Protein drinks and shakes are gaining popularity in the health and wellness industry. Several diets promote some sort of protein shake or weight loss shake as part of their program to help you lose or manage your weight. Protein shakes are geared toward giving you additional protein and nutrition in each serving. A protein drink has many benefits, including providing the body a steady source of energy as well as important amino acids.
Weight Loss
Protein drinks are often used as an effective way to lose weight. You can replace one or more meals a day with a protein shake or drink. The three main types of protein shakes are made from egg, soy and whey. Because protein drinks are so versatile and act as a base for a cold drink or shake, recipes are endless. Fresh fruit, coconut milk, flax seed, chia seed and artificial flavorings can be added to make an individual recipe. Be careful not to add high-fat ingredients to protein shakes, such as ice cream, or you may find yourself gaining rather than losing weight.
Convenience
Most protein drinks you can make at home come in powder form. This allows for a long shelf life and versatility in making your drinks. You can easily transport powdered protein and add water, milk or soy milk to make a drink. You can also make a large batch in advance with a home blender. Many fitness and wellness centers offer protein drinks and with added vitamins and energizers to promote muscle healing after an intense cardio workout.
Health Benefits
You can generally get your daily dose of protein through a complete protein source. Complete protein sources include lean meats, poultry, fish eggs and milk. While it is important not to deprive your body of these natural proteins that provide amino acids, if you are dieting or following a vegetarian lifestyle you may want to replace meals with a protein drink. Women should get around 46 g of protein daily and men around 56 g.
Meal Supplement
With many protein drink powder bases you can easily add your favorite ingredients in order to make it a complete meal. Protein powders with additional calories and nutrients are often used by cancer patients to help with weight gain and to provide energy and strength. Examples of popular additionss include yogurt, fresh fruit, flavored drink mix, milk, soy milk, oatmeal, cottage cheese and ice cream.
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