If you’re trying to manage your weight, summer can be more of a challenge than usual. The warm temperatures, socializing and vacations are usually full of temptations, especially cold treats that help cool you down. From ice cream and sugary soft drinks to cold alcoholic beverages, they all taste great, but they can be devastating for your weight loss.
But fear not, there is a way for you to enjoy a tasty refreshment without worrying about your weight loss. ‘Healthy milkshakes’ might sound like a contradiction, but they can actually be a cool, delicious way for you to enjoy summer treats all season long.
Easy Healthy Milkshake & Smoothie Recipes
We chose these recipes because they are all fast and easy to make. So all you have to do is pick your favourite.
Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie
We wanted to tell you about this one first because of how good it is for you, and how delicious it tastes. It’s also one of the more versatile recipes letting you customize it to your tastes.
The two main ingredients, peanut butter and bananas give this smoothie all of its goodness. In addition to being a deliciously unique flavour combination, peanut butter offers a long list of nutrients, including lots of fibre and protein to help fill you up and reduce your appetite, biotin and vitamin E for great-looking skin and hair, and unsaturated fats that help lower bad cholesterol. And bananas are a nutrient-rich source of fibre, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, copper, vitamin C, manganese and good carbohydrates.
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas – should be at least a bit brown before freezing
- 4 – 6 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups of your preferred milk, including non-dairy options like soy or almond milk
Options
- 1/3 cup quick oats or rolled oats
- sweetener of choice to taste, if needed
- a scoop of protein powder
- salt to taste
- an extra banana for a thicker smoothie
Instructions
Put all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. Drink immediately, or store in a covered container in the refrigerator. If you’re adding oats, blend them into a powder before adding them to the mix.
Chocolate Shamrock Shake
If we’re talking milkshakes, we must include some form of the iconic ‘chocolate shake’! This one isn’t as much of a nutrition powerhouse as the Peanut Butter Banana smoothie, but it’s still a very healthy choice and its chocolaty flavour will make you feel like it’s a cheat day.
Even better, you can boost its nutrient content with milk options like coconut milk. This delicious non-dairy milk is full of appetite-reducing fibre, it’s rich in vitamins and minerals, and it’s a great source of antioxidants, electrolytes (for healthy heart and muscle function) and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup milk of choice
- 1/3 cup canned coconut milk, creamer, or other milk of choice
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 1/2 tsp cocoa or cacao powder
- 1/8 tsp salt
Options
- sweetener of choice to taste
- chocolate chips
Instructions
Blend all ingredients until completely smooth. Pour into a glass, and enjoy!
Strawberry Smoothie
If summer had an official flavour, it would be strawberry. This easy strawberry smoothie is fast, easy, and healthy and even your kids will love its fruity-sweet flavour. You can also customize it for different taste sensations or for more healthy nutrition. For example, you can replace half of the strawberries with blueberries, diced pineapple, banana, mango, or any other fruit. Also, you can add protein powder, high-protein non-dairy milk or yogurt to turn it into a protein shake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries (270g) or a fruit combination of your choice
- 2/3 cup milk of choice, or plain or strawberry yogurt
Options
- sweetener of choice, as desired
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions
Blend all ingredients until completely smooth.
If you’re looking for more healthy recipes or the help and support you need to manage your weight, visit your Nearest Herbal One location and speak with one of our nutrition specialists.
If you found this post helpful, check out our recent article How Food Sensitivities Affect Weight Loss.