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Healthy Breakfast Shakes

Healthy shakes are a quick on-the-go breakfast for those who want to get a well-rounded meal. Skipping out on eating breakfast can lead to sugar fluctuations, fatigue and binging. Protein, antioxidants and fiber are nutrients that are easily found in breakfast shake ingredients and important for providing energy and repairing damaged cells. Make a breakfast shake that has protein, antioxidants and fiber--or a combination of them all.

  1. Protein Shakes

    • Protein is important for muscle tissue repair and providing fuel for the body. Because it is slowly absorbed into the bloodstream, protein is able to give you energy for a longer period of time and keep you feeling full. Peanut butter, milk and yogurt are sources of protein that can be use in shakes. Blend a protein shake with bananas, milk, ice and peanut butter. If you do not drink dairy products, use almond butter, soy milk and ice. Add a protein powder for optimal results. Whey protein can be consumed by diabetics because it doesn't have any carbohydrates and little fat. This powder also aids the production of glutathione, which is used in the body to support the immune system.

    Antioxidant Shakes

    • Antioxidants protect the body's cells from free radicals that cause aging and cell damage. The most powerful antioxidants are in beta-carotene, vitamin A and E. Foods consisting of vitamin A are mangoes, carrots, cantaloupe and milk. Vitamin E can be found in blueberries, papaya, kiwi and almonds. Get a daily supplement of beta-carotene by eating pumpkin, carrots and apricots. Blend a breakfast shake with milk, ice, mangoes, papaya and blueberries. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top. Likewise, blend carrot juice, pumpkin juice, mint and ice. Also, cantaloupe, frozen yogurt, papaya, honey and ice make an antioxidant-rich breakfast shake. A blender is unable to crush vegetables and fruits enough to produce juice. If you do not have a food juicer, you can find a whole host of fruit juices at health-food stores and alternative-health stores.

    Fiber Shakes

    • Fiber is able to keep you full longer and flush out toxins from the digestive tract. There are numerous fruits that contain fiber such as apples, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, bananas, pears, dates, pears, oranges, grapefruit, mangoes, pineapple and watermelon to name a few. Make a shake that will clear out your body by using frozen yogurt, chopped dates, peanut butter and soy milk. Both the soy milk and peanut butter are high sources of protein. Another fiber-rich shake can consist of milk, ice, mangoes, bananas and strawberries. Another option is watermelon juice added to milk and frozen yogurt. Add wheat germ on top for an additional source of fiber.

    Preparation and Use

    • Find a fruit combination that you like and make a large batch to have for the week. Use a breakfast shake from each category to ensure you are getting a variety of essential nutrients. Freeze out portions in a to-go cup for the morning.

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