As you fight the battle of the bulge, you may be considering whether to try protein nutritional supplements for weight loss. The marketing materials make protein supplements and shakes look like the answer to your weight woes. However, nutrition experts are doubtful you will lose more weight by using protein powders and supplements.
Types
You can find protein supplements in two forms, powder and ready-made. Protein supplements that are powdered need to be mixed with a liquid, usually water or milk, prior to drinking. Ready-made protein supplements are already in liquid form; you simply open the can or bottle and drink.
You can buy protein supplements that are high-calorie as well as supplements that are low in calories. High-calorie protein supplements are usually used by bodybuilders who want to gain weight and are typically also higher in carbohydrates and fats. If you want to lose weight, you should instead choose a low-calorie protein supplement that is lower in carbohydrates and fats.
Function
Katherine Zeratsky, a Mayo Clinic nutritionist, says that protein supplement shakes can help you achieve a lower daily calorie intake. This can only be done, though, if you replace meals with protein shakes. If you drink the shakes in addition to eating your meals, your calorie intake will likely rise.
Misconceptions
Unfortunately, protein nutritional supplements are not a magic pill to achieve weight loss. Even if you drink low-calorie shakes, you still are drinking calories. Without lowering your food to compensate for the shakes, your overall calories will rise. In addition, by not eating whole foods and consuming too many protein shakes, you will miss other nutrients and beneficial vitamins, according to Zeratsky.
Considerations
If you are postmenopausal, a study done by Purdue University may be important in your decision on using protein supplements. The study found that postmenopausal women on high-protein diets that included meat lost bone density more quickly than those who followed a diet that included a more moderate level of protein.
Warning
According to the MayoClinic.com, you should talk with your doctor before starting a high-protein diet. Your doctor may suggest you not use protein supplements if you have certain health conditions, including kidney or liver disease or diabetes, or if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.
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