Peppermint Mocha Protein Shake

Peppermint Mocha Protein Shake: Your Holiday Coffee Shop Favorite Made Healthy

Craving that festive peppermint mocha from your favorite coffee shop but worried about derailing your weight loss progress? This protein-packed version delivers all the holiday flavor you love with ingredients that actually support your health goals. Ready in just three minutes, this shake combines the rich taste of chocolate and peppermint with 25 grams of protein to keep you satisfied and energized through busy holiday mornings.

The secret to making this work for weight loss is simple: swap sugar-laden syrups for natural peppermint extract and use quality protein powder that provides sustained energy without the crash. You get the indulgent coffee shop experience at a fraction of the calories and cost.

Ready to enjoy a guilt-free holiday treat? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Lara to discover how the right nutrition plan can help you navigate the holidays without sacrificing your progress.

Why This Peppermint Mocha Protein Shake Works for Weight Loss

Traditional peppermint mochas from coffee chains pack 400+ calories and 50+ grams of sugar into a single serving. This recipe flips that script entirely. With cold brew coffee providing natural caffeine for metabolism support and chocolate protein powder delivering muscle-preserving protein, you're fueling your body instead of just satisfying a craving.

The addition of unsweetened almond milk keeps calories low while peppermint extract delivers that signature holiday flavor without added sugars. For patients following Dr. Lara's medical weight loss program, this shake fits perfectly into your daily protein requirements while giving you something to look forward to during the holiday season.

Ingredients

Serves: 1
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Protein Servings: 3 servings

• 1 cup cold brew coffee (or strongly brewed coffee, chilled)
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder (approximately 25g protein)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 6-8 ice cubes
• Pinch of sea salt
• Optional: Sugar-free whipped cream for topping

Instructions

1. Add cold brew coffee and unsweetened almond milk to your blender
2. Add chocolate protein powder, cocoa powder, peppermint extract, and sea salt
3. Add ice cubes to create that frosty, café-style texture
4. Blend on high speed for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth and frothy
5. Pour into a tall glass and top with sugar-free whipped cream if desired
6. Serve immediately for best taste and texture

Pro tip: Brew your coffee the night before and store it in the refrigerator so it's ready for your morning shake. You can also freeze leftover coffee in ice cube trays to use instead of regular ice for an even stronger coffee flavor.

How to Make This Shake Even Better

Want to customize this recipe to your taste preferences? Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract alongside the peppermint for a more complex flavor profile. If you prefer a thicker, milkshake-style consistency, add half of a frozen banana or ¼ cup of frozen cauliflower rice (you won't taste it, but it creates amazing texture).

For an extra metabolism boost, add a teaspoon of MCT oil or a tablespoon of almond butter. Both add healthy fats that help you stay satisfied longer between meals.

If you're dairy-sensitive, this recipe already uses almond milk, but you can experiment with cashew milk, coconut milk, or oat milk based on your preferences. Just check the sugar content on your milk alternative and choose unsweetened varieties.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 2g
• Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 4g

Why Protein Shakes Support Weight Loss

Protein is the most satiating macronutrient, meaning it keeps you fuller longer than carbohydrates or fats. When you start your morning with 25 grams of protein, you're setting yourself up for better appetite control throughout the day. Research shows that high-protein breakfasts reduce cravings and decrease overall calorie intake at subsequent meals.

This shake also provides caffeine from the cold brew coffee, which research indicates can boost metabolism by 3-11%. The combination of protein and caffeine creates a powerful one-two punch for weight management during the challenging holiday season when treats seem to appear everywhere you turn.

More Healthy Holiday Recipes from Dr. Lara

Looking for more ways to enjoy the holidays without compromising your weight loss goals? Check out these other recipes:

• Healthy Mexican 7-Layer Dip - Perfect for holiday parties
• Plant-Based Holiday Charcuterie Board - Impressive and nutritious
• Berry Smoothie - Another protein-packed breakfast option
• Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps - High-protein lunch

The holidays don't have to mean abandoning your health goals. With the right recipes and support system, you can enjoy seasonal flavors while continuing to make progress. Contact Dr. Lara's office to learn how our medical weight loss program can help you navigate the holidays successfully and start the new year healthier than ever.