Muscle Milk Light is a high-protein supplement manufactured by CytoSport to act as a lower calorie alternative to the brand's original Muscle Milk, a muscle- and weight-gaining product. Muscle Milk Light is intended for use in dieting, as it contains minimal carbohydrates and fat and is low in calories. However, Muscle Milk Light may not be ideal for use at all times of the day. Consult a doctor prior to using this or any other supplements.
Nutritional Profile
Muscle Milk Light can be a good addition to your diet because it is relatively low in calories, with 100 calories per scoop. Each scoop of this supplement provides 12 g of protein, with 3 g of fat and 6 g of carbohydrates. Muscle Milk Light provides 3 g of fiber per scoop and contains a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, D and E, calcium, iron and zinc.
Breakfast
Muscle Milk Light may not be the ideal breakfast option, as it contains a blend of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Although carbohydrates and fat can provide energy for your daily activities, research indicates that a breakfast containing just protein may be optimal for dieting. A study published in the November 2003 issue of "The Journal of Endocrinology" found that consuming protein only, rather than a blend of carbohydrates, fat and protein, promoted increases in growth hormone, which can help build muscle and reduce body fat.
Before Workouts
If you're dieting, consuming Muscle Milk Light may not be ideal as a pre-workout meal. Although the carbohydrates and fat can provide fuel for your exercise session, a meal that does not contain as much carbohydrates and fat may encourage your body to used stored fat to fuel the workout. Research from the May 2010 issue of "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise" indicates that consuming a protein supplement with 18 g of protein and only 2 g of carbohydrates and 1.5 g of fat before exercise promoted an increase in calorie burning throughout the entire day following the workout.
After Workouts
Consuming Muscle Milk Light after your workouts can be beneficial for weight loss. One scoop of Muscle Milk Light contains 100 calories, which is less than half of the amount you'd burn in an hour of weightlifting, 219. This can help you reach the calorie deficit needed for weight loss. Additionally, the blend of carbohydrates and protein can enhance muscle recovery and growth. This can be beneficial because muscle burns more calories at rest than fat tissue, so gaining muscle can help you manage your weight.
References
- CytoSport: Muscle Milk Light
- "The Journal of Endicrinology"; Endocrine Responses to the Oral Ingestion of a Physiological Dose of Amino Acids in Humans; M. Groschi et al.; November 2003
- "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise"; Timing Protein Intake Increases Energy Expenditure 24 H After Resistance Training; K.J. Hackney, A.J. Bruenger, J.T. Lemmer; May 2010
- Mayo Clinic; Exercise For Weight Loss: Calories Burned in 1 Hour; December 2009
- Mayo Clinic; Metabolism and Weight Loss: How You Burn Calories; October 2009
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