Replacing meals with protein shakes may help you lower your daily calories, which can help you lose weight. But in time you'll need to start eating solid food again. Eating solid food may cause excess weight to return if you don't make smart food choices.
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.
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.
Consuming protein first thing in the morning has been shown to help with weight loss. One study showed that those who ate protein for breakfast consumed fewer calories throughout the day.
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.
Protein is an important nutrient for weight loss ( 1 ). Getting enough protein may support healthy metabolism and reduce your appetite. It may also help you lose body fat without losing muscle. Protein shakes are a convenient way to add more protein to your diet and have even been shown to aid weight loss.
The best drink for weight loss is water since it has zero calories and can keep you hydrated. Other weight loss drinks include coffee, green tea, vegetable juice, and smoothies. If you're trying to lose weight, avoid high-calorie, sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice.
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.
Drinking a shake first thing in the morning will up your protein intake without adding too many calories. Consuming a protein shake right before your regular exercise time is also said to help you reach your full potential during a workout, providing your body with plenty of energy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unlike other nutrients like carbohydrates, which get digested quickly, proteins take much longer to break down. Protein plays a critical role in reducing belly fat.
In one study of 23 healthy adults, a whey protein meal was found to increase metabolic rate and fat burning more than casein or soy protein meals ( 48 ).
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.
Protein shakes support muscle growth and repair after exercise and they can be a quick meal replacement when you're on the go. Drinking two protein shakes instead of full meals daily may help you lose weight, but it isn't really a long-term weight management solution.
Drinking a protein shake for breakfast can be a quick and convenient way to squeeze more nutrients into your diet and increase your protein intake. Protein shakes can also be an effective tool to support weight loss and enhance muscle growth.
Green TeaOn the top of the list is green tea which is packed with antioxidants known as catechins that are believed to fight the stubborn belly fat. A lot of studies have shown that drinking green tea regularly helps in shrinking your belly.