Protein powder and protein shakes

I'm a vegetarian and I use them to get to my protein goals for the day. I also use them to nourish my muscles after I lift. I'll make a shake with almond milk, one scoop of protein powder, and a little bit of greek yogurt and it's fairly low cal for all the protein you're getting.

As I understand it, protein is harder for your body to break down and store as bodyfat, when compared to fat or carbohydrates. So eating a diet that is higher in protein (regardless of your stance on carbs) can aid significantly in weight loss.

Also, after workouts, when your muscles are in recovery, protein (and the amino acids therein) can help them heal faster and better than the other macronutrients, so, if you're incorporating strength training, a protein shake is a great way to bomb that into your system. To the above point, one scoop of my protein shake has 30 grams of protein for 100 calories, which would require 5 whole eggs (at 390 calories) to match. (After a heavy workout? Blech!) This is why they've been associated with body-builders and power-lifters for so long.

TLDR: The benefits of protein, as far as I'm aware, tie directly to the benefits of muscle recovery/development in weight loss.

On a personal note, it does help me feel more full for longer, which helps with willpower, but ymmv on this one.

I couldn't explain the science, but I do not ache after a lift workout -nearly- as much when I finish with a protein shake. I have issues getting enough protein daily, and I like the ease of the shakes. I have been pleasantly surprised in the use of whey (non-vegan) mixes during my weight loss effort. Both my trainer & my husband's nutritionist recommended them, so we gave it a try. Now it is a staple!

Resisted them for years, but I just can't eat enough to get all my protein in some days.
Now, I make a big water and protein drink to sip during the day.

Cheers, h.

frau_jd wrote: »

I use them to help keep my calorie count down and not have to prepare three meals a day.

You do realize that the calories/gram from protein is equal to carbs, approximately 4 cal/g

SweatLikeDog wrote: »

Two main benefits: 1. increasing protein intake keeps you from losing muscle when you're in a negative calorie balance, 2. eating protein along with carbs reduces hunger by blunting the insulin spike you normally get from carbs. Shakes are just a cheap and convenient way to get the protein into your system.

This

BrownsFan19 wrote: »

can anyone explain the purpose of protein shakes? What benefits do they have? I've always assumed that they were for body builders who want to gain tons of muscle, but I see more and more people drinking them that are currently trying to lose weight. How do they aide in weight loss and are they a lot of calories?

Doctor oz has one online, it's really good. I bought a container of chocolate protein whey at Walmarts, $19.95. Use one scoop of the powder with a half cup of water, its130 calories. You can shake the ingredients, stir them in a glass or use a blender. You can add a teaspoon of instant coffee and ice cubes, calories are still 130. Now if you want to add fruit just add in the calorie value if the fruit. Using the shale as a meal will help with weight loss. You can google all of this and get more information.