Protein is an important nutrient for weight loss. It can be tempting to buy a product with the hope that it’ll be the quick fix that finally works even if you have a cupboard full of other ones that didn’t. Protein shakes are an incredibly popular option for people hoping to lose weight, they’re super convenient, and the mere act of drinking one makes you feel like some kind of fitness demigod. But there’s a ton of information online about how to use them effectively.
What Is The Purpose Of Protein Shake?
Protein shakes are made from protein powder, which is a dry, powdered supplement that can be derived from either animal or plant-based protein sources. It can be flavored or unflavoured and is most often mixed with water, milk, or another liquid as part of a protein shake or smoothie.
Our bodies need protein for many daily tasks such as boosting our immune system, sending messages throughout the body, growth, and repair of cells and tissues. However, the benefits of protein powder mostly focus on functional abilities, like adding lean mass, improving muscle recovery, and increasing satiety.
- Protein Shakes Can Aid Muscle Growth: The main benefit of protein shakes is the fuel they provide to help build up muscle tissue after weight training.
- Protein Can Help You To Lose Weight: The muscle-building power of protein powders can also help those who want to lose weight. While a calorie deficit is the most important part of losing weight, making your diet higher in protein can help to preserve your muscle mass and target fat loss. Additionally, protein slows down the digestive process, which gives you a feeling of being full longer after you eat. This can decrease overeating and help with weight loss.
- Taking Protein Before Bed Can Speed Up Recovery: Protein helps to rebuild muscle after a workout by muscle protein synthesis so that they’re ready to take on your next workout, and having a hit of protein before bed can improve this.
- Protein Shakes Can Boost Your Metabolism: Because using protein shakes gives your muscles the fuel they need to build and repair, your body will target fat burning during workouts.
- Protein Shakes Can Preserve Muscle Mass: Just like protein helps rebuild and repair muscle after a workout, it can help prevent the muscle loss that comes with the aging process.
- Protein Shakes are Convenient: Protein powder is a pure source of protein that’s also low in fats and carbs that you can knock back straight after your workout. It’s never been so easy to boost your nutrients.
When Should You Drink Protein Shake?
Your body is primed after a workout to use any protein you consume. It comes down to understanding your body’s metabolism and knowing whether your body is in a catabolic or anabolic state. If your body is in a catabolic state, this is when it’s breaking down your muscles. Your body will be in this state while you’re exercising or working out. And then when your body is in an anabolic state or post-workout your body is rebuilding and refueling.
If you’re looking to lose weight, you still want to drink your protein shake after your workout. In most cases, drinking a protein shake on an empty stomach won’t cause you any harm. In addition, a protein shake can be a great option to replace a snack between your meals and to drink after a workout.
Recommended protein:
- Proteins Vegan Pistachio – this is a hyper-protein drink made from all vegetable proteins such as spirulina, rice, and peas. It is a high-protein snack that helps increase muscle anabolism and improves muscle definition. It is low in sugar and it is a better choice for those who are on a diet.
Who Should Not Drink Protein Shake?
Protein powders are generally recognized as safe, although you may experience digestive side effects if you consume large amounts of protein powder.
If you’re lactose intolerant or otherwise sensitive to lactose, dairy-based protein powder may lead to stomach upset, bloating, and gas. Instead, opt for a plant-based protein powder or try whey protein isolate, which is much lower in lactose than other dairy protein powders.