Chocolate, PB, And Banana Smoothie Healthy, High Protein, Low Calorie

In an effort to get a jump start on my annual New Years Day resolution to eat healthier and lose weight, I discovered the best protein shake ever. Heck, it's a great shake - period. In fact, I hesitate to even tell you that this is a "protein shake" because most of the protein shakes I've tried usually have that funny aftertaste that always gives it away. You know, the kind you have to make yourself drink because it's good for you?

Well, enter this sinfully delicious and creamy masterpiece of a smoothie to the rescue! How can a smoothie with chocolate, peanut butter and a banana be low calorie, you say? The "magic" ingredients to the best protein shake ever! Below is the nutritional data for everything but the banana which is approximately 105 calories for one that is medium size. The big savings on calories and fat comes from the PB2 (45 calories vs the usual 200). There's also considerable savings using unsweetened almond milk vs. And the Bluebonnet Whey Protein Powder has excellent stats as well, not to mention GREAT natural chocolate flavor. Lastly, I highly recommend Nancy's Organic Plain Nonfat Yogurt vs. Nancy's has considerable flavor (tart), whereas other brands lose their flavor when they lose the fat.

The 2 major meals are designed to keep the body full because they usually have a full serving of protein, a full serving of carbohydrate, and a full serving of vegetables. There is even room for dessert after dinner. This diet does not limit carb intake, nor does it require it.

Cutting carbs can drive some people crazy. This diet lets you eat them, as long as they are withing calorie range and other nutritional requirements are being met (see nutrition below). This diet is naturally low in fat because fatty foods are high in calories and usually dont make it into a calorie restricted diet. Nutrition: In addition to counting calories it is important to make sure to choose healthy foods over processed foods.

Its OK to have an ice cream bar (see snacks and ice cream post) or a serving of weight watchers lemon cake after dinner as long as it is within the calorie range. Its NOT OK to have ice cream and cake for every snack. The 3 snack times are a great way to catch up on dairy and fruit servings. Fruit works great in promoting digestion and an apple or pealed grapefruit can be very refreshing in the morning. A fruit smoothie is great in the afternoon or after a workout.

To curb hunger, salad or soup can also work as a great snack and can be very filling. The meal suggestions at the end of this post will help meet all these goals. A full serving of protein is eaten at each of the two major meals: brunch and dinner. At least 1-2 servings of vegetables is also eaten at each of the two major meals: brunch and dinner. This balance is a very important part of the diet.

Fruit servings can be spread over the course of the day to be included as part of the major meals or eaten during snack time. This is the same for dairy. I have created a separate post for low calorie sources of protein, dairy, and carbs. These posts have pictures of what I use and will help create a shopping list of which products to purchase.

Exercise: It is best to follow this diet with moderate exercise, about 20-40 minutes 3-4 days a week. Negative calories from exercise are not counted. This is because exercise is not meant to be seen as a tool for weight-loss, but a tool for overall health and toning. Too many diets put too much emphasis on exercise as a weight-loss solution.

Exercise on its own can create a larger appetite and large consumption habits that cause a person to gain lots of weight when they can not find time to exercise. This diet is more focused on creating good eating habits. Exercise in this diet is meant to promote immunity, tone the body, and increase metabolism.

This promotes better overall health. In order to succeed on this diet, only moderate exercise is recommended. Heavy exercise is not recommended because it can cause the body to be excessively hungry and throw the person off track. It is important to distinguish exercise from daily routine. Shopping and cleaning is not sufficient exercise even if it leaves you tired.

This can be riding a bicycle, swimming, or moving on an elliptical machine. For a heavier person, walking can be sufficient as long as its at least 20 minutes. It helps to rotate exercise routines and mix them up. It also helps to workout in intervals, a short time fast, then slow, then fast then slow.

Studies show this has longer lasting calorie burning effects. When first starting this diet, ease into the exercise. Ride the bike or walk the elliptical on the low levels or simply start with walking. After a time, you can increase intensity when you feel you are ready. Examples: Fruit, bar, smoothie, salad, soup, whatever your craving. Needs: Protein, Carbohydrate, vegetable, and fruit.

In order to begin this diet, browse through my other posts (see right hand panel) to create a shopping list. You will need to buy things like eggs, low calorie tortillas, fat free cheese, and LOTS of veggies and fruits. Make sure you have all the foods you need before you start. You can also clean out your closet from all your temptations.