Protein Powder not for weight loss?

kshadows
kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
edited February 13 in Food and Nutrition
I've started adding a scoop of protein powder to a morning smoothie to both up my protein and help keep me full longer. However, when I went to buy another tub, I discovered on the label that it says "Do not use for weight reduction" or "Not for weight loss use" on the back of EVERY protein powder in the store!!

Is there a reason for this? Is it really a bad idea to use it then?

Replies

  • tedrickp
    tedrickp Posts: 1,229 Member
    Well protein powder isn't technically "for" weight loss. I think those warnings are there to let people know protein powder doesn't have any magical weight loss properties. Protein powder also has calories, so you have to budget that into your day.

    That said, if you need extra protein and can fit the powder within your calories, then it is perfectly fine.
  • medicpm
    medicpm Posts: 1 Member
    I have a scoop with my breakfast every morning after my workout. Just remember to count the calories.
  • britpate127
    britpate127 Posts: 1 Member
    Well, protein helps to build muscle. The more muscle you build, the faster your metabolism gets... so you would burn more fat. BUT muscle weighs MORE than fat so if you're losing fat and gaining muscle.. the scale is going to go up.. but you will be losing inches. It all depends what your goals are :)
  • 4legsRbetterthan2
    4legsRbetterthan2 Posts: 19,528 Member
    lots of people incorperate them into their weight loss

    it is probably because people confuse it with slimfast type drinks that are claiming to be a diet
  • AJL_Daddy
    AJL_Daddy Posts: 525 Member
    Our society think weight loss comes in a majic pill or potion. This warning is to prevent the masses from mistaking it as a weight loss drug or remedy. As it has been explained to me, increased protein is essential for weight loss though. So I have a protein shake daily. I just log the calories. Easy as that!
  • kr1stadee
    kr1stadee Posts: 1,774 Member
    Well protein powder isn't technically "for" weight loss. I think those warnings are there to let people know protein powder doesn't have any magical weight loss properties. Protein powder also has calories, so you have to budget that into your day.

    That said, if you need extra protein and can fit the powder within your calories, then it is perfectly fine.

    And
    it is probably because people confuse it with slimfast type drinks that are claiming to be a diet

    And some of this
    Our society think weight loss comes in a majic pill or potion. This warning is to prevent the masses from mistaking it as a weight loss drug or remedy. As it has been explained to me, increased protein is essential for weight loss though. So I have a protein shake daily. I just log the calories. Easy as that!
  • bajoyba
    bajoyba Posts: 1,153 Member
    Protein powders are "not intended for weight loss" because they are not to be used as meal replacements unless specifically formulated for that purpose. If you're losing weight and are using protein supplements to up your protein while eating an otherwise nutritionally balanced diet, it's fine. If you're using a protein supplement to replace a meal and help create a calorie deficit, that's probably not a good idea. Most protein powders are just that - protein - and often do not contain the adequate macro and micronutrients that you would get from eating an actual meal. If you want a meal replacement shake, you should look for for one specifically meant for that. But I'm sure that adding a scoop to your breakfast smoothie is fine. :smile:
  • jmv7117
    jmv7117 Posts: 891 Member
    I checked the canister I have of Body Fortress 100% Premium Whey Protein (Vanilla Creme) purchased in Canada. There is nothing on the label that says not to use this protein powder for weight loss. However, 39 g of this powder is 150 calories that when added to other ingredients for a smoothie can make for a rather high calorie drink that may not be suitable for losing weight. With very little effort you could easily rack up enough calories in a smoothie that includes protein powder to rival that of many fast food milk shakes so go by IIFYM. I consider protein powder a dietary supplement. I personally don't use a full scoop and I do weigh out what I use (20 g) for a smoothie that serves 2. I also reserve the use of the protein powder for days I'm a bit low on protein.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories