Protein diet drinks and smoothies are often used as a popular way to cut calories and lose weight. Unfortunately, not much research has been completed on the actual safety and effectiveness of supplementing or even replacing your regular meals with protein diet drinks. If you are considering a protein drink diet, then you should be aware there are risks involved, which may sabotage your weight loss. Use protein diet drinks safely, as an aid to weight loss, rather than a catalyst.
Defintion
A protein diet drink is generally low in calorie, yet high in protein. A high caloric intake each day is around 60 to 70 grams of protein daily, according to the Feminist Women's Health Center. A protein diet drink will usually have 8 to 10 grams of protein per serving.
Health and Safety
While protein diet drinks can be helpful ways to curb your appetite or skip the occasional meal to keep caloric intake, they can also be used incorrectly and put you at risk. The Mayo Clinic notes that a sudden increase in protein intake can be dangerous for adults who suffer from kidney or liver disease. Excess protein can wreak havoc on a system that cannot filter the byproduct waste once the protein is burned by the metabolism. When planning on increasing your protein intake through diet drinks, it is best to do so gradually so that your body is used to breaking down the excess protein.
Diet Plan
A protein diet drink diet plan consists of three steps. The first is to replace one meal or two snacks with a protein drink instead. This will help in two ways. Protein diet drinks are usually low in calories, so you'll keep your caloric intake lower than if you would have eaten a large breakfast or snacked on something unhealthy. The second is that protein is filling, and it can help curb your appetite so that you don't find yourself indulging in other, less healthy foods. You'll also need to eat healthy foods for the rest of your meal, such as lean proteins, fruits and vegetables. Finally, you'll need to add physical activity to help build muscle and shed fat and pounds.
Advantages
A protein diet drink plan is quick and easy for most individuals. You can either purchase diet drinks pre-mixed from the store or you can purchase protein powder and mix the drinks yourself. Either way, there are no complicated recipes to follow and minimal time in the kitchen. Drink your diet drinks on the go, making it a convenient way to work on your weight loss. With a healthy meal plan along with the diet drinks, you may find it to be an effective form of weight loss.
Disadvantages
Besides the health problems that a sudden influx of protein may cause your liver and kidneys, a protein diet drink plan may cause other problems. You may find yourself hungry even after consuming the drink. It may not have enough calories to keep you full, which could lead you to stray and eat less healthy foods as snacks. You may also get bored from drinking the same type of drink everyday. Mixing it up with different flavors and preparation methods can help you stay on track and lose weight with protein diet drinks.
Member Comments