegranate seeds, frozen
- 1 cup plain, 2% greek yogurt
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender and whisk until smooth, 30 to 60 seconds.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 411 calories
- 15 g fat (4 g saturated)
- 38 g carbohydrates
- 5.7 g dietary fiber
- 33 g sugar)
- 31 g protein
21. Date Nut Green Smoothie
Pecans are responsible for some of the protein and most of the flavor in this drink. High protein greek yogurt will also help you stay happy. This nut-sweet smoothie is a great way to add vegetables in the morning.
Ingredients
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt with 2% fat
- 3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 15 halves of pecans
- 1/2 large ripe banana, peeled, chopped and frozen
- 1 medium pitted date
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate until tender.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 406 calories
- 18 g fat (3 g saturated)
- 45 g carbohydrates
- 29 g sugar
- 7 g fiber
- 22 g protein
22. Purple Monster Smoothie
This smoothie gets its vibrant hue from a blend of blueberries and red fruits, while the protein comes from greek yogurt and milk.
Ingredients
- 1 medium banana
- 1 cup frozen blueberries
- 1 cup frozen fruit
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1/2 cup low fat 2% vanilla milk
- 1/2 cup fat-free greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
Stir everything in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 15 g protein
23. Mango Cherry Smoothie
Allow this cherry-mango delight to mentally transport you to a warmer place. High protein peanut butter and greek yogurt ensure that this amount will satisfy you. Frozen cherries are a great healthy food to keep on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3/4 cup frozen cherries
- 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt with 2% fat
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a blender, combine all ingredients until smooth.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until tender.
Nutrition Per Serving
- 387 calories
- 18 g fat (3 g saturated)
- 43 g carbohydrates
- 32 g sugar
- 7 g fiber
- 20 g protein
24. Black Bean Brownie Smoothie
A rich, creamy and healthy chocolate smoothie that’s rich in protein, thanks to a secret ingredient you can’t completely taste – beans! It’s like a chocolate protein shake, but without any fancy ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1-2 dates of medjool pitted
- 1 glass of almond milk or milk of your choice
- 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender. Mix until smooth.
- Pour into a cup and sprinkle with cocoa beans if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 452 kcal
- fat: 11 g (1 g saturated)
- carbohydrates: 77 g
- fiber: 18 g
- sugar: 32 g
- protein: 19 g
25. Healthy Chocolate Snickers Smoothie
Peanut flour provides both protein punch and hard candy. The recipe calls for homemade chocolate syrup and caramel date sauce, but feel free to skip the extra work and just use store-bought items.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon homemade chocolate syrup
- 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup peanut flour
- 3 packs of natural sweetener (stevia, truvia, etc.)
- 2 teaspoons homemade caramel sauce with dates
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup ice cubes
Instructions
- Pour in 2 cups of chocolate syrup and place in the freezer while you make the smoothie.
- Add all ingredients except ice to a high speed blender. Beat until smooth.
- Add ice and stir until smooth.
- Add more ice if you want a thick shake texture.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Nutrition Per Serving
- Caloric Value: 190 kcal
- fat: 7 g (0.5 g saturated)
- carbohydrates: 17 g
- fiber: 8 g
- sugar: 7 g
- protein: 18 g