Since protein has calories, consuming too much can make it harder to lose weight. This can happen if you drink protein shakes along with your usual diet and you're not eating less calories or exercising. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans state that an average adult needs about 46 to 56 grams of protein a day.
Drinking an occasional protein shake without working out will have little to no positive or negative effect on the body, but if it's habitual, the excess calories can add up. A caloric surplus of 3,500 calories results in gaining one pound of body fat.
It's All About Calories
Eating more protein, while remaining in a calorie deficit, will not lead to belly fat gain. If you do start to gain fat, you're eating too many calories, be it from protein, carbs or fat.
There can be health consequences if you drink protein shakes without exercising are: (1) less muscle gain, (2) unwanted weight gain, (3) increased risk of kidney-related problems, and (4) abnormal spike in blood glucose level.
Women use protein powder for a variety of reasons, including muscle growth, speeding recovery after workouts and stimulating weight loss. These supplements provide a concentrated source of high-quality protein in a versatile and easy-to-use powder, which can be added to shakes, smoothies and many more recipes.
It is safe to drink protein shakes every day, but be sure to obtain the majority of your protein and other foods from whole food sources. Without whole food sources, you'll be missing out on other valuable nutrients that are vital for health and supporting your workout performance and recovery.
In addition to promoting weight loss and rounding out your diet, drinking a protein shake first thing in the morning may be especially beneficial for your workout routine. Protein is necessary for tissue repair and muscle growth and can help your body recover after an intense workout ( 9 ).
The main side effects of consuming a lot of protein powder are digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and cramping. If you have any food sensitivities, be sure to read the label first.
If you're of average build and go to the gym regularly, two protein shakes a day is enough to maintain your body mass. But if you're seriously involved in athletic sports, fitness practices and strength exercises, you may need to drink three to four protein shakes daily to sustain your physique and performance.
If you're looking to lose weight, a great time for you to drink your protein shake could be in the morning. That's because protein is one of the most crucial nutrients for fat loss. Starting your day with protein can give your metabolism a boost and keep it raised all day long.
For example, the American Council on Exercise recommends that people who are trying to lose weight consume 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight (or about 54 grams for a 150-pound person). This means that you would need to drink one or two protein shakes per day to meet your protein needs.
Is it Safe to Have More Than One Protein Shake a Day? Yes. It's safe to have more than one protein shake a day, but the experts we spoke with recommended capping your consumption at three.
“The most I would recommend to an average person is two per day, simply because anything beyond that point is going to cut into your diet in a negative way,” she says. If you work out regularly and you're trying to build muscle, two protein shakes per day is plenty.
Can you drink a shake on an empty stomach? In most cases, drinking a protein shake on an empty stomach won't cause you any harm. “If it's a tough workout, try hydrating with water during the workout first and then drink the protein shake after,” says Patton.
Do Use Protein Shakes for Breakfast if You're Trying to Lose Weight. Replacing your morning meal with a protein shake is a great idea if you're trying to drop extra pounds. Most protein powders recommend using one scoop of protein per shake, which is usually equal to about 25 grams of protein.
Being a key nutrient for weight loss, getting enough of protein can boost metabolism and tame your hunger, which could help you lose weight and belly fat. In fact, adding homemade protein shakes to your diet is an easy way to increase protein intake to slim down without dieting.
Whey protein has been linked to some impressive benefits, including greater weight loss, improved satiety and better body composition ( 32 , 33 ).
Protein shakes are good for weight loss because they are satiating and may boost metabolism. Replace a meal, like dinner, with a low-calorie, no added sugar protein shake to lose weight. It's best to make your own protein shake with fruits, nut butter, and a sugar-free protein powder.
Answer From Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D. Makers of protein shakes may say that their products help lower body fat or promote weight loss. But protein shakes aren't a magic way to lose weight. Some studies find that consuming a higher than usual amount of protein in your diet may offer benefits.
Whey protein is a type of protein powder made from milk. It's one of the best sources of protein for weight loss and can help you lose belly fat specifically.
Being a key nutrient for weight loss, getting enough of protein can boost metabolism and tame your hunger, which could help you lose weight and belly fat. In fact, adding homemade protein shakes to your diet is an easy way to increase protein intake to slim down without dieting.
Protein shakes cause gastrointestinal (GI) side effects for many people. Common side effects include bloating, constipation, cramps, diarrhea, gas, nausea, and stomach pain. Dairy, or lactose, is the one of the main reasons why protein shakes cause stomach aches.
Whey Protein Can Boost Fullness Quickly
It contains all the essential amino acids and is absorbed quickly in the body ( 31 ). Whey protein has been linked to some impressive benefits, including greater weight loss, improved satiety and better body composition ( 32 , 33 ).
If you're looking to lose weight, a great time for you to drink your protein shake could be in the morning. That's because protein is one of the most crucial nutrients for fat loss. Starting your day with protein can give your metabolism a boost and keep it raised all day long.