If you're embarking on a weight-loss journey right now, and are on the lookout for Keto-friendly recipes, well… you're in the right place. Maybe you lead a busy schedule and are seeking quick and easy breakfast ideas? Or maybe you are looking for yummy pre-workout or post-workout smoothies to support your exercising regime? Whichever your case, here at Innermost we have put together the top 5 Keto-friendly protein shakes to not only help you stick to your individual plan, but to satisfy your taste buds too. After all, weight-loss is so much easier when delicious food is consumed along the way.
What Is A Keto Diet?
For those who are unfamiliar, the Keto diet (short for Ketogenic diet) is a high fat and low carb diet alike that of Paleo and Atkins. Here the focus is on consuming a plan of select quantities for each food group, namely 70-80% in fat, 5-10% carbohydrates, and 10-20% protein. I’m sure we can all agree here that carbohydrates are both addicting and comforting, and not to mention conveniently accessible. However with Keto it involves the process of drastically reducing carbohydrates and instead replacing this with fat. After a while. this switch puts an individual’s body into a metabolic state called ketosis. To put it simply, ketosis is the process of burning stored fat for energy instead of blood sugar. As there are low amounts of glucose being added to the body, in return it is forced to find other ways to fuel itself. Stored fat become its next target, subsequently using this for energy.
Foods Allowed In A Keto Diet
Due to the strict food group quantities, it may be difficult to get to grips with which foods you can actually consume. As fat is the main focus, the best rule of thumb is to include this at each mealtime. Things like cheese, yogurt, cream, nuts, seeds, and vegetables with healthy fats like avocados are great to focus on. Protein doesn’t need to be restricted either and in fact it plays an important role. Not only does it help to increase the calorie burning process, but it also reduces those pesky cravings, eases hunger levels and helps to build muscle. Stepping away from smoothies, focusing on animal protein is a good step forward here with things like salmon, fresh meat, fresh poultry, and eggs. With that in mind, let’s disclose our top 5 Keto shakes that feature this needed protein through the help of our protein powder varieties.
Triple Berry & Avocado Breakfast Shake
- 240ml of water
- 98 grams of frozen mixed berries – or fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries
- Half of an avocado (100 grams)
- 40 grams of spinach
- 2 tablespoons of hemp seeds
- The Health Protein in summer strawberry
A fantastic option for a wholesome breakfast to fuel you for the day, or even for a quenching snack, this Keto shake is packed full of delicious berries. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries have a lower carbohydrate quantity than their other fruit counterparts, making them the perfect choice to keep on plan. Not only this, but they are also easy to digest and high in fibre. A win-win situation all round here.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake
- 240ml unsweetened almond milk or other dairy alternatives
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 60ml heavy cream
- 226 grams of ice
- The Lean Protein in smooth chocolate
For something a bit sweeter, and to ease all those sugary cravings, this Keto shake could act as an after dinner dessert to bring the day to a wholesome close. What’s more, peanut butter includes both fats and plant-based protein helping the individual to keep fuller for longer, ensuring they make it through the night without stomach rumbles – no more naughty midnight snacks for us.
Green Shake
- 120ml (1/2 cup) of water
- 113 grams (1/2) cup of ice
- 130 grams of sliced cucumber
- 20 grams of spinach or kale
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of milled flax seeds
- The Detox Booster
Refreshing and light, and the ideal drink of choice for after a workout - this green shake focuses on fruits and vegetables with a high-water content, as well as contributing to the low carb rules especially with the incorporation of cucumbers. This fruit (yes fruit) is in fact 95% water, and a great source of vitamin K, with surprisingly their peel too contributing to a healthy digestive system.
Cinnamon & Raspberry Breakfast Shake
- 240ml unsweetened almond milk
- 125 grams of frozen raspberries or fresh if preferred
- 20 grams of spinach or kale
- 2 tablespoons of almond butter
- Cinnamon
- The Fit Protein in creamy vanilla
Another scrumptious breakfast idea with a well-balanced flavour and nutritious value is this fruity yet spicey Keto shake. Cinnamon does not only add an additional aroma to foods (and make you reminisce on the festive period) but it also helps to regulate blood sugar levels and breakdown starches like carbohydrates. Consuming cinnamon in the morning will boost energy levels and get you pumped for the day ahead.
Key Lime Pie Shake
- 240ml of water
- 120ml of unsweetened almond milk
- 28 grams of raw cashews
- 20 grams of spinach
- 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut
- 2 tablespoons of lime juice
- The Lean Protein in creamy vanilla
Lastly, we have a Keto twist on a classic dessert famed in America – the key lime pie. This Keto protein shake incorporates nuts in the form of cashews – with nuts in general containing low carbs and higher amounts of fat. Potassium, magnesium, and fibre make up cashews meaning consuming these will decrease blood pressure and increase good cholesterol levels. With the addition of our creamy vanilla protein powder, this is another on plan treat that will keep you going and will subsequently make you forget about missing your favourite snack. Welcome to your new favourite!
Summary
I don’t know about you, but after all that food talk - our hunger levels have peaked and our stomachs are rumbling in protest. Nevertheless, as you can see, sticking to a diet doesn’t have to be boring or restrictive, and with Keto there are plenty of different ways to jazz up your eating regime. If that is for a pre-workout boost, an after run pick me up, or even an indulgent evening treat – these Keto protein shakes will ensure you stick to plan whilst reaping a bucket load of nutritional benefits. So, get out your blender…its protein shakes all round.
