It has become popular for some people to start off their morning, or follow up a workout, with a protein shake or other form of shake, such as a dairy shake. These semi-solid foods provide nutrients in different ways, and their benefit can depend on how they are prepared and the ingredients used.
Protein Shakes
Protein shakes typically feature powder of whey and casein proteins. These proteins are easily absorbed into the body and are very effective when you are trying to build muscle. Although using protein shakes in large quantities will do little to help you lose weight, according to the Mayo Clinic, they are sometimes used to help suppress your diet and make it easier to reduce your daily caloric intake.
Dairy Shakes
Although dairy shakes aren't used for the same purposes -- muscle development -- as protein shakes and are thus very different, they are still a food that sometimes serves as a meal replacement in some people's diets. The nutritional value of a dairy shake can very depending on whether it is ice cream or yogurt-based, and what additives and other ingredients are put in there -- fruit juices and other natural nutrients are much better than candies and syrups.
Use
How you use a shake can dramatically affect whether it is good or bad for you. The contents of the shake weight heavily on its nutritional value -- a well-rounded meal should feature several food groups, not just one. Additionally, using a protein shake as the main course of a meal can have much different affects than if it is the only thing consumed, and if you are doing this multiple times a day or for one of your main meals of the day, you are depriving yourself of other nutrients. You can bolster the value of a shake as a meal by adding fruits, vegetables, nuts, peanut better, honey or other nutrients into them, or by adding some sides to the meal.
Pregnancy Risk
According to Baby Center, it is unwise to use shakes as a form of meal not only because of the nutritional deficit you are creating for yourself, but also because of the nutritional needs of your baby. Expectant mothers need to eat a wide range of foods to provide the growing child with ample nutrition to develop properly. These shakes may be incorporated as a part of a meal but should not be used as a stand-alone meal.
Expert Insight
Protein and dairy shakes can be nutritious and filling, but they need to be incorporated into a balanced diet rather than consumed on their own for a meal. Doing so restricts your body's nutrients and, although they may be able to promote weight loss, they will weaken your health and cause other problems.
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