These eight iced coffee protein shake recipes for weight loss are loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that can aid in fat burning and weight loss! Research indicates that caffeine can help the body burn fat and boost metabolism. When you burn calories more efficiently and use fat for energy, you’re more likely to shed pounds.
That morning cup of coffee might be doing more for you than you realize. However, if you add sugar, artificial flavors, and cream, you might be undermining its benefits. Another enjoyable way to have your coffee is in a protein shake. The protein powder keeps you feeling full and energizes your body, while the coffee offers weight-loss advantages.
This post may contain affiliate links, which help keep the content free. Please check our disclosure for more details. Many people tend to overload their smoothies with sugar. While fruits like bananas and berries are natural, they also contain a lot of carbs. Often, people consume more fruit than necessary in smoothies. One study found that drinking a fruit-filled smoothie can lead to a 12% increase in calorie intake.
Consuming calories in liquid form can leave you feeling less satisfied since you didn’t chew the fruit. When you blend carbs into a drink and drink it quickly, it can cause a spike in blood sugar. If you use juice as the base for your smoothie, you might be consuming as much sugar as in a soda.
Carbs aren’t inherently bad, but some people may not process them as well as others. It’s generally advisable to consume more carbs on days of intense workouts, while it might be wise to limit them on days when you don’t exercise.
Using coffee instead of fruit juice can offer numerous health benefits! Steer clear of sugary frozen drinks from coffee shops and make a healthier version at home! All you need is a decent coffee maker and a few go-to recipes to get started!
Research shows that coffee boosts adrenaline levels, prompting fat tissues to release fat for energy. Studies also indicate that caffeine can raise your body temperature and metabolic rate. Lean individuals may experience up to a 29% increase in metabolic rate after consuming caffeine. If you’re at a healthy weight, combining coffee with protein powder can help you maintain it.
Caffeine can enhance athletic performance. If you already have a shake before hitting the gym, consider adding coffee to it. Research suggests that caffeine can help you exercise more intensely without feeling like you’re working too hard, allowing you to burn more calories in less time.
So, if you’re not filling your protein shake with fruit, what should you include? Start with iced coffee as your base. If you want a creamier texture, add some unsweetened, non-dairy milk. A scoop of your favorite protein powder adds nutrients and helps you stay full longer, providing enough sweetness to eliminate the need for fruit.
A handful of greens adds calcium and fiber. Spinach and kale are relatively tasteless in smoothies, so feel free to add a couple of handfuls. Raw cacao gives a mocha flavor without the sugar found in chocolate syrups. Cinnamon not only enhances the taste but can also aid in weight loss. Studies suggest that consuming half a teaspoon of cinnamon daily can help regulate blood sugar levels, reducing fat storage.
Coconut oil can provide enough fat to keep you feeling full. Adding it to your coffee can boost energy, speed up metabolism, and enhance the immune system. Just remember that coconut oil is high in fat and calories, so use it sparingly while trying to lose weight.
If you’re looking to build lean muscle, simply add whey protein to your iced coffee. Use unsweetened iced coffee, as the protein powder will add sweetness. Here’s a recipe for making this shake in a basic shaker bottle.
Keep bananas in the freezer for a thick, frosty texture in your blended drink. If it’s a workout day or you’re craving carbs, this makes a great breakfast that you can burn off later. Unsweetened almond milk adds extra creaminess to your iced coffee protein shake.
A coffee smoothie doesn’t have to be brown and rich. This recipe incorporates vanilla flavor and adds protein with Greek yogurt and protein powder. Another smoothie uses peanut butter instead of protein powder, tasting more like a milkshake but still offering health benefits. We recommend using PB2 instead of regular peanut butter, as it has the same flavor with about 85% fewer calories!
This smoothie includes oats for added protein and fiber, providing plenty of energy to keep you full until lunchtime or later. Dates and greens add sweetness and nutrients to this mocha smoothie. If you swap raw cacao powder for cocoa, you’ll gain extra fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. While these benefits may not directly lead to weight loss, they can enhance your overall health.
This mocha smoothie recipe is similar to the previous one but replaces dates with a banana. As mentioned earlier, you don’t need dates or bananas for sweetness if you add a scoop of your favorite protein powder. This smoothie is a great afternoon or evening pick-me-up, but feel free to enjoy it in the morning too. It does contain more sugar than most, but it’s natural, unrefined sugar. While you shouldn’t overindulge, it’s a nice treat now and then.
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