DIY Ways to Make Your Meal Replacement Shakes Even Healthier

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We all know that meal replacement shakes are a great way to help you either gain or lose weight, as they are easily digested by the body without taking in that much calorie compared to eating solid foods. Aside from that, the experience of drinking can be much pleasurable if its ingredients are all natural and fresh, adding more flavors to the overall taste of the shake.

Some would like their meal replacement shakes to be ready-made, while others would prefer spending some time to make these shakes and hand-pick the ingredients that they would use so that they will have full control over the variables included in the shake. No matter what, here are some natural fruits that you can include in your readymade or personalized shake in order to make it healthier and at the same time, tastier!

Who doesn’t want some oats?

You would probably think that oats would make your shake a sort of disgusting, sticky and inedible-looking pile of crap in a cup. But just it a try and you’ll surely be taken off your seat in surprise. You can add in some oats to your weight-loss or weight-gain shake and it will make the shake denser with content and much more concentrated, binding together all of your other ingredients.

This can even be further enhanced by putting in some ice to make the oats flaky and crunchy, while having other crisp, soft and tender fruits with it. Mouthwatering, isn’t it? Now you really go to give this a try especially if you’re looking for that extra energy as this is rich in carbs and will supply you with that fuel you need for the day.

Let’s add in some berries!

Now, who would really not want to include a berry or two in their shakes? Not you, of course. With their extremely mouth-bursting taste and antioxidant properties which will help you ward off diseases, especially during the rainy season, you definitely want to add in a cherry or a strawberry into your shake.

There are no specific instructions as to how to add in the berries as they can be pretty much tossed in into your shake without too much consideration and it’ll still taste amazing. Just a friendly reminder, though, don’t forget to check your teeth before going anywhere if you have put in some blueberries.

Who said Greek yogurt is only for Greeks?

If you’re looking for that single ingredient which you could add in your shake that will bolster its health benefits, look nowhere else except Greek yogurt. It is a very nutritious ingredient that packs a whole lot of essential nutrients including potassium, calcium, zinc and vitamins B12 and B6.

Actually, any kind of yogurt will do as they all have that same sour but tasty flavor, but Greek yogurt has a higher amount of protein that will increase your satiety levels and keep you from getting hungry easily. Not only that, but it also aids in digestion, thanks to its probiotic cultures and also has a lower amount of lactose than the regular yogurt that you usually use. So why not try to include this one in your next shake?

Milk is not only for the children!

It is undeniable that water is the most suitable base for shakes, as it contains no calories and no sugar. But if you want an extra kick of vitamin D from your shake, you can use milk instead; as it is a good source of vitamin D that strengthens your bones, increases your immunity and keeps off depression.

Well, if you’re not really into milk, you can simply replace it with alternatives such as oat, rice milk, or soy. These ingredients still has calcium, potassium and more nutrients while being low on calories. So don’t hesitate to pour some milk into your shake next time!

Frozen Bananas, eh?

This fruit is a superstar in most of your desserts and pastries, but it can also be a very flavorful component in your shake. As a great source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C while having that sweet taste and tender texture, bananas are a great addition to your shake. For them not to be frothy, freeze them up first. Then add them in while still cold and blend them all together!

Spice things up with Cinnamon

To get a spicy feeling from your shake, you may definitely sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon to have that aroma and taste that you can only get from this spice.

Though the health benefits of cinnamon are still under intense debate, it wouldn’t really hurt to try and give your shake a pinch of it. At least that much wouldn’t really be lethal, would it?

The Sandwich Friend: Peanut Butter

You have always had peanut butter as a great sandwich spread this whole time, but did you even know that you can add some into your meal-replacement shake? Yes, you definitely can. Because of the many nutrients that it contains, like magnesium, fiber, protein and potassium, peanut butter can be the next big thing that you can add to your shake.

One scoop of it would be more than enough for most people, but you can add in another one if you’d like but just remember that they can also contribute to your calorie intake, so step on that brake sometimes.

To conclude, while meal replacement shakes themselves are already packed with vitamins and minerals which are necessary for your body and are of equivalent amount with your regular meals, it wouldn’t be bad to add in some natural ingredients which could add up to the overall nutritional content of the shake as well as to its taste and flavor.

Ranging from fresh-from-the-farm fruits to the plastic-packed ingredients, you will be amazed how these can transform your shake into an even better drink with its taste, smell, and nutritional value. So go ahead and try it in your most convenient time, perhaps after or before a workout for an extra punch of energy or when you’re running late and can’t make your own breakfast anymore.

Categories: Diets, Weight loss