5 Ways to Make a Protein Shake for a Flat Belly
Sometimes losing weight can feel impossible. And while a ton of weight loss solutions have popped up over the years, adding protein smoothies into our diet regimen can make a difference, as long as you know how to serve them upright.
At its core, a protein smoothie features a blend of healthy ingredients and an extra charge of either a protein powder or high-protein ingredient. While this innocuous blend of ingredients seems like it can do no wrong, you can accidentally make a few missteps that do way more harm than good. Culprits like too much sugar or ingredients that cause bloating or water retention can undo all of our hard work spent in defining our core.
Even if it seems impossible to make the perfect smoothie for a flat belly, don't fret! Thanks to the help of a variety of nutrition experts, we assembled a surefire set of solutions that can take your protein shake to the next level and guarantee to help flatten any stomach. Here's what they recommend, and for even more weight loss tips, be sure to check out our list of 15 Underrated Weight Loss Tips That Actually Work.
Pack in the fiber.
Finding easy and low-calorie ways to fill you up can help trim down belly fat, and extra fiber can do just the trick.
"I always recommend protein shakes with fiber to aid in weight loss," Morgyn Clair, MS, RD said. "Fiber is key for weight loss; it helps promote fullness and promotes gut health. Fiber has been shown to help regulate appetite. I recommend clients make a homemade protein shake with a healthy source of fiber from fruits and vegetables."
If you don't have the energy to make your own custom smoothie after learning some ways to craft the smoothie for the tightest core, cut yourself some slack and check out the 22 Best Protein Shake Recipes for Weight Loss.
Make it green.
"If you are concerned about shakes that are highly beneficial in weight loss, try a shake with [green] ingredients—green tea, kale, apple, avocado, spinach, hemp powder, and a pinch of salt,"says Reda Elmardi, certified nutritionist and PT.
"Green tea is a true game-changer ingredient you can add to deplete belly fats, all applause goes to its compounds "catechins" that boost metabolism," says Elmardi. "Moreover, natural sweetness from apples and flavorful creamy avocados along with the blend of kale and spinach not only gives a delicious taste but also helps avoid bloating. In addition, green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach are very low in calories and fats that not only satisfy your hunger but also help you achieve your fitness goals."
Add some apple cider vinegar.
Apple cider vinegar can do some amazing things. Some experts say the liquid can help lower blood sugar, while others claim it can help directly burn off some pounds. While the jury's still out, it can do some real aid when you need to make a protein smoothie that helps you flatten your stomach.
"[Apple cider vinegar] reduces acidity and supports gut health," says Dr. Ravi Aviana.
When you want to start really pursuing the vinegar, make sure to separate fact from fiction with 15 Myths About Apple Cider Vinegar.
Use some turmeric.
"[Turmeric is] nature's strongest anti-inflammatory [and has] been proven as effective as over 14 different prescription medications without any negative side effects," says Dr. Aviana.
"Remember, all weight gain, but especially in the 'hard to lose' areas like the belly, glutes, thighs, triceps, neck, and chin is directly related to the health and function of your lymphatic system. Turmeric is one of the most supportive ingredients for getting your lymphatic system to work for you rather than against you which is a key factor in losing weight, looking younger, and improving your physical, mental, emotional, and sexual health."
Add in some cinnamon.
When you want your protein smoothie to get an extra kick of spice that can double up as a fat burner, head to your spice rack and grab the cinnamon!
"[Cinnamon] helps break down sugars and turn sugars that have been stored in the body as fat into energy that can be burned," says Dr. Aviana. "[Cinnamon is] greatly supportive for balancing blood sugar levels which is a key factor for physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing."
When you need some extra help smoothing your stomach, knowing just how to fix up your daily protein smoothie can really do the trick. Next time you need a way to keep your figure flat, try out any of these methods to help you along the way.
For some protein shake inspiration, check out our list of 21 Best Protein Shake Recipes.
