Are protein drinks beneficial in weight loss? Many people prefer to follow a high-protein diet without protein supplementation. I like to encourage protein supplements if the patient or client doesn’t have health issues.
When talking about protein drinks, I refer to whey protein, or plant-based protein powders, or ready-to-drink protein supplements, like premier protein.
Protein drinks aren’t to be consumed only when you’d like to skip breakfast, lunch or dinner. They can be used to supplement your protein intake levels.
Many Americans don’t consume enough protein. Protein makes us feel fuller longer, are part of many reactions in the body, compose skin, all tissues, hair and nails. A serving of a good protein drink will provide at least 20 grams of lean protein (protein without fat).
Here are a few indications for when protein drinks can be helpful:
1) When a patient or client has had bariatric surgery. With a very small stomach, and protein minimum set at 80 grams per day, a protein drink helps lose and later maintain weight. It is crucial to help prevent muscle loss too, achievable with enough protein and exercise.
2) It could be used between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner, or before bed, to meet your necessary protein intake to maintain and gain muscle.
3) It can be used to help regulate blood sugars, when consuming a fruit or other carbohydrate.
4) It could be used on the go (premier protein for example). You can take it to consume it if you won’t be able to eat for a longer period of time. This helps prevent muscle mass loss.
5) If your protein goal is high (80 grams or more), 20 -30 grams from a protein drink are very helpful to meet those goals.
6) It could be used after exercise, to help maintain muscle mass.
7) If you’d like to ingest a protein drink instead of, let’s say, eating dinner, you can add ½ cup fruit too, increasing your fiber and antioxidant intake.
8) If you’re allergic to specific types of protein, a protein drink will help you meet your daily protein needs.
Protein drinks are very helpful. They are a quick and easy way of adding protein to reach your protein goals. There are protein powders with added fiber and digestive enzymes. Remember, fiber helps with weight loss, and with treating high cholesterol. Digestive enzymes are great to maintain a healthy digestion. Protein bars usually have added sugars and too many chemicals. This is why I recommend protein drinks lower in carbs, instead.
Do you have any questions? Please send me a message. I’ll be happy to help you.
I’m also accepting nutrition coaching clients. Fill out the form provided on the home page, and let’s talk about your weight loss/fat loss, goal weight, the steps I use for weight loss, etc.
