There are so many ways to get your recommended daily intake of protein. For some people, they like to eat their protein in solid form such as chicken and fish, while others prefer to drink their protein.
Protein shakes are a great way to boost the protein content of your diet without adding a lot of extra sugar or fat. A good quality shake will also be fortified with various vitamins and minerals that you might not get from your normal diet. Drinking a shake instead of eating regular meals is also helpful for those who struggle with digestion or need to lose weight faster.
Here are some tips on how you can make the best protein shakes at home:
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Add Some Healthy Fats
One of the best ways to make your protein shake healthier is by adding healthy fats. Fat is an essential part of any diet and is needed for many body functions including the proper absorption of vitamins.
Unfortunately, the majority of people in the West consume more fat than they actually need. Healthy fats are much better for you than the processed fats you find in junk food such as butter and oil.
Adding healthy fats to your protein shake will make it much more filling and help you avoid the cravings that can ruin your diet. Healthy fats that work well in shakes include things like ground flax seeds and chia seeds, nuts, and even coconut oil.
Mix It With Water, Not Milk
When most people think of protein shakes, they picture something that is thick, creamy and tastes like a milkshake. While this is a popular way to make a shake, it is by no means the healthiest.
The best protein shakes are best made with water, not milk. This is because milk is high in fat, calories and has a high sugar content. Sugar is often added to make the shake taste better, but it is not necessary. To make your shake taste great, you can add things like fresh or frozen fruit.
Overall, mixing your protein shake with water, instead of milk, will make it much healthier and will save you a significant amount of calories.
Use A High-Quality Protein
When you are trying to pick a protein to put in your protein shake, it is important to make sure that it is of a high quality. You might remain surprised to find out that many of the protein powders on the market are made from low-quality sources such as soy and pea protein.
While these are both good sources of protein, they are also high in fat. Instead, look for a protein that is made from things like hemp, rice, or whey. Whey protein is the best, but it can remain quite expensive and remainoften associated with body builders.
Don’t Forget The Vitamins And Minerals
When you are making a protein shake, most people will focus on the protein content, but protein is not the only thing in the shake that is good for you.
Many shakes also have added vitamins and minerals such as calcium and iron. Some shakes even have added fiber or probiotics, which are great if you have a sensitive stomach.
You can go a step further in boosting the nutritional content of your shake by adding some fresh or frozen fruit. This will also make the shake taste better. You can choose any fruit that you like, but for the best results, use something that is high in fiber. This will help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
In Conclusion
Protein shakes are a great way to boost the protein content of your diet while also getting a variety of vitamins and minerals. They are also a great meal replacement for those who have a sensitive stomach or struggle with digestion.
Follow the tips above to make a filling shake that your body will appreciate.