Is Whey Protein Good For Weight Loss? What You Need to Know


For all the reasons to try whey protein, weight loss flies under the radar. But is protein rich good for weight loss? What does whey protein do for your body – and what is whey, anyway?

What Is Whey?

Grab a Bottle Filled with Powder | Whey Protein for Weight Loss

“Whey is cow’s milk protein,” he explains Tina MarinaccioMS, RD, who offers nutrition counseling and cooking classes in the greater New York City area. When cheese is made, a protein called casein accumulates, and the whey remains liquid and lactose is released.

Sound good? You probably learned about whey in kindergarten.

“Remember the old Mother Goose song about Little Miss Muffet eating her candy and whey?” says Marinaccio. “The curds were coagulated casein, and the whey was the water part.”

(Little Miss Muffet ate cottage cheese – and probably didn’t think about whey protein, weight loss, or its benefits – when she sat on her tuffet.)

Although casein and whey are derived from milk, proteins are made differently in your body.

“Whey protein is digested more quickly than casein protein,” adds Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, owner of Amy Gorin Nutrition in the New York City area. Both are complete proteins.

Can Whey Protein Help Your Weight Loss Plan?

Let’s take a look at the science of weight loss and how whey protein can fit into your diet:

Whey contains the amino acid leucine, says Marinaccio, for that reason Whey protein is useful both protect muscle and help support fat loss. Research shows that whey protein also stimulates the release of anabolic (muscle-building) hormones, including insulin.

Although you can take whey protein powder at any time of the day, the best time to take it is after a workout because it is protein fast food.

Other courses “They say that consuming whey protein after intense exercise can help build muscle faster,” adds Gorin.

But while whey protein powder can be part of your weight loss plan, it shouldn’t be viewed as a magic bullet.

“The most important thing is to burn fat well before and after exercise—eating a little protein and carbs beforehand and more afterward,” says Gorin. “Whey supplements are a way to get protein. Before protein helps make the amino acids available to your muscles so your body doesn’t break down the protein in your muscles. After, it helps your muscles get stronger and stronger.

The best way to increase your protein intake after a workout is Beachbody Performance Recover. Our powder contains 20 grams of protein per serving to help you recover faster and bounce back stronger, while pomegranate extract helps reduce post-workout muscle soreness.*

If you are looking for a healthy shake, Shakeology provides up to 17 grams of whey protein, along with fiber, probiotics, and 26 essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy as part of a meal or as a nutritious snack any time of day. Plus, like all of our healthy foods, it’s free of artificial colors and artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.*

How To Use Whey Protein For Weight Loss

Two Scoops and Heaps of Vanilla and Chocolate Protein Powder | Whey Protein for Weight Loss

Your meal plan will look different when you are eating to lose weight than to gain weight. Whey protein powder can help you meet your protein goals while still within your energy intake.

“On average, most brands provide about 12 to 18 grams of protein,” says Gorin. “It’s easy to add to most foods.” This includes:

You can also stir whey protein into yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, or applesauce, make your own protein shakes, dissolve protein shakes in ice cold water, or mix whey into iced coffee drinks to add protein to any meal or snack. It mixes easily in liquids and is not as chalky as other types of protein powders, says Marinaccio.

“Whey protein drinks have a silky texture, which pleases the palate,” he adds.

How Can I Choose Whey Protein For Weight Loss?

Not all whey proteins are created equal, so do your research before choosing the right one for you. There is three basic types:

  • Whey protein isolate is the purest protein, with 90 percent protein (and 0.5 percent of each milk and lactose).
  • Whey’s concentration is between 25 percent and 89 percent protein.
  • Whey powder contains 11 percent to 14.5 percent protein (whey and whey concentrate contain more milk and lactose than whey protein isolate).

When choosing whey protein powder, look for brands that do not use artificial ingredients (such as flavors, colors, sweeteners, and preservatives). And if you’re looking for a whey-based shake that doesn’t have added sugar, you can enjoy it no-sugar version of Shakeology without compromising the taste, quality, and goodness of the original formula.

Finally, Gorin suggests checking the label to make sure your whey powder is independently tested for quality, purity, and potency.

“As with any supplement you buy, I recommend looking for a third-party tested protein powder,” says Gorin. This tells you that the supplement does what it says it does and that it is not adulterated.

Pin Image of Protein Powder Tube with BODi Label | Whey Protein for Weight Loss

*This information has not been reviewed by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *