Hitting the gym to lose weight is pretty common. Many people turn to diets and fitness apps to help them get in shape. But what happens when the gym isn’t an option? What should you do when you want to lose weight but don’t have the time to go to the gym? A simpler alternative might be drinking protein shakes. But is drinking protein really the answer to losing weight? Let’s take a look.
The Protein Advantage
When it comes to food and nutrition, most people think about what they eat and how it affects them physically. But did you know that what you drink can be just as important? If you’re drinking adequate amounts of fluid, your body can regulate temperature better and you’ll lose weight faster. It also helps build muscle mass which in turn helps with weight loss.
Proteins are important because they can be used to build new cells and tissues. When you ingest protein, your body feels it needs to use other nutrients in order to digest it properly. This is why you often have to eat alongside protein shakes – to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
Why Should You Try Protein Shakes Instead Of Regular Drinks?
Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just want to get healthier, there are a number of pros and cons to consider when comparing protein shakes to regular drinks. Let’s take a look.
Protein Shakes Are More Nutritious
When you compare regular drinks to protein shakes, you’ll notice there’s more in the shake. Since the name suggests, protein shakes are a great way to get protein. One of the major drawbacks of regular drinks is that there’s often less protein in them compared to a shake. For example, a 16-ounce glass of milk has about six to seven grams of protein. While a chocolate milk shake has about 12 to 14 grams of protein in it. So, if you’re looking for a good source of protein, consider opting for a shake.
What else makes protein shakes special? A lot of the products in the market have added vitamins and minerals to them. This is usually in the form of a simple daily dose of vitamins or a multivitamin supplement. This is important because many people who consume regular drinks often don’t get the nutrients they need in sufficient amounts. This leaves you at a higher risk of health problems. When you consume food that doesn’t contain these nutrients, you increase your risk of developing certain ailments. The good thing about a protein shake is that it often has these nutrients in sufficient amounts to provide your body with all it needs.
They Promote A Healthier Lifestyle
When you drink regular drinks, there’s a good chance you’ll end up drinking more than you should. This often leads people to develop habits and addictions to certain drinks and cocktails. The issue with this is that your body doesn’t recognize it as nourishment and will treat it as such. So, if you’re regularly drinking alcoholic beverages, you put yourself at risk for developing problems such as liver damage and even cancer.
Alcoholic beverages are also a major source of empty calories. A six-pack of beer has about 100 calories. While a glass of wine has about 120 calories. Both of these are a lot of calories that you don’t need if you’re trying to lose weight. If you’re going to drink alcohol, make sure you opt for the stronger varieties that have fewer calories. Seelbach Hefeweizen has only three calories and that comes from its alcohol content. So, if you’re going to drink, there’s no need to opt for the more expensive varieties that have higher calorie content. These calories will just be adding to your waistline without providing any advantages.
Now, some people like the taste of beer and wine more than milk and other drinks. If this is you, then there’s no need to deprive yourself of these products completely. Just make sure you watch what you drink. You don’t need to drink alcohol in excess if you don’t want to gain weight. There are many varieties of beer and wine available that don’t have a high calories content. You should be able to find something that fits your tastes. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing addictions that will cause you much more trouble down the road.
They Have A Longer Lifespan
When you’re comparing regular drinks to shake products, you’ll notice a major difference in how long they last in your stomach. Protein shakes often have a bland taste which makes them more palatable to the human palate. This being said, many of the products in the market have an aftertaste that can be a little overwhelming. The reason for this is that they contain a lot of refined sugar which gives them a more artificial taste. Refined sugar has a shorter lifespan in your stomach compared to unrefined sugar. So, if you’re going to drink something, make sure it’s the former. The longer the sugar stays in your stomach, the more calories you will ingest. This, in turn, will lead to weight gain. To avoid this, stick to the simpler flavors of protein shakes and sip them slowly.
Choose The Right Type Of Protein
Not all proteins are created equal. You need to make sure that you’re utilizing the proper sources for the nutrients you need. This means buying organic, free-range, and natural products whenever possible. Although this might be a tall order, avoiding preservatives and additives in your diet can only help you in the long run.
The type of protein you utilize is going to be determined by your goals. Are you trying to lose weight or trying to gain muscle? Are you looking for a natural product or an artificial one? It’s important to understand what your body requires in order to achieve the results you’re looking for. If you’re not sure which type of protein to go with, try something new that has a mixture of both. This will help you achieve the results you’re looking for while not having to worry about which product to choose. For instance, a fast-paced workout could leave you depleted, so you might want to have a protein shake after your workout to replenish your muscles and give you that extra boost to get another workout in. Or, if you’re trying to get rid of body fat, you might opt for a vegan protein powder to help you achieve this goal.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to drink protein shakes is all about what you prefer. There are a lot of pros to the product and, as long as you’re having them in moderation, they can’t be considered unhealthy. So, if you’re looking for a no-nonsense way to get your daily protein, consider opting for a shake. Not only will you get all the nutrients you need, but you’ll also avoid many of the health problems that come with excess alcohol consumption.