When should I drink protein shakes to lose weight?

Author: Felipa Schneider  |  Last update: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Generally speaking though, if your workout is cardio or aerobic-focused, a post-workout protein shake is going to give your body what it needs, while if your workout is more based around resistance training such as weights, yoga or Pilates, a pre-workout protein shake can help you gain muscle mass and strength [5].

Should I drink protein shakes if I'm trying to lose weight?

Yes, it's perfectly fine to include protein shakes in your weight loss plan. Protein can help curb hunger, maintain muscle mass, and increase metabolism. However, it's important to ensure the shake fits into your overall calorie intake. Opt for shakes that are low in added sugars and artificial ingredients.

What is the best time to drink protein shake for weight loss?

For those aiming to shed weight, a prime moment to enjoy a protein shake is in the morning. Protein plays a pivotal role in fat loss, and kickstarting your day with it can rev up your metabolism, maintaining its elevated state throughout the day.

How many protein shakes should I drink a day to lose weight?

It is generally recommended to limit protein shake consumption to a maximum of 2-3 shakes per day, with each shake providing around 20-30 grams of protein. Excessive protein intake can put strain on your kidneys and may not provide additional benefits.

Will I lose weight if I drink a protein shake before bed?

Consuming a protein shake post-workout is often thought to be the best time to maximize your muscle growth and recovery, though drinking protein before bed may provide extra benefits. Drinking an extra protein shake at night can improve strength, muscle size, speed up recovery, and promote weight loss.

I Stopped Drinking Protein Shakes To Lose Weight…Here’s Why

Will I gain weight if I drink a protein shake in the morning?

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.

What happens when you drink protein shakes without working out?

Without exercise, the extra protein from the shakes might not be used well by your body. This could lead to issues like gaining too much weight or not having enough muscle strength. In the long term, it might also affect things like your heart health or how your bones stay strong.

How much weight can you lose in a week on shakes?

The amount of weight you can lose on Diet now shakes depends on several factors, including your starting weight, your calorie intake, and your level of physical activity. On average, you can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week while using Diet now shakes as a meal replacement.

Is it better to drink protein shake on empty stomach?

Your blood pool of amino acids is depleted which also means your body starts breaking down some of the muscles as well. And this is a normal and usual phenomenon. Drinking protein on empty stomach during breakfast helps set the tone for rest of the day by getting you the jumpstart on the daily protein intake.

Is it okay to replace breakfast with a protein shake?

Replacing breakfast with a nutritionally balanced protein shake may benefit your health. However, protein shakes should not be relied upon as a long-term replacement for whole foods. Instead, they should be consumed as part of a well-balanced diet.

How to take protein shakes for weight loss?

Most people will get enough protein daily, especially if they eat protein-rich foods. But for an additional protein boost, a protein shake once a day (especially at breakfast) with whey protein powder is considered one of the best ways to take whey protein for weight loss.

What is the 30/30/30 rule for weight loss?

The 30/30/30 is a weight loss method that involves eating 30 g of protein within the first 30 minutes of your day and following it with 30 minutes of light exercise. This morning routine is rooted in sound science, and it could be a good way to increase your capacity to burn fat while keeping lean muscle.

What is the healthiest meal for losing weight?

Here are a few examples of healthy meals for weight loss. For breakfast, a bowl of bran flakes with sliced strawberries and walnuts with nonfat milk. For lunch, a turkey sandwich on wheat with vegetables and an olive oil and vinegar dressing. For dinner, a salmon steak on a bed of spinach.

How to lose belly fat?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

How much protein to lose weight?

Eating 0.36 grams of protein daily per pound of body weight is fine for the average adult. But for those looking to lose weight, eating between 0.81–1.23 grams of protein daily per pound of body weight is better — especially if you're also exercising, which you're likely doing if you're trying to lose weight.

Can I just drink protein shakes and not eat?

Bottom Line: Drinking only meal replacement shakes is safe, provided you are consuming enough calories to lead an active lifestyle. There are few risks, just some unpleasant side effects. It is ultimately a better option only to replace 1-2 meals per day with shakes and create healthy meals for the remaining calories.

How do I tell if I'm eating too much protein?

Consuming more protein than the body needs can cause symptoms such as intestinal discomfort, dehydration, nausea, fatigue, headaches, and more. Chronic protein overconsumption can also increase the risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, blood vessel disorders, liver and kidney issues, and seizures.

Which is the best protein for weight loss?

Whey protein for weight loss: Whey powder is known for being helpful in weight loss. It is especially considered to be an ideal protein powder for women's weight loss as it keeps you full for longer, preventing binge eating.

Is it better to drink protein before or after workout?

The short answer: Many experts suggest having protein after a workout to build muscle mass. But preworkout or postworkout protein may help. Strenuous exercise creates microtears in the muscles. After a workout, your body repairs the damage using amino acids from dietary protein.

Are bananas good for weight loss?

They are low in calories and contain pectin, a fiber that helps reduce bad cholesterol levels and control blood sugar. This can help reduce your cravings for unhealthy snacks and prevent overeating. Bananas contain potassium, which helps to boost metabolism and aids in fat burning.

Does drinking protein shake before bed burn fat?

More research needs to be done to determine whether protein before bed promotes weight loss and weight management, but research in both men and women shows that consuming pre-sleep protein for healthy weight individuals does not seem to negatively impact overnight fat metabolism.

How to burn calories overnight?

To increase the number of calories you burn during sleep, you would need to increase your basal metabolic rate. The easiest way to do this is by eating right, getting enough exercise, and sleeping well.

What are the side effects of taking protein powder?

Excess intake of these proteins can also cause increased bowel movements, bloating, and even nausea. Other side effects include flatulence and diarrhea. If taken in excess quantities, protein supplements can cause you to gain weight. And by weight, we mean fat.

Previous article
How can I Unperm my eyelashes at home?
Next article
Why does my hair look greasy but feels fine?