Shakes are a great way to start the day – packed with protein, nutrients and everything you need to kick start your metabolism into action. This is particularly important if you are trying to lose weight. Skipping breakfast is not going to help the cause. If our metabolism is not working correctly, it doesn’t matter how hard you try, you aren’t going to lose weight.
If you are one of these people who doesn’t like to have breakfast, or doesn’t like to eat until late morning, then you need to consider a shake. It is a great compromise as it is effectively a drink, isn’t it?! Perhaps start with half until you get used to it. The only reason you can’t have breakfast is because that is what you have trained your body into thinking. Once you start getting something down you in the morning on a regular basis, your body will start to respond and it will get easier and easier. Trust me! I am a nutritionist!
Shakes are also great as mid morning or mid afternoon snacks. Once you have kick started your metabolism, you need to keep it balanced. Having protein based meals and snacks throughout the day will do this.
Not sure where to start with shakes? Here are 10 shake recipes for you to use for breakfast, snacks or as recovery shakes after exercise.
1.Blueberry Burst Smoothie
* 250ml almond milk
* Handful frozen blueberries
* 1 banana
* 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
* 1 tsp lemon zest
2. Incredible Bulk Smoothie
* Handful of frozen pineapple
* 250ml coconut water
* 1 small handful of kale
* 1⁄2 large cucumber, peeled
* 1⁄2 avocado, peeled
* 1 tsp chia seeds
3. Fool’s Gold Smoothie
* 1 ripe mango, cubed
* 1⁄2 ripe banana, peeled
* 120ml milk (we used unsweetened almond milk)
* 3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt
* 2 tsp unsweetened matcha powder
* Scoop of vanilla protein powder
* 0-2 tsp honey (to taste)
* Handful of ice cubes
4. Nutty Protein Smoothie Recipe
* Three tablespoons of full fat cottage cheese
* 1 pitted Medjool date (soak in hot water for 5 minutes)
* 1⁄2 tsp cinnamon
* 1⁄2 tsp nutmeg
* 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
* 200ml unsweetened almond milk
5. Beets and Berries Smoothie (great recovery rink)
* 1 medium beetroot, peeled and cubed
* Handful of strawberries, fresh or frozen
* 3 Medjool dates, pitted
* Handful of apple slices (optional)
* 1 scoop Argi+
*1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
* 200ml almond milk
6. Ginger Ninja Smoothie
* 120ml carrot juice
* 1 tbsp fresh ginger, (roughly chopped)
* 1 banana
* 1 scoop vanilla protein shake
* Handful of ice cubes
Blitz and serve
7. Strawberry and Raspberry Smoothie
* 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder
* 250ml of almond milk
* Handful of fresh or frozen raspberries and strawberries
Blitz in a blender and serve in a glass with ice.
8. Pineapple and Peach Punch
* 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
* 250ml of almond milk
* Handful of fresh or frozen pineapple and peach slices
Blitz in a blender and serve in a glass with ice.
9. Avocado and Mango Tango
* 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
* 250ml of almond milk
* Handful of fresh or frozen mango slices
* 1 medium ripe avocado
Blitz in a blender and serve in a glass with ice.
10. Chocolate Raspberry Delight
* 1 scoop chocolate protein powder
* 250ml unsweetened coconut milk
* Handful of fresh or frozen raspberries
* Tablespoon of raw cocoa powder
* Tablespoon of almond butter
Blitz and serve.
