Whey protein for weightloss - YES or NO?

superwomannn
superwomannn Posts: 2
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi guys,
I'm new to forums in general so excuse me if I did something wrong, but I really want an opinion. Also, english is not my first language so be kind!

I started training a month ago and I'm trying to eat as clean as I can. Even though I am overweight, my primary goal is not losing weight so much as getting fit and having a strong body. Of course I will lose weight on the way (yaay!) but I don't want to start losing muscle, only fat. I want this change to be long term so I'm doing this the healthy way.

I heard a lot of people say you need protein to help you build muscle, to make you feel full and that it is great for weight loss. I don't really eat diary because it is hard on my stomach and I don't feel very well after I eat it. For meats - I mostly eat chicken and beef, I don't really like the other kinds.

Moving on to the question -
Should I get some protein to make protein shakes instead of one meal or not? If not, what should I eat that has protein? If yes, what kind of protein should I get, for what should I look for?

Any comments and suggestions are welcome (even those not concerning the question) and thanks in advance!

Replies

  • mscott10184
    mscott10184 Posts: 16
    Hey Superwomannn

    Yes protein is good for weight loss in my experience. Like you say it helps keep you feeling full and it keeps cravings to a minimum by keeping your blood sugar at a good level. You should be lifting weights though to make the most of it. protein is not good for cardio only workouts. You don't have to be lifting big weights or doing loads of reps, instead focus on how your muscles feel when lifting.

    If you're not inclined to eat dairy you could try to get your protein in what you eat. Tuna, chicken, lean beef and lentils etc are all good sources. Alternatively if you can stomach it - egg whites, milk etc. If its anoying your stomach to have dairy try eating a banana before taking the protein shakes or try the protein bars instead.

    To maintain your weight but lose fat I would recommend a diet protein shake. Only a few manufacturers make it and you will pay a bit more. The best times to take protein are one in the morning, one after your workout and one right before you go to bed.

    Only take two on the days you are not working out, in the morning and evening, and dont forget to include the calories in the protein when putting in your daily food diary.

    hope this helps. Good luck!!
  • manda1978
    manda1978 Posts: 525 Member
    Hi & welcome :)

    Protein shakes aren't intended to be a meal replacement but a protein supplement. I drink protein shakes every day, I eat every 3hours, starting at 6am. My first 'meal' is a smoothie made with whey protein and fruit. 9am meal is oatmeal and protein being egg whites or another shake if I'm in a hurry.

    If you get an upset stomach after dairy the whey protein may not agree with you. My lactose intolerant friends use pea or rice protein powder as whey makes them sick.
  • 3laine75
    3laine75 Posts: 3,069 Member
    There is no point in paying more for a diet protein. They are all virtually the same, it's more a matter of taste, finding one that you like.

    They are neither good or bad for weight loss - that is what your calorie deficit is for.

    If you don't get enough protein from your food then they are a good supplement and if you stay within your calorie goals then they will help you achieve what you're trying to do.
  • superwomannn
    superwomannn Posts: 2
    Thanks to all for your answers!

    Since I don't have a lot of money atm I will try to incorporate more tuna and chicken to my diet, as you suggested!
    I will see how that works and based on that decide will I buy some protein or not.

    Good luck to all of usl! :)

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