Losing weight is a process that requires both physical activity and a change in diet. Many people who want to lose weight turn to protein shakes as a way to help them reach their goals. However, not all protein shakes are created equal.
Here is a look at the dos and don’ts of using protein shakes for weight loss.
Table of Contents
What You Should Do
Picking out the Right Brand:
While choosing a brand you can either rely on online or consult a dietician.
Add Exercise to your routine:
If you can balance at least three days of exercise per week with drinking a protein shake after gym every week, your body will become fit in a fast and healthy manner. Exercise burns fat and breaks down muscles and to recuperate, protein is needed. By combining exercise and protein shakes, you can get your desired body very fast!
Limit Intake:
“Too much of anything is too much” is a very cliché but rightfully so! Just because protein shakes help you to lose weight and meet your daily protein requirements does not mean you should keep on drinking these shakes all day. The key is moderation. Protein shakes also contain a lot of calories, so how much of it is being ingested should also be kept in mind. It is important to keep track of the calories we consume every day in order to lose fat properly.
Recommended for you: Protein Consumption Before or After Workout
Replacing meals:
You can choose to replace one meal of the day with a shake (recommended for those trying to lose weight very fast). It is not hard to find the best meal replacement shake for weight loss.
What You Definitely Shouldn’t Do
Substituting solid food:
This is something that would cause you to lose weight very rapidly in the beginning but then, inevitably, your body is bound to crash. And when that happens you will feel a lot of fatigue throughout the day. It is very important to remember that protein is not the ONLY component of food that we need. So, don’t plan anything like living off protein shakes.
Not only will you feel fatigued throughout the day, once you get back to solid food it would be harder to maintain weight loss. In fact, you will gain weight rapidly.
Going with the trend:
Just because your peers ’/gym buddies/a fantastic advert influences you to buy a brand does not me it would be best suited for you. It is always very wise to consult a dietician or at least check the contents of the ingredients of the brand you choose to go with. A little research could go a long way!
Store shakes for more than 3 days:
It is highly recommended that the shakes made be refrigerated and be thrown out after 2 days. A maximum of three days can be considered. More than three days will do more harm than good to the body.
Not counting the calories:
As mentioned before, it is very important to count how many calories per day is consumed versus how much exercise or overall energy is being spent. If consumed at a high rate, then instead of weight loss, you would gain weight without understanding why or how!
These were some of the dos and don’ts of using protein shakes as an instrument to weight loss. Weight loss or just getting a healthy, fit body is a long journey that takes time, energy, research, and a whole lot of patience. We shouldn’t expect results overnight. Neither should give up if immediate results are not seen. It is very important to identify all the tools of weight loss and use them properly, balancing everything. Protein shakes are a wonderful way to make weight loss easier, recuperate from daily exercise faster, and meet nutrient demands in our body efficiently. In the words of Taylor Swift, “Shake it off! Just shake it off!”
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I just drink protein shakes to lose weight?
Ans: No, you need to have a balanced diet that includes protein, fat, and carbohydrates to lose weight. Protein shakes can be a part of your diet, but you should also eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
What are the best foods for weight loss? A look at some of the best foods for weight loss. Included is detail on what foods to incorporate into your diet and why they work.