Iso100 Clear 100% Whey Protein Isolate Drink
Image courtesy Dymatize
The Dymatize ISO100 Clear 100% Whey Protein Isolate Drink comes in a variety of flavors and has very few carbohydrates. It’s excellent for folks on a low-carb diet because to this fact.
If you’re not on a low-carb plan, your muscle growth and recovery might be hampered you usually want some carbohydrates alongside protein to restore the energy in your muscles. Artificial sweeteners, including stevia and sucralose, are avoided.
How Much Protein Do You Need Each Day
Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, especially if you’re working out. Not eating enough protein can lead to muscle loss, undoing all your efforts at the gym.
“Try to consume about 30% of your daily calories from protein,” says Nicole Hinckley, RD, LD, Speaker and Nutrition Consultant for Protein2o. “Aim for about 25-35 grams of protein per meal and after a heavy workout. Evenly spacing your protein intake throughout the day can help with optimal absorption.”
Can You Drink A Protein Shake Without Working Out
You can drink a protein shake without working out. However, as Omar Mansour, coach for audio-led fitness app WithU , explains, ideally, you should drink protein shakes after a workout to help your muscles recover from the stress placed on them during the session.
Mansour says: “If you are short on time, it’s a great way to get protein in quickly to your muscles and begin the repair process. If you’re not working out, you can still take a protein shake, but I’d suggest prioritizing food as well. Protein shakes should be used to support a good nutritional diet, not to replace meals.”
Although, if you wonder whether protein powder makes you gain weight , it’s essential to remember that protein powder alone isn’t likely to cause weight gain, but how you’re using it might.
For example, if you add protein powder to your diet without changing the rest of your meals to accommodate the extra calories, you may start gaining weight. So do give this some careful consideration.
Also Check: High Fiber And Protein Food
What Types Of Protein Powders Are Available
Protein powders can come from both animal protein sources:
- whey- from milk
Beyond the sources of protein, there are three broad types:
The best weight loss shakes are high in protein, but low in fat, carbohydrates and calories. Therefore, protein isolate comes out on top for dieters as its lowest in fat and carbohydrates compared to concentrate and hydra.
Whole Food Protein Shakes: For Weight Loss Goals
These recipes meet our nutritionist-approved protein standards and made of 100% natural ingredients. The secret to making them weight loss-friendly? Focus on protein first. So, even if youre not keen on the recipes below, you can prioritize the protein-packed ingredients yogurt, nuts, seeds, peas but experiment with flavor profiles.
Packed with high protein dairy this smoothie contains Greek yogurt and has about 11 grams per serving . The bonus here is that Greek yogurt is lower in carbs due to the straining process, which removes some of the liquid whey along with lactose sugars. Top that with some skim milk which holds 8 grams of protein per cup and youre in for a berry protein delight.
Don’t Miss: Protein Powder In Hot Coffee
Question: Why Drink Protein Shake After Workout
Post-workout, too little protein can lead to muscle soreness and fatigue, rather than increased strength and stamina. Taking protein in the first 30 minutes or so after a workout can, however, help the body to begin quickly healing the micro-tears in the muscle, a process which makes muscles stronger over time.
The Best Protein Shake
Make sure you find a protein shake thats higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates. This study found a high protein low-carb shake was better than a high-carb/low protein shake.
The best protein shake for the protein shake diet is BioTrust Low-Carb.
Both of these protein shakes are grass-fed, low-carb, have no artificial sweeteners and are Stevia sweetened without any denaturing of the protein.
You have be careful with a lot of protein shakes out there on the market that use cheap fillers, artificial sweeteners and other junk you dont want to be putting in your body.
When you think about the cost of a protein shake its a lot cheaper than you would normally be paying for a meal.
Buying the ingredients for meals can start to add up. When you do the breakdown the protein shake will only end up costing you a couple bucks per serving.
So, in the long run, you could be saving a lot more money by drinking protein shakes than you would be buying and preparing meals.
After you finish the one week on the protein shake diet its a good idea to stick with drinking some protein shakes.
Otherwise, you can quickly gain all your weight back. I recommend replacing up to two meals per day with protein shakes.
Also Check: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Feline Cat Treats
Avoid Protein Powders High In Calories And Added Ingredients
Protein shakes are so valuable when developing a weight loss routine because they are low in calories, but some protein powders with added ingredients may end up including more calories than you think. Carefully research and learn about different protein powders and read up on their ingredients to ensure that youre not using one with high calories or unhealthy artificial ingredients.
The Most Popular Protein Powders Include:
Whey Protein: available as whey concentrate, whey isolate and hydrolysed whey. This form of protein contains all nine essential amino acids.
Casein: This protein is slowly absorbed by the body and contains all nine essential amino acids.
Soy protein: A plant based protein containing all nine essential amino acids.
Hemp Protein: A plant- based protein, high in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Rice Protein: A plant- based protein, lower in essential amino acids.
Pea Protein: A plant- based protein containing all nine essential amino acids
Summary: Protein shakes are drinks made from protein powder or another liquid. Theyre convenient for adding protein to your diet when access to food is limited.
You May Like: Protein Bars Low In Sugar
Other Uses For Protein Powder
Although diet and protein shakes are most commonly mixed with water, they can also be added to smoothies, mixed into oats, or used to add flavour to things like Greek yoghurt to add not only extra protein but also extra flavour to what might otherwise be bland foods. For ideas about how you can cook with protein powder, check out our easy to follow recipes on The Core.
How To Make A High Protein Fruit Smoothie
Making a protein fruit smoothie recipe is pretty simple. Its important to have a good quality protein powder in hand that is minimally processed, doesnt have a ton of added sugar, and of course, has a good taste.
I like Cleanish as a protein powder because there are no artificial sweeteners and colors. And if youve been following me for a while, you know that I quit sugar, so a powder that has few ingredients is important to me.
In a nutshell, I mix unsweetened almond milk, fruit, and a scoop of protein powder in my Vitamix blender. The result is a perfect consistency smoothie that is like a meal in a mason jar !
Read Also: How Much Protein Should You Have
Best Overall: Evolve Plant
This shake, loved by Women’s Health senior editor Neha Tandon, is perfect on the go because it doesnt have to be refrigerated until opening. It provides 20 grams of pea protein and is high in fiber, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free.
This product is excellent if youre following a vegan diet, are celiac, or lactose-intolerant, says Nicole. To make it a complete meal and add in some heart-healthy fats, add a handful or ¼ cup of almonds.
Per serving: 140 calories, 2.5 g fat , 17 g carbs , 350 mg sodium, 20 g protein
Soylent Meal Replacement Shakes
4.4 out of 5 stars11,100+ Amazon customer reviews
Soylents vegan-friendly meal replacement shakes are 400 calories, which makes them a convenient choice for a full-on meal when you dont have time to pick up breakfast. One shake has 20 grams of protein and three grams of fiber,plus hefty doses of vitamin D, iron, magnesium, and other nutrients. Soylent is pretty good! I love chai so I was excited to try this flavor. You can definitely taste the chai and it doesnt taste too much like a protein drink. I am excited to try the other flavors and I love that it keeps me full for several hours, an Amazon reviewer writes.
Nutrition info for chai: 400 calories, 24 g fat , 38 g carbs , 300 mg sodium, 20 g protein
Recommended Reading: Fairlife Salted Caramel Protein Shake
Do Protein Shakes After Workout Help Lose Weight
Protein aids in weight loss. It improves metabolism and contributes to weight loss. Protein should be an essential part of your weight loss plan as it helps you lose weight through various mechanisms. A post-workout protein shake will kill hunger after workout and help you stick to your weight loss diet.
Best Protein Powders For Weight Loss 10 Top Rated Products
If you have used up any of your all-important time researching the health and fitness market, then you know that it is no easy task formulating a list of the best supplement products. Naturally, it was far from easy for us to put together our list of the Top 10 rated products when it came to a protein powder that helps customers lose weight!
This is because there are mainly hundreds and hundreds of products out there. It took us a lot of effort, but we managed to get it done, and now you dont have to! Let us check out the Top 10 products listed below!
Now we will take an even closer look at each of these products so that you can understand, in a bit more detail, what drew us to these protein powders in the first place. Lets begin kicking it off with our favorite option.
Don’t Miss: Best Protein Whey Isolate Powder
Whens The Best Time To Drink A Protein Shake For Weight Loss
When it comes to using a protein powder for weight loss, its important to consider the best time to have it throughout the day, to ensure youre getting the maximum benefits. We recommend having a protein shake or smoothie roughly 30-45 minutes prior to exercise, which will help to boost energy levels and therefore allow you to burn more calories.
Consuming a protein shake or smoothie within 30 minutes post-workout will provide the body with essential amino acids that will help promote muscle growth, as well as aid in muscle repair. This will allow your body to rest and recover well, which is ideal for those that have weight loss goals and want to train frequently.
New to the smoothie and shake world? Not sure how to make delicious protein drinks to help with weight loss? Read some of our tips and tricks below, to help you create delicious protein shakes and smoothies every time!
Do Protein Shakes Work Muscle Gain And Weight Loss
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Heres our process.
People drink protein shakes for multiple reasons, including muscle gain, weight loss, and injury recovery.
While many foods provide you with a lot of protein such as eggs, meat, poultry, milk, and legumes protein shakes and powders have become a popular, high-quality source of this nutrient.
If you wonder whether these shakes will give you the results you want, youre not alone.
This article focuses on the effectiveness of protein shakes for muscle gain and weight loss.
In this case, protein shakes provide amino acids, also known as the building blocks of proteins.
Dietary supplements come in many forms, from powders to capsules to liquids. While you may find ready-to-drink protein shakes in liquid form, you can also purchase protein supplements in powder form.
Many types of powdered protein supplements are available from either animal- or plant-based sources.
For instance, the most popular animal-based protein powders are whey and casein, both usually derived from cows milk. However, if you have a milk allergy, egg white protein may be a suitable choice.
As for popular plant-based proteins, you can take your pick from soy, pea, hemp, or rice protein.
Lastly, as their name implies, dietary supplements are meant to help you complete or enhance your diet.
Don’t Miss: Protein That Doesn’t Cause Bloating
Are Meal Replacement Shakes Good For Weight Loss
Meal replacement shakes can be helpful as part of a weight-loss plan for some people. They are a healthy substitute for when you need something quick, replacing what could have been a less-nutritious pick, like fast food.
They can also help you eat fewer calories during the day by replacing meals that may be higher in calories, while still helping you stay full. However, if a shake doesnt make you feel satisfied , you may reach for more food soon after drinking it, causing you to consume more calories by the end of the day.
A big part of satisfaction from eating is chewing your food and feeling the texture in your mouth, explains Nicole. When you drink your meal, you may be seeking something to munch on soon after.”
If youre looking to lose weight with meal replacement shakes, you should opt for a product that is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied, and low in sugar to prevent the hunger pangs from hitting later. If you consume more sugar than these other nutrients, your body will store it as fat, says Nicole.
Also, you shouldnt replace more than one meal per day with a shake. Otherwise, you could become deficient in vitamins and minerals from whole fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and meat, says Nicole. A meal replacement shake is just that, a single meal replacement, she says. So, only reach for them when you’re really in a pinch.
Protein Shakes Decrease Hunger And Appetite
If youre trying to lose weight, the process often comes down to some simple math. You need to consume fewer calories than your body burns off on any given day. There are a few ways to achieve thisyou can increase the amount of physical activity you get so that your body begins to use more fuel and therefore more calories. Or, you can cut back on how many calories you consume. Many people choose to do both when theyre on a weight loss journey. A healthy balance of a nutritious diet and moderate exercise is widely considered the safest and most effective way to lose unwanted fat.
But many people face the downfall of feeling hungry all the time when they cut back on meals and calories. They experience sugar and carbohydrate cravings, get headaches, suffer from mood swings and agitation, and more. It can be an unpleasant experience as your body adjusts to consuming less food than before, especially if you have a particularly ravenous appetite. Thats where protein shakes can help.
Drinks such as plant-based, pre-made protein shakes help decrease hunger and appetite in two key ways. First, they increase levels of hormones like GLP-1, PYY, and CCK, which play a crucial role in decreasing your appetite. At the same time, they also reduce levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.
Read Also: How To Add Protein To Oatmeal
Paleo And Vegan Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
A smoothie so decadent, it’s just ad if you’re drinking a pumpkin pie. Even more, it’s hard to believe that it’s healthy. This checks off all the boxes for both paleo and vegan dieters, so everyone can enjoy this seasonal healthy treat. A dollop of coconut yogurt on top resembles the whipped cream of a pie, it’s very festive!
- 6 Tbsp canned pumpkin, frozen overnight in an ice cube tray
- 3/4 cup coconut milk
- 1 Medjool date, pitted
“I really love this weight loss smoothie because it tastes super-decadent, but in reality is just loaded with a ton of natural, unprocessed, and healthful ingredients. The cocoa powder is a good source of flavonoids that are both brain and heart-healthy, and also makes the smoothie taste like I’ve added a ton of chocolate. In addition to the healthy cocoa, this smoothie also has other healthy ingredients like raspberries which are a source of immune-boosting vitamin C, and spinach that’s a source of energizing B vitamins. If I have this smoothie post-workout, I’ll also add a plant-based protein like sprouted rice or pea protein to help my muscles recover more quickly.”
by Kristin Reisinger, MS, RD, CSSD, founder and owner of IronPlate Studios
- ½ cup frozen mixed berries
- Handful of spinach
- 8 oz unsweetened Silk almond milk
- 1 scoop plant-based vanilla protein powder
NUTRITION: 230 calories / 2.5 g fat / 20 g carbs / 5 g fiber / 7 g sugar / 26 g protein
by Cassie Bjork, RD, LD of Redefined Weight Loss
How To Make A Good Protein Powder Shake For Weight Loss
Here is a simple recipe for a protein powder shake that can help support weight loss efforts:
Ingredients:
- 1 scoop of protein powder
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk or coconut water
- 1/2 cup of frozen berries
- 1 tsp of honey or maple syrup
Instructions:
You can also add other ingredients to the shake to add flavor and nutrition. For example, you could add a handful of spinach or kale for an extra dose of vitamins and minerals, or a tablespoon of peanut butter or almond butter for some healthy fats.
Experiment with different ingredients to find a shake that you enjoy and that helps you meet your weight loss goals.
Also Check: Hask Keratin Protein Smoothing Shampoo