Protein is an essential macronutrient for weight loss. Getting a sufficient amount of protein may boost your metabolism and reduce your appetite by keeping you full.
P
rotein also helps you lose body fat without losing muscle. Because they are often low in calories while providing other essential nutrients your body needs, such as protein, calcium, iron, and magnesium.
But if you're not careful, it could totally derail your weight-loss efforts and cause weight gain.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to use protein powder for weight loss and the best protein powders for losing weight.
Let’s dive in!
Protein powders are a quick and convenient way to boost your protein intake.
The International Society of Sports Nutrition recommends a daily intake of 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight (0.64 to 0.91 grams per pound) for those trying to lose weight.
Taking this much protein will help maintain and build muscle mass, while people who train regularly and Athletes may need more protein.
According to most studies, you receive the most benefit from protein when you consume it right before or right after exercise.
For weight loss purposes, you can use a protein supplement as a meal replacement. Your goal should be to have a calorie deficit, which means you burn more calories than you consume.
However, doctors don't recommend replacing meals with protein shakes in the long term. These shakes don't provide the same nutritional density as whole foods.
The best way to use protein powder is in a shake. To make a protein shake, you can mix the powder with water or plant-based milk, or blend it with ice and drink it after a workout.
This gives your body the amino acids it needs to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
Here are some other ways you can use protein shakes or powders:
- Mix it with vegetables and dip.
- Add it to oatmeal or yogurt.
- Add it to baked goods, pancakes, bread, or muffins.
- Make a smoothie with fruit, yogurt, and protein powder.
- Use it to make a high-protein pudding.
- Combine it with oats, nut butter, fruit, or a combination to make energy balls or bars.
It is most beneficial to use protein powder along with a healthy, balanced diet and regular physical activity to lose weight.
If you don't exercise regularly, you can still drink protein shakes as a way to increase your protein intake. Just be sure not to overdo it, as too much protein can potentially lead to weight gain.
Which Type of Protein Powder Is Best for Weight Loss?
Plant-Based Protein Powders
Those who prefer a more natural or vegan option can opt for plant-based protein powders. They can be just as effective and provide more total value than dairy-based protein powders, which the Tropeaka Lean Protein is a testament to.
These protein powders are generally lower in sugar, calories, and fat but high in protein, making them ideal for weight loss.
Plant-based protein powders are made from a variety of sources, such as soy, hemp, brown rice, and peas. The following are the top plant-based proteins that will help you lose weight:
Pea Protein
Pea protein is a plant-based protein powder that is as effective as milk-based protein powder for muscle growth and recovery, especially when it’s combined with a rice protein powder like the Tropeaka Lean Protein. This gives it the complete amino acid profile it needs to accomplish any fitness goals.
This protein powder is hypoallergenic, easily digestible, and particularly high in BCAAs. This makes it a great fit for the human body to synthesize. It absorbs slower than whey, but faster than casein. And, in a world where many have iron deficiencies, Pea protein helps the cause as they typically contain good levels of iron.
Pea protein powder is made from yellow split peas and is popular among those focused on healthy choices, as well as vegetarians, vegans, and people with allergies to dairy products or eggs.
Hemp Protein
Hemp protein powder is another excellent plant-based supplement that's made from the seeds of the hemp plant.
This protein is relatively high in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which is beneficial for weight loss. Also, it contains antioxidants, minerals, and heart-healthy unsaturated fats.
However, the protein powder is not considered a complete protein because it's very low levels of the amino acids lysine and leucine.
Even so, it's a good choice for vegetarians or vegans looking to make healthy choices.
Rice Protein
Rice protein powder is made from brown rice and contains all the essential amino acids your body needs.
Although rice protein contains all of the essential amino acids, it's low in lysine, which means it's not a complete protein.
You can overcome this by combining it with pea protein powder, or with a healthy eating diet that supports your fitness goals.
Brown rice protein is a good option for people who don't consume dairy or other animal products. It's a hypoallergenic alternative to whey protein.
In a small study of 24 college-aged, resistance-trained male participants, rice protein helped improve perceived recovery from exercise and reduce muscle soreness just as effectively as whey protein.
Also, both the rice and whey protein groups showed similar increases in strength, power, muscle mass, and lean body mass.
Consuming a protein-filled breakfast will help your metabolism work faster
When Should You Take Protein Powder To Lose Weight?
The best time to take protein powder really depends on your health and your fitness goals.
There is no set time when to take it because it depends on whether you intend to lose weight, build muscle mass, tone and build lean muscle, or preserve muscle.
For weight loss, it's beneficial to consume enough protein powder or shakes in the morning when your body needs fuel.
Because protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates, it will help you feel fuller for longer and prevent cravings throughout the day.
If you take protein powder in the morning, you'll increase your protein intake without adding too many calories.
Also, consuming a protein-filled breakfast will help your metabolism work faster.
You can also take protein powder or protein shakes between breakfast and lunch or between lunch and dinner to prevent unhealthy snacking, which will ultimately lead to weight loss.
It’s also a good time to consume protein powder before or after a workout to help with weight loss and recovery and prevent muscle breakdown.
When you consume a protein shake right before your regular exercise time, it helps provide the necessary protein for muscle protein synthesis and provides you with plenty of energy during the workout.
After a workout, consuming protein powder or drinking a shake helps you rebuild your muscles and satisfy your hunger.
To sum it up, the best time to take protein powder is whenever you feel like you need it the most. If you want to lose weight, take it in the morning or before meals. If you want to build muscle, take it after workouts. And if you just want to maintain muscle, take it whenever you feel like you need a boost.
No matter when you choose to take a protein shake or powder, it's important to pair it with a healthy diet and regular exercise for the best results.
Is Protein Powder Safe For Weight Loss?
Yes, protein powders are generally safe for most people when used in moderation. If used correctly, consuming protein powder daily along with a healthy, well-balanced diet may help with weight loss.
You still need to consume whole foods regularly to maintain your physical and mental well-being. It's important to establish healthy habits.
It's true that eating or drinking protein can keep you feeling full for longer, but eating too much protein without burning calories through exercise can actually lead to weight gain.
This is because when you consume more protein than your body needs, the extra protein is converted into fat and stored in your fat cells.
Also, consuming too much protein can lead to digestive issues, such as bloating and constipation.
Furthermore, if you have any underlying health conditions or take medications that could interact with the protein powder and protein shakes, be sure to speak with your doctor before adding it to your diet.
Pregnant women and young children should also avoid using a protein shake or powder. If you decide to use protein powder, be sure to choose one that's high-quality and free from additives.
Be sure to consult with a doctor or dietitian before consuming protein or drinking protein shakes for weight loss.
A healthy diet and regular exercise are still necessary for long-term weight loss success
Conclusion
Protein powder is a popular supplement that's often used to help with weight loss. Protein can help reduce appetite and promote fullness as well as help build muscle mass.
A protein powder is a convenient and easy way to raise your intake of protein, and there are many types available.
However, some protein powders do not contain all of the essential amino acids, which means that you need to get protein from other sources as well.
If you plan to take a protein powder, do some research on various brands. While some powders claim to be low calorie or low carb, they could be high in unhealthy fats or sugars.
Therefore, choose one that is high in protein and low in unhealthy ingredients. Having more protein makes you feel fuller longer and burns more calories.
But it's important to remember that protein powder is not a miracle weight loss solution. A healthy diet and regular exercise are still necessary for long-term weight loss success.
We hope that this article has helped you better understand protein powder and how it can support weight loss.
Be sure to speak with your doctor or dietitian before making any drastic changes to your diet or lifestyle. Your doctor or dietician can help you determine how much protein you need.
