Protein shakes are easy to make and can incorporate other nutritious and delicious ingredients to make a tasty, energizing drink. There are many other benefits associated with protein powder as well.
Appetite Suppressant
Protein is one of the key components to feeling full and satisfied. Protein powders are obviously going to be a great source of protein. A protein-rich breakfast is one of the best ways to ward off feeling hungry and snacking before lunch or overeating at lunch.
A protein powder shake is a fast and easy way to achieve a high-protein meal in the morning, much faster than cooking breakfast and much better for you than stopping for a fast food breakfast. Many people find that they do not have much of an appetite when they wake up, and a shake is a great alternative. If your goal is to lose weight, skipping breakfast is definitely not how you do it - instead, try using protein powder to keep you satisfied until it is time for a healthy lunch.
Stay Lean and Healthy
Recent studies have shown that a mineral or nutrient-fortified meal replacement is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy weight. Whether you want to lose weight or seek to stay at your current weight, protein powder is a safe and effective way to do so. Protein powder is one of the safest meal replacements and, again, a protein shake is an incredibly convenient meal option anytime.....breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you don't have time to make something healthy, fix yourself a nutritious shake instead of grabbing bad choices.
About Whey Protein
Whey protein is one of the most popular protein powders, but its purpose is really workout recovery. It absorbs very quickly and makes you feel energized almost immediately, much like high-carbohydrate foods do. It is not nearly as satiating as plant-based protein powders and thus not as effective for weight loss. It also cannot be consumed by anyone with dairy-sensitivities.
Whey protein does have its benefits, though. It is great for building muscle and developing your physique. Consuming a whey protein shake after any workout will help to repair any micro-tears that your muscles developed during physical activity. A shake digests much more quickly than solid food, so it gets to work fast. Most whey protein powders are also fortified with amino acids and amino acid chains, which give it some added nutritional value. Add more nutritional value to your shakes with ingredients like spinach or kale (you won't even taste it!), fresh coconut, cacao and fresh organic fruits.
Other Protein Powders
The best protein powders for weight loss or maintaining your weight are going to be plant-based. Look for rice, chia, pea, chlorella, cranberry or a combination of these. If you choose to go the animal-based route, you should consider de-fatted beef that is GMO and hormone-free. If you are trying to build muscle or sculpt your body, then choose whey protein and drink your shakes immediately after your workout. Soy protein can be a good option as well unless you are soy-intolerant. The same goes for egg protein.
Stay away from powders with lots of preservatives and sweeteners, regardless of your intention. Instead sweeten your protein shakes with fresh organic berries or fruit. If you do want a sweetened protein powder, look for one with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Artificial preservatives and sweeteners can quickly make your protein shakes unhealthy and take away from the benefits.
Choosing A Protein Powder
There are an array of protein powder options on the market today. Choose your powder based on your goals. The best powders will contain 20 to 25 grams of protein per serving. Those seeking to lose significant weight, athletes and people recovering from surgeries or injury should increase their daily protein consumption by 10 to 20 percent for the best results. You also want a powder with other nutrients as well like fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to get the most out of your shakes and truly make them into meal replacements.