Curious about the different types of protein shakes on the market, and which is best for you? In this article, we’ll discuss what makes an amazing protein shake and how to find one that best fits you and your needs. We’ll also supply some of the best protein shake recipes for weight loss, that we think you’ll find ultra-satisfying! Read on to get all that and more!
What Is A Protein Shake?
Does it seem like everyone you know now drinks some type of protein shake as part of a healthy diet – or to help reach their weight loss or fitness goals? Though protein shakes have only increased in popularity, they certainly aren’t all created equal – and they’re all very different in what they can offer you.
A protein shake is a convenient powder blend that can easily be mixed into a beverage of your choice, that contains a generous amount of protein (usually 15 – 20g) to help you meet your daily recommended intake and goals.
A protein shake may help…
- Supplement your healthy diet
- Support your weight loss goals
- Assist with lean muscle gain
- Help with quality nutrition on-the-go
However, they aren’t one-size-fits-all. The quality of the protein makes all the difference in your results, and you need to find one that matches your unique aims.
Types of protein used in these drink mixes include…
- Whey
- Casein
- Milk
- Brown Rice
- Pea
- Hemp
- Pumpkin
- Soy
Finally, you want a clean protein shake - making sure it doesn’t contain a lot of unnecessary ingredients that go against your health goals.
Make sure your protein shake is free from…
- Sugar
- Artificial sweeteners or flavors
- Unnecessary additives
- GMOs
Benefits of Protein Shakes...
Since many protein shakes are low in calories while high in protein, they work great to support your weight loss or weight maintenance goals.
In addition, protein is an essential macronutrient that your body needs in a healthy diet, for muscle growth and many other important and vital functions. Therefore a protein shake can help you keep up with a balanced dietary plan and fitness goals on a busy schedule –especially when on-the-go, since they can be mixed up and consumed in minutes.
When should I drink a protein shake?
You can drink a protein shake as a healthy snack throughout the day, as pre-workout fuel to help you succeed in your fitness routine, or as post-workout nutrition to help with muscle and total body recovery.
In addition, you can drink a meal replacement protein shake in place of any meal throughout the day. Many meal replacement shake powders taste great in smoothies that can also serve as healthy desserts!
Protein Add-Ins For Smoothies...
Protein Powder:
As mentioned, there are many different types of protein powders. New 310 Organic Meal Replacement Protein Shakes are a step above the rest! They offer superior organic, plant-based nutrition that’s suitable for vegan, vegetarian, keto, and paleo diets. And they’re super-delicious – with an unmatched creamy texture and desirable taste.
The proprietary Tri-Plex™ protein blend in the shakes includes 15g of pea, brown rice, and pumpkin proteins; 5g of dietary fiber; and organic superfoods. There’s no added sugar or artificial sweeteners, and the great flavor comes from plant-based substitutes and whole foods only.
Collagen:
Another amazing protein powder option is collagen – which is actually the most abundant protein in your body. As you age, your natural production of collagen slows down, leaving your vulnerable to potential discomforts in your joints, or skin that begins to show signs of aging.
Adding a convenient supplement like 310 Collagen Powder into your smoothies can help supply you with Type 1 & 3 collagen peptides – which together make up 90% of the collagen in the human body. It’s grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen which is top-of-the-line in quality, and can be mixed into a variety of beverages without changing the taste!
Nuts Butters:
Along with your base powders, there are also additional protein food sources that you can add into your smoothies, like a variety of nut butters! These butters not only add a creamy consistency to your drink, but they also offer healthy fats to help keep you full and satisfied, support brain health and more.
- Peanut Butter
- Almond Butter
- Cashew Butter
Nuts & Seeds:
As an alternative to nut butters, try tossing in the whole nuts and seeds instead! It will add a delightful crunch to your smoothies and provide innumerable nutrients. Since nuts and seeds contain plant-based protein and healthy fats, they support enhanced energy, satisfaction, overall health, and skin health.
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Chia Seeds
- Flax Seeds
- Hemp Seeds
Yogurt (Unsweetened):
Another great smoothie add-in that’s rich in protein is full-fat yogurt, which may also have some beneficial probiotic cultures to support immune and digestive health. Just make sure you choose unsweetened, and stay away from sugary yogurts that are actually ultra-processed and bad for your health.
- Plain, Unsweetened Yogurt
- Plain, Unsweetened Greek Yogurt
- Plain, Unsweetened Non-Daily Yogurt
High-Protein Fruits & Veggies:
You may not realize this but fruits and veggies actually contain some protein, some more than others – while supplying a variety of additional vitamins and minerals. Add some of these high-protein produce options into your smoothies…
- Avocado
- Kiwi
- Guava
- Spinach
- Kale
Other:
There are also other protein-rich foods you may not think to add into your shake, that actually give it a really nice texture while adding more nutrition, like these two additions below…
- Cottage cheese
- Liquid pasteurized egg whites
How To Make A Protein Shake...
1. Liquid Base
Start with the liquid of your choice in the bottom of the blender! Some great options include almond, coconut, cashew or oat milk; coconut water; or even just plain water depending on the recipe.
2. Protein Powder and/or Collagen
Next, add in the protein powder of your choice. We suggest adding in your flavor selection of 310 Organic Shake – but you can also add in 310 Collagen Powder to help increase satiety.
3. High-Protein Fruit & Veggies
After that, add in your choice of nutritious fruits and veggies, choosing some higher-protein options if desired. For this part, you can use fresh or frozen! Both will give you invaluable nutrients, but frozen will give you a thicker, more icy texture.
However, make sure that your blender can blend frozen fruits. If you need help with that — this guide about smoothie blenders should be your starting point!
4. Flavor & Texture Boosters
Here is where you can add in any additional ingredients discussed in the section above, such as nuts and seeds, Greek yogurt, or even 310 Peanut Butter Powder –for a smooth and nutty flavor with no sugar or unhealthy additives!
Blend up all your ingredients, sip, and savor!
Best Protein Shake Recipes
1) Vanilla Almond Protein Shake
This luxuriously-creamy shake features the taste of real vanilla bean (from 310 Organic Vanilla), balanced perfectly with almond butter, almond milk, and a frozen banana. A sweet treat that’s also great as a meal replacement!
2) Pina Colada Protein Shake
Escape to a tropical destination in your kitchen with this super-yummy Pina Colada Shake – featuring frozen pineapple, dried coconut, yogurt, banana, and creamy 310 Organic Vanilla. The perfect combination to help crush your cravings!
3) Watermelon Strawberry Protein Shake
Finally, there’s no better time to enjoy the juicy, refreshing taste of watermelon than now! This hydrating smoothie is an amazing way to do that, with added strawberries for extra natural sweetness and bold, exciting flavor!
What's your favorite protein shake recipe? Let us know in the comments below for a chance to be featured on our blog!
Want more protein shake recipes? Check out other delicious, nutritionist-approved 310 Nutrition recipes here!
