Wild blueberry strawberry protein smoothie for weight loss

I just got back from a killer workout! A tough workout is always a great way for me to end the year. When I got back, I needed to refuel, so I made my POST-WORKOUT, Protein, Blueberry, and strawberry smoothie. At 200 calories, it’s the perfect mid morning or afternoon pick up.

Did you know wild blueberries are packed with more antioxidants than regular blueberries? Wild Blueberries are a potent ally in the battle to stay healthy and age well.

Packed with phytochemicals such as anthocyanin, Wild Blueberries are being studied for their powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help protect against diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. I buy mine at Trader Joes’s

My smoothie also has strawberries, another super food for weight loss

Strawberries from our organic garden

1. Strawberries can increase the body’s production of a hormone that stimulates your metabolism and suppresses your appetite.
2. They can slow the rate of digestion of starchy foods. This helps control the rise in blood sugar that follows a starchy meal. This is a key benefit for those with adult-onset (Type 2) diabetes.
3. Strawberries also can help your weight-reducing hormones function properly.

And last but not least, this smoothie has PROTEIN in it. I  was feeling quite drained when I got back from the gym. I needed some protein to get my energy back, not sugar. Many people resort to sugary snacks and foods for energy, a terrible habit which will only make them have low blood sugar after. What they need is protein.

And if you are working out as a means to losing weight, like I am, protein is doubly essential for making sure you lose fat, not muscle. Your body uses the amino acids in protein to build lean muscle, which not only makes you stronger and more toned, but also fries calories even when you’re not active—unlike lazy fat. Ultimately, this keeps your metabolism humming along at high speed so you can burn off the occasional cookie, no problem.

I use Met-Rx Protein Plus in Vanilla flavor. It’s  sugar and aspartame free, has less than 1/2 the carbs of other meal replacements and is gluten free. I use one scoop which has 100 calories and 23 grams of protein, 46% of the recommended daily allowance! My kids like it, too! Adding a scoop of Met/Rx also will give your smoothie a rich and creamy texture and it will be more filling for you. When I have one of these I’m not hungry for another two to three hours.

Wild Blueberry & Strawberry Protein Smoothie

200 calories, 23 grams of protein

1 cup frozen wild blueberries

1/2 cup strawberries

1 scoop Met/Rx protein powder

1 cup water

a few ice cubes

Blend everything in a blender. Enjoy and here’s to a  healthy new year!