Back to Basics with Protein Shakes

Protein is the nutrient with the spotlight on it, and it can help you lose weight. Protein shakes can help you meet your requirements whether you are on a pre- or post-op weight loss surgery diet, on a liquid diet to kick start weight loss, or on any sort of diet that focuses on protein.

They are easy and great-tasting, so what is not to love? The only problem may be choosing one, so we have put together a quick start-up guide to protein shakes so you can get the protein you need in a great-tasting package.

What to Look for in Your Shake

Not all shakes and shake mixes are created equal, but how do you choose from among all the possibilities online and in stores? Start at The BariatricPal Store. You can be confident that we have selected each of our products to make sure they are suitable for weight loss.

Check the nutritionals of any shake you are considering to be sure it is truly high in protein and low in sugars. Do not be tricked by some stores that sell high-sugar shakes and pass them off as protein shakes. You’ll want at least 12 to 15 grams of protein in each serving, and more can be better, especially when you are using your shake as a meal replacement. Minimize the sugar and carbs if you are trying to keep your calories down.

Don’t Forget Flavor!

You have to love your protein shake if you are going to keep it as part of your regular weight loss plan. It may take a few tries to find the flavors you love, but you will know when you get there! You might find you enjoy classics like chocolate and vanilla, or maybe a smoothie such as Strawberry Banana may be more your thing. You might want to try a Variety Pack to try a few different flavors without committing to just one.

Tub, Packet, or Bottle?

Protein Powder Tubs, Protein Powder in Packets, and protein power in Ready-to-Shake Bottles all have their places. You can keep any of them on hand in your kitchen or at work or in your car; just add water and shake. You can stick single-serving packets in a gym bag, or stash one in your purse or pocket to take with you anywhere. A ready-to-shake bottle is self-contained; just add water, shake, and drink from the bottle. No dishes necessary!

Turn Your Shake into a Pudding

We have the solution for you if you’re tired of sip, sip, sipping on those shakes, but you’re still looking for a quick and easy source of protein. BariatricPal Protein Pudding has the same impressive nutritionals, but it is a thicker way of getting your protein. Each serving of most flavors has 80 to 90 calories and 15 grams of protein.

It is just as easy to make as protein shakes: just stir the contents of a single-serving packet into some water. You can enjoy flavors from chocolate and vanilla to banana, dulce de leche, and strawberry. You can even use Caramel Café Latte as a meal replacement, since it has 110 calories and over 20 vitamins and minerals.

Your Shake, Your Way

Adding water and mixing your shake is about as easy as it gets, but the possibilities become endless if you put a few more seconds into mixing up a shake with an extra ingredient or two. You can always start with scoop or packet of protein powder or shake mix, and go from there!

• Yogurt, tofu, milk, or soy yogurt for extra protein.
• Banana or pumpkin for creaminess and fiber.
• Berries, or other fresh or frozen fruit for antioxidants and fiber.
• Peanut butter or peanut butter powder for protein and creaminess.
• Low-calorie sweetener and spices to taste.

Check out our recipes for more inspiration on how to use BariatricPal protein powders and shakes while keeping your meal or snack high in protein and low in sugar. You will find all kinds of taste combos, such as Chocolate Coco Nut Shake with Chocolate Protein Shake Mix and hints of almond and coconut extracts, Latte with Vanilla Protein Shake Mix and Proticcino Mix, Fruit and Nuts Smoothie with French Vanilla Shake Mix, strawberries and almond extract, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Shake with Chocolate Protein Shake Mix and peanut butter.

Protein shakes can be lifesavers on liquid diets and whenever you are trying to lose weight, and we have all the choices you need! Browse The BariatricPal Store for tubs, packets, and ready-to-shake protein powders in all kinds of flavors. These protein shakes can be another tool in your weight control toolkit.