Last Updated on June 21, 2022 by San San

Weight loss has a lot of benefits – better health overall, right? Weight loss means looking good, feeling good and living a better life. Some people resort to protein shakes, especially if they’re working out. So, you’re probably one of the people who constantly ask, “how do I know when to drink protein shakes for weight loss?” You’re at the right place.

How Do I Know When To Drink Protein Shakes For Weight Loss?

Weight loss is a goal many are trying to achieve, so many start a workout regiment and start changing their diet to healthier options. Some choose to do cardio workouts and go for a run, and others choose to go to the gym. Both are very viable options to achieve weight loss.

If you’ve been to a gym recently, you’ve probably seen protein powders being displayed on the counter. Likewise, you’ve probably heard of gym instructors encouraging some to use protein shakes to build muscles. If you are only focused on weight loss, you may think you don’t need it, or do you? It really depends on your body’s needs.

Surprisingly, there is much more to protein shakes other than helping you build muscles. There are tons of benefits if you decide to add protein shakes to your diet, one of which is weight loss. We will further explain how adding protein shakes can help you in your weight loss journey. 

What Are Protein Shakes?

As you’ve noticed in the name, protein shakes are drinks that are full of protein. Protein shakes are sold as protein powder, simply add water, and you have yourself a shake. Although you only need water, you can also choose to add other ingredients if you prefer a more wholesome experience to diet.

You can use some protein shakes recipes online to spice up your drink. Also, some brands are already premade with their take of a liquid shake.

Here are some of the protein powders types that are currently available in your local gym or online:

• Whey Protein: Whey protein is a protein that is extracted from milk. Not only is it high protein, but it also contains lactose. Although most of the lactose is lost during the processing, whey protein isn’t recommended if you are lactose intolerant.
• Casein Protein: Casein protein also comes from milf like whey. This time, casein is absorbed and digested slowly in your stomach. Casein slows down your stomach to delay the absorption of amino acids into your bloodstream.  As a result, the protein in your muscles breaks at a slower rate.
• Pea Protein: Pea protein powder is a supplement made from extracting protein from yellow peas. It is especially popular among vegetarians, vegans, or someone who is allergic to dairy products. It is also high in fibre.
• Egg Protein: As the name suggests, this protein powder comes from eggs. Rather than the egg’s yolk, the protein is extracted from the egg whites. However, the protein amount is still excellent, but you won’t be as full since the egg yolk is not added.
• Brown Rice Protein: Brown rice protein has been around more than most of the other protein powders. However, it is considered inferior to other types since its lysine count is too low.

Most people do not need protein shakes in their regular diet. Protein shakes are a supplement to your diet and not a replacement. You don’t necessarily need them, but protein shakes enhance your weight loss program. 

Certain protein shakes may not be ideal for some people. Know what your goals are, and consult a doctor before using any of the protein shake types.

How Does Protein Shakes Help Weight Loss?

Protein shakes contain protein, but how does protein help your weight loss journey? Depending on what you need as you work out and go through various diets, protein shakes help with weight loss by knowing when you’re body works the most and when your body’s needs for nutrients slow down.

Protein Decreases Hunger

To lose weight, you need to do intense exercise and eat a proper diet. In short, burn more calories than how much you gain in a day. So you may want your diet to be filled with nutritious contents but at the same time low in calories.

Highly processed foods contain high calories, carbohydrates, sodium, and fats, without any nutrients. These kinds of foods are the leading causes of chronic illnesses. On top of that, despite eating a lot of them, you still will get hungry rather quickly.

You need wholesome foods if you want to fill your stomach without any add-ons. If wholesome foods are hard to find, then protein shakes it is. Protein shakes are great snack replacements since they are low in calories but high in nutrients. Not only do they obtain protein, but it also has small amounts of iron, magnesium, and calcium.

Do note that some protein shake companies have mixed ingredients added to their formulas. Some have artificial sugars added to them. Make sure to inspect the ingredients before purchasing protein shakes. They might hamper your fitness goals instead of helping.

Protein Shakes Boosts Metabolism

Due to the abundance of protein in your system, the easier your muscles can build—provided you do strength training. As a result, you will gain larger muscles which then increases your metabolism and energy production.

Many people choose to restrict their diet to quickly lose weight. However, they are doing themselves a disfavour. Sure, they will lose fats, but they will also lose plenty of muscles. Fewer muscles result in a slower metabolism and less energy consumption. All of these factors then lead to more weight gain once they go back to their old eating habits.

Think of your muscles as an engine. The larger engine you have, the more fuel consumption it will use to run it. Now, if you make your engine smaller, it won’t use as much fuel. Even if the engine is at rest, a huge engine will still eat a lot of fuel. The human body never turns off, unlike an engine.

Huge muscles will keep eating away the calories even at rest. On the other hand, small muscles barely eat away calories. And once you go back to your eating habits, your shrunk muscles will be replaced by fats.

When to Drink Protein Shakes? Here’s the Conclusion

There is no precise time on when you should drink. When you should drink your protein shake depends on your routine and your fitness goals. If you are working out to build muscles, drink protein shakes before or after your workout.

But if you are aiming to lose weight, drink your protein shakes during the morning when the body needs fuel the most. Some even use protein shakes as a replacement for their breakfast. They add some fruits and eggs to the diet to make it more nutritious.