The Best Protein Shakes for Weight Loss

 

Can Protein shakes really promote weight loss?

First we need to determine if protein shakes actually do promote weight loss. There is plenty of thinking on both sides of the fence, so let’s try to break it down.

Some folks believe that because protein shakes contain a high dose of protein, that you just build muscle underneath your existing fat, but don’t lose the fat. However, when combined with a regular exercise regime to burn calories, and a well balanced diet, drinking high protein shakes can help you to reduce weight.

If you are using the protein shake as a meal replacement, then you are most certainly getting too high a serve of protein for that meal, and missing out on other essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber that whole foods provide. This may result in weight gain if you aren’t exercising regularly.

Also, some shakes contain a higher amount of calories due to additives like sucralose, ( a sweetener made from combining chemicals with sugar, which does have a small number of calories), which, over time, can add weight. Many of the other sweeteners can have other negative side effects, such as nausea, headaches, shakiness, and particularly saccharine, have been proven to be carcinogenic.

Some shakes also have added carbohydrates to help people to ‘bulk-up’ – obviously you want to avoid these if you are trying to lose weight.

In order to be good to my body, (after all, that’s why we’re exercising and watching our weight!), I would choose a protein supplement that has the least amount of chemical additives (lecithin, carageenan, heavy metals, etc), and uses a natural sweetener such as stevia, organic honey, or blackstrap molasses. Some examples are:

Jay Robb’s Whey Protein Powder, North Coast Natural’s ISO Protein,  and EnergyFirst – Ultimate Vanilla Protein Powder

As usual, choose your products carefully and please use anything and everything in moderation.