Protein Shakes to Lose Weight

Belasta

Can someone guide me as to whether protein Shakes are good for losing weight, I was always under the illusion that they made you gain weight.

I am sadly very overweight and my goal is to lose 4st in a year - I attend gym classes (mostly Zumba, body combat and BodyPump 3x a week) and planning to go to 4x plus try to put in swimming.

I've heard the girls in my classes talk about using protein Shakes after their classes and unsure of this is something I should be doing.

I've spotted an offer on o2 priorities today a sports bottle and protein pack for £5 and always wondering if it's worth while trying it.

Any advice please??

bastardofbexley

Hi there,

You won't be able to be healthy just with protein shakes, you'll need to ensure that your diet has a wide range of nutrients in it from normal foods, but supplementing that with protein shakes is fine.

You will want to get the right kind of protein however. There are different types for different purposes, such as bulking or cutting. For instance The Protein Works do a "Diet Whey" which would be what you'd want to go for rather than the regular protein.

I imagine a lot of people on here would have a lot more useful information than me so I'll leave it open for them.

Lewis

sijomial

Protein shakes are just a liquid, protein rich food.
Eating/drinking more isn't going to help weight loss.

They are a convenient and relatively low calorie supplement if you struggle to hit a sensible protein goal through your normal diet.

Protein timing (e.g. after exercise) is an irrelevance for 99.9% of people compared to hitting that sensible protein goal over the course of a day.

They have become a gym fashion statement!
And those marketed in pink bottles specifically targeting the female buyer are even more nonsensical - food is gender neutral.

anupkoshy1981

you should start counting your macros.good videos are avaiable on youtube.if there is a deficiency in your daily protein intake,the you can take protein shakes as supplement.my personel experience taking protein shakes without calculating macros is not a good idea.

cs2thecox

Protein shakes aren't a magic bullet by any means.
They only make you lose or gain weight in the same way that literally any other food does.

Sadly, the most boring way to lose weight - eat less, move more - is still the only way to do it. And it sounds like you're on track with the moving more part, so well done for that!

IF you have specific protein goals that you find it hard to meet through food alone, then maybe protein shakes have a place in your life.

IF you go running for a chocolate bar after a class because you want a sweet hit then maybe substituting a 250 cal Double Decker for a <200 cal protein shake would be a positive switch.

But don't feel you have to use them, just because you see other people with them.

kwtilbury

There's nothing special about protein shakes that will make you lose or gain weight. They are simply a convenient and efficient way to get additional protein in your diet.

firef1y72

No particular food/drink is going to make you lose weight. I drink protein shakes/smoothies on a near enough daily basis, but I do that to help bump my Calories and protein up, as I sometimes struggle to get enough of both with my virtually meat free diet. But there again my Calorie needs are quite high and were high even when losing, and I quite enjoy the taste of a hemp protein smoothie, if I don't have the 300+ Calories to spare then I wouldn't drink it. Real food first then supplement if something (Calories/protein) is missing.

Valrotha

I'd suggest using a meal replacement shake for weight loss instead of a protein shake. Minor differences, but there are differences.

As has been stated already, they're not necessary but are very convenient and efficient. Personally, I swear by 'em and use them daily when trying to drop pounds. They can be expensive, but they're easy to make and convenient.

However, and let's be clear about this, they're not a magic formula for weight loss. Make sure you're eating at a deficit in order to lose weight (and make sure you're drinking enough water). I personally use meal replacement shakes (and protein shakes on weight days) while running a deficit and ensuring proper water intake, and based on that seemingly simple recipe I have no problem losing weight.

Not to overwhelm you, but I've saved a few articles over time related to this if you'd like to read further.

High Protein Diet for Weight Loss - WebMD

Are Meal Replacement Shakes Actually Useful? - Lifehacker

A High-Protein Diet Plan to Lose Weight and Improve Health - Healthline