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These top 8 iced coffee protein shake recipes for weight loss are packed with all sorts of antioxidants and other nutrients that can help you burn fat and lose weight!
Studies showthat caffeine helps the body burn fat. Researchers have also found that caffeine can speed up your metabolism. (1, 2).
If you’re burning calories at a higher rate and burning fat for fuel, you’re more likely to lose weight.
That cup of coffee that you drink in the morning may be doing more for than you think. However, if you load it up with sugar, artificial flavors and cream, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Another way to enjoy your coffee is in a protein shake. The protein powderwill help you feel full and fuel your body while the coffee delivers weight-loss benefits.
The Problem with Smoothies
When many people make smoothies, they load them with sugar. Even though bananas, berries and other fruits are natural, they contain lots of carbs.
Most people eat more fruit than necessary when they’re in a smoothie. One study found that when you drink a smoothie that’s filled with fruit, you end up consuming 12 percent more calories (1).
Drinking these calories can cause your body to feel less satisfied because you didn’t spend the time to chew that fruit.
When you pack carbs into a blended drink and gulp them down, they can cause your blood sugar to spike. If you use juice as the liquid in your smoothie, you could be consuming as much sugar as is in a soda. Yikes!
Carbs aren’t the devil, but some people don’t process them as well as others.
You shouldgenerally stick to a higher carb diet on days that you workout intensely, and it may be a good idea to avoid them entirely if you don’t work out often (or ever).
Using coffee instead of the fruit juice can have TONS of added benefits for your health!
Avoid sugar-laden frozen beverages that you find at most coffee shops, and opt for a healthier version at home!
All you need is any decent coffee maker and a couple of go-to recipes and you will be ready to go!
The Benefits of Adding Coffee to A Protein Shake
Research shows that coffee increases adrenaline levels in the body. As adrenaline courses through your bloodstream, it tells fat tissues to release fat. Your body can then use this fat for energy (1).
Studies have also found that your body temperature increases after you drink caffeine, and so does your metabolic rate (1).
Lean people may have up to a 29 percent increase in their metabolic rate after consuming caffeine. If you’re already at a healthy weight, drinking coffee with your protein powder can help you stay that way (1).
Caffeine can also improve athletic performance. If you’re already drinking a shake before you go to the gym, consider adding some coffee to it.
Caffeine can make you exercise more intensely without perceiving that you’re working that hard, according to research. That means that you may be able to burn more calories in less time when you work out (1).
Read more: Effects of Coffee on the Body
What Else Should You Add to A Protein Shake?
So if you aren’t packing your protein shake with fruit, what should you add to it?
Start with the liquid, which in this case is iced coffee. Add some unsweetened, non-dairy milk if you’re looking for a bit of creaminess.
A scoop of your favorite protein powder provides extra nutrients, and it will help you stay full for longer. It should also give the shake enough sweetness that you don’t need to add any fruit.
A handful of greens packs in some calcium and fiber. Spinach and kale are relatively flavorless in a smoothie, so don’t be shy about it! Put in at least a couple of handfuls.
Raw cacao can give you that mocha flavor without the sugar that’s often found in chocolate syrups.
Cinnamon can make your smoothie taste great and help you lose weight.
According to Fitday, studies show that consuming half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can help regulate your blood sugar levels so that you store less fat.
Coconut oil can provide enough fat to help you feel full. Adding coconut oil to your coffee can increase energy, speed up metabolism and boost the immune system.
Remember that coconut oil is high in fat and calories, so make not to go overboard here while you are trying to actively lose weight.
Top 8 Iced Coffee Protein Shake Recipes
1. Basic Protein Shake
If you’re trying to build some lean muscle, you can simply add whey protein to your iced coffee. To do this, use unsweetened iced coffee. The protein powder will add sweetness.
Here’s a recipe to make this shake in a basic shaker bottle.
By Men’s Fitness. Recipe available here.
2. Thick Banana Iced Coffee Protein Shake
Keep your bananas in the freezer to add a thick, frosty texture to your blended beverage. If it’s an exercise day or you’re craving carbs, this makes a great breakfast that you can burn off during the day.
Unsweetened almond milk adds extra creaminess to this iced coffee protein shake.
By Healthy Life Style 365. Recipe available here.
3. Vanilla Latte Protein Smoothie
A coffee smoothie doesn’t have to be brown and rich. This recipe brings in the flavor of vanilla and adds protein with Greek yogurt and protein powder.
By Celebrating Sweets. Recipe available here.
4. Peanut Butter Coffee Smoothie
This smoothie uses peanut butter instead of protein powder. It tastes more like a milkshake than a smoothie but delivers healthy benefits.
We recommend using PB2 instead of protein powder, because it packs in the same flavor with about 85% less calories than regular peanut butter!
By Kari Burghardt. Recipe available here.
5. Up & At ‘Em Breakfast Smoothie
This smoothie includes oats for added protein and fiber. This will give you tons of energy and keep you full until lunchtime or later.
By Healthy Ass Good Ass Smoothies. Recipe available here.
6. Iced Mocha Green Smoothie
Dates and greens add sweetness and nutrients to this mocha smoothie. If you swap out raw cacao powder for the cocoa, you’ll get an extra boost of fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients. Although these benefits don’t necessarily have a direct link to weight loss, they can improve your health in general.
By The Joyful Foodie. Recipe available here.
7. Mocha Smoothie
This mocha smoothie recipe is similar to the last one; however, it ditches the dates and adds a banana. As we discussed above, you don’t need dates or the banana for sweetness if you add a scoop of your favorite protein powder.
By Girl Gone Gourmet. Recipe available here.
8. Caramel Latte Smoothie
This smoothie is a great pick-me-up in the afternoon or evening. Of course, no one is stopping you from drinking it in the morning.
It does have more sugar than most, but it’s natural, unrefined sugar. That doesn’t mean that you can eat all you want, but it’s a great treat now and then.
By The Almond Eater. Recipe available here.
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