Meal replacement protein shakes and supplemental protein shakes are good sources of protein while dieting. You can choose a doctor-supervised bariatric plan that replaces most or all of your meals with weight loss shakes or products, or incorporate shakes into your own plan. Meal replacement shakes contain added nutrition; read all labels for information on calories, carbohydrates and sugar content when choosing products. Whey, soy and eggs, alone or in combination, are the protein sources for weight loss shakes.
Bariatric Protein Shakes
In a 2009 study, researchers from the University of Kentucky found that a medically supervised program using meal replacement shakes was effective and safe. There are a number of bariatric protein shakes that are designed for people who are planning, recovering from or looking for an alternative to bariatric or weight loss surgery. Bariatric protein shakes differ from protein shakes designed to build muscle in that they contain less fat, fewer calories and varying amounts of carbohydrates; some muscle building protein products can find a place in a weight loss program.
Optifast is a complete, medically supervised program. Shakes are available in powder and ready-to-drink form; bars and a soup can also be purchased from authorized outlets. Medifast offers medically supervised programs for women, men and people with diabetes, most of which include at least one "real food" meal daily. Medifast offers a number of different food products in addition to shakes, and can be purchased online without a prescription. Unjury medical-quality protein is a 100 percent whey product. It can be used before and after weight loss surgery, as a weight loss product independent of surgery, or as a protein supplement. Unjury is available for purchase online without a prescription, although medical supervision is recommended. HMR offers shakes and other products and recommends medical supervision although their products can be purchased online. The website BariatricEating.com offers a variety of protein shakes for use by bariatric patients or those looking for low carbohydrate protein shakes. (See References.)
If you are under a doctor's care, preparing for or recovering from bariatric surgery, follow your doctor's recommendations regarding diet. Many bariatric plans are on very low calorie plans and require medical supervision.
Ready-to-drink Shakes
There are a number of different ready-to-drink protein shakes for weight loss. Slim-Fast Optima ready-to-drink shakes have a special formula that includes lipids and fiber designed to help you feel full longer. Other brands of ready-to-drink shakes include Believe, Inspire, Atkins, Myoplex, AchievOne, LaBrada Lean Body, Met-Rx and Isopure Plus. Nutritional content and flavor can vary widely, so you may want to try several different brands before purchasing large quantities.
Protein Powders
Protein powders offer an alternative to ready-to-drink shakes. Protein powders may offer greater flavor variety and may cost less per serving than ready-to-drink shakes. Protein powders today are developed for easy dissolution in cold or warm liquids, and don't have a gritty or grainy texture. Popular brands of protein powders include Inspire, Isopure, Matrix, Nectar, Whey Gourmet, PURE, PermaLean, Metabolic reSet, Nutri-Melt, Eat Smart, Elite and BSN Lean Dessert. Like ready-to-drink shakes, nutritional content and flavor can vary widely. Protein powders are typically sold in large canisters or zip bags; a few companies offer individual serving travel packs and/or samples.
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