If you think that protein powder is something that only bodybuilders use to gain muscle mass, you could very well be surprised to learn that it can also help to lose weight, make bodies trim, and make our bones and muscles strong. A more detailed discussion on the merits and types of protein powders:
Importance of Protein
Protein has been proven to have a significant impact on adding and maintaining muscle mass, increasing satiety, controlling appetite, managing weight, and reducing body fat. Protein plays an important role in preventing the production of ghrelin, a hormone that controls hunger and also acts to stimulate the production of other hormones that regulate satiety.
Why Protein Powder?
Even if every meal has protein, you could still be facing a protein deficiency. Including protein powder in your diet can fulfill any deficit. This is especially applicable to women who follow a hectic schedule managing work and home and tend to overlook their nutritional requirements. Vegetarians, as well as, vegans who are not getting adequate protein because of their shunning animal and dairy products should consume protein powder. Another important segment that needs to have protein powder comprises those who do intensive training but don’t eat protein-rich meals after working out and lose out on proper repair and recovery of their muscles. Protein powder along with a steroid can make weight loss very effective, say nutritionists.
How to Have Protein Powder
Protein powder is extremely versatile and you can add it to virtually anything and everything you consume like a smoothie, coffee, pancake mix, homemade nutrition bars, dairy-free milk, soups, etc. You should make it a point to have a shake with protein powder immediately after working out. You can also add it to your food in other meals throughout the day to boost your metabolism that helps you to lose weight faster.
Which Type of Protein Powders to Have
With a multitude of brands crowding the store shelves, it can be quite a task to decide which type of protein powder to have. The choice is so bewildering that often abandoning the idea may be preferable. However, according to nutritionists, you should focus on essentially three types of protein powders:
Whey protein: Derived from milk, whey protein is perhaps the most popular and is scientifically proven to help in muscle building and reduction of fat. With a very high density of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and other nutrients, it is quickly digested, and an ideal supplement for weight-loss.
Casein protein: Coming close behind whey protein, it is held to be very effective in fat burning. It is digested more slowly than whey protein and is ideal as a meal replacement.
Vegetarian protein: This is derived from vegetables, soy, brown rice, peas, etc. and is digested slowly due to more fiber and fat content, making it perfect for losing weight.
Conclusion
Protein powders are a great solution if your diet fails to deliver sufficient protein. Consuming protein powder is very convenient, especially during the 30-minute post-workout window that delivers the maximum benefit.
Author Bio: Chelsea Dixon is a nutritionist working for a leading nutrition supplement manufacturer. According to her, sustainable weight loss can be ensured with a healthy and balanced diet and the use of a trainer-recommended steroid.