Top 5 Weight Loss Shakes

GREEN BANANA CHOCOLATE SHAKE
Miss your favorite fast food shake? This blend tastes just like it, but minus all of the junk, Lax says. This recipe is perfect for a sweet fix without the sweets, and the absorbable protein will help build lean muscles which can rev your metabolism, helping you lose more weight over time, she adds. Why the green banana? It's a great source of resistant starch, another nutrient shown to help with weight loss.

Recipe: Blend 1/2 cup milk of choice, 1/2 green banana, 1 scoop chocolate protein powder, 1 tablespoon almond butter, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
Nutrition facts: 330 calories, 31g carbohydrates, 26g protein, 13g fat

GREEN WARRIOR SHAKE
Creamy Greek yogurt provides satiating protein, ginger, and pomegranate juice to fight inflammation (a common cause of weight gain). And pistachios are the perfect secret ingredient since they contain a satisfying trio of fiber, plant protein, and healthy fats, explain Shames and Lakatos. "You'll feel full so you won't end up overeating at the vending machine soon after," they add.

Recipe: Blend 3/4 cup non-fat Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup pomegranate juice, 1/2 cup green grapes, 1 cup pineapple pieces, 1 cup packed spinach, 1 inch fresh peeled ginger, 1/8 cup shelled pistachios, and ice.
Nutrition facts: 170 calories, 22g carbohydrates, 13g protein, 5g fat

JAVA BUZZ SHAKE
Sometimes all you need to power through the high-stress/low-willpower hours just before dinner is a little jolt of caffeine. This smoothie, from David Zinczenko, nutrition expert and creator of Eat This, Not That!, will give you a little buzz while also providing a healthy dose of filling protein to help you stay strong through dinner.

Recipe: Blend 4 coffee ice cubes (freeze your favorite coffee in an ice cube tray), 1 can unsweetened coconut milk, 1⁄4 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1⁄2 frozen banana, and 1 scoop chocolate plant-based protein powder.
Nutrition facts: 208 calories, 17g carbohydrates, 24g protein, 5g fat

MANGO MATCHA SHAKE
This shake is packed with filling ingredients but the secret weapon is the matcha powder, says Maria Marlowe, certified nutrition and health coach and author of The Real Food Grocery Guide. It's full of an antioxidant, EGCG, which has been shown in some studies to aid in weight loss. "Anecdotally, my sister has been having this mango matcha smoothie bowl nearly every day for the past three weeks, as part of an overall healthy diet, and has dropped 11 pounds," she says. In addition, the hemp and avocado provides satiating fat while the fruits are full of flavor.

Recipe: Blend 1 cup butter lettuce (or other leafy green), 3 tablespoons hemp seeds, 1/2 cup coconut water, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 avocado, 1 cup mango, juice of 1 lime, 1 teaspoon matcha powder, and ice.
Nutrition facts: 386 calories, 47g carbohydrates, 13g protein, 18g fat 10

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE SHAKE
Take your plain chocolate shake next level by adding powerful spices. Not only do the cinnamon and chili add an exotic flavor but they also have some weight-loss benefits, helping to stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings, Zinczenko says.

Recipe: Blend 1 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 banana, 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon flaxseed oil, 1 scoop chocolate plant-based protein powder, and ice.
Nutrition facts: 296 calories, 39g carbohydrates, 30g protein, 11g fat