Does Protein Powder Work for Weight Loss?

If you are someone who enjoys working out and has made it a big part of your daily lifestyle, you’re surely familiar with various products shared by other fitness enthusiasts that are touted as “The BEST item to add to your workout” or “The health product you have to incorporate into your healthy lifestyle.” In what is known as the fitness community (anyone who enjoys working out is a member) there are always products, ingredients, brands, and recipes floating around that promise to provide greater and faster results.

Protein Powder Work for Weight Loss

You need to use a keen eye to differentiate between those items that are truly as helpful as they promise to be and those that you can skip. After all, you can’t buy every product you hear good reviews about. If you do, fitness almost becomes less about the exercise and more about the aesthetic. And while there’s nothing wrong with a good fitness aesthetic to make you feel more motivated to work out, the most important part is the health benefits of exercise on your mind and body. So what fitness products actually aid you on your health journey?

One such ingredient that is popular amongst those who work out (and also amongst those who don’t) is protein powder. It’s certainly not a new phenomenon, since knowing the importance of protein in connection to fitness has always been key to experiencing progress and results. But since there are so many protein powder brands and so many ideas floating around about what protein does, it seems like there are always new ways to view this product. One rumored effect of protein powder is that it aids in weight loss. Is this a fact or a myth? We’re here to give you the rundown on all things protein powder, especially as it relates to weight loss.

What Is Protein Powder?

Protein powder is essentially exactly what it sounds like it is. It’s a powdered form of protein that can come from a variety of sources, such as soy, rice, peas, hemp, or whey. Protein powder is not always plant-based, so if you’re avoiding animal products, make sure you’re distinguishing between plant-based protein and whey protein, which includes dairy. Depending on how the protein is extracted, you can buy slow-release protein, highly concentrated protein, or less intense blends that include some fats and carbs. 

Does Your Body Need Protein?

Protein is a complex macronutrient that makes up the food you eat (the other two macronutrients are carbohydrates and fats). It is naturally occurring in your body, but you need to still ingest protein in order to have energy and strong bones. Protein is responsible for building your muscles and restoring your bones and tissues throughout your lifetime, which is one of the reasons why protein powder makes a great daily addition for those who enjoy fitness. However, everyone needs protein to stay energized and strong, regardless of whether they’re trying to build muscle or not.

Does Protein Powder Work for Weight Loss?

So you’ve heard the rumor that protein powder aids in weight loss. It’s true that protein powder can be an excellent addition to your diet in order to lose weight! There are a few reasons for this.

When you work out, your body burns calories, starting with carbohydrates, next to burning off fats, and finally burning off protein. If you want to lose fat, you want to quickly burn off your carbs and enter fat loss mode, both during your workout and throughout the rest of the day afterward. By eating more protein instead of carbs and fats, you can speed up the process and lose fat cells quicker. 

Another reason why protein powder works for weight loss is that eating lots of protein suppresses your hunger hormone. Fewer cravings mean less mindless snacking, and more intentionally filling up with nutritious, body-fueling foods!

In addition, protein helps to build muscle due to its composition of amino acids (known as “building blocks” for the way they promote muscle mass), and over time, the more muscle you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate will be. This means you’ll burn more calories throughout the day through less movement than your body pre-muscle-building would have. Essentially, protein helps you to lose more weight through the addition of more muscle. 

How Should You Use Protein Powder for Weight Loss?

Most importantly, you want to make sure you pick a protein powder that will provide you with the energy you need to crush your workouts and help you build muscle (and therefore burn more calories). Make sure you pick a blend that doesn’t include artificial sweeteners or fillers. You can boost the weight loss effects of your protein powder by using a product specifically formulated to aid in weight loss. Weight loss protein powder is low in calories and carbs and includes ingredients proven to help accelerate your weight loss even faster!

Takeaway

Now that you know all about how protein powder works to help you lose weight, you can start using weight loss protein powder to accelerate your fitness journey. There’s no reason to wait when you think about how you can start making changes today for your future self and your goals.

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to protein powder and weight loss.

First, you should know that protein powder is not going to make you lose weight on its own. You still have to eat healthily and exercise for weight loss, but it can help you reach your goals faster.

Second, it’s important to consider what type of protein powder you are taking. There are many different kinds available and they all have different benefits, so make sure you choose one that works with your lifestyle and goals!

We encourage you to talk with your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise routine, especially if you have any known medical conditions. If you’re looking for a way to reduce your calorie intake, consider switching out a meal or snack each day with a protein shake. If you’re looking for something more filling, try adding some fruit or vegetables to the mix!