In a normal routine, the aim of protein intake is to increase muscle mass and elevate energy levels. However, according to a recent study, diets that are rich in protein content can also be used for weight loss. Sounds interesting, right? There are some protein powders that possess the potential to help you lose weight. In this article, we will let you know about some of the best weight loss protein powders and all you need to know about them.
Why Protein Powder Matters for Weight Loss
Protein is essential for your muscle strength and is also highlighted when it comes to weight loss. It affects your metabolism and, hence, your appetite. Research has been done on this topic, and the results say that protein intake can also be molded for weight loss as well.
Following are the potential reasons why people use protein powder for weight loss :
Enhances metabolism
Everybody knows that muscle exercise plays a major role in losing weight. When combined with an ideal protein intake, it promotes lean muscle gain. As your muscle mass increases, your body has more resources to produce energy, and your metabolic rate increases even in resting conditions.
Promotes satiety
One of the major factors that lead to weight loss is dieting. But when you fall prey to cravings and cheat on your diet, your body regains weight in no time. Protein powders offer a balanced content of protein, a nutrient that maintains a feeling of fullness and hence suppresses appetite, leading to satiety. The less you over-eat, the more you stick to your diet.
A major source of nutrition
Proteins come under the three most major nutrients, also known as macromolecules, used for human growth and development, i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. But the protein powders are not restricted to proteins only; they contain a lot more than that. It includes many vitamins, branched-chain amino acids, minerals, and many other nutrients essential in helping to lose weight.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Protein Powder
As there are a variety of protein powders available nowadays on the market, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind when you decide to opt for a protein powder. The following are some basic factors to consider when choosing the right protein powder for weight management:
Type of protein: Choose the protein you prefer by checking the ingredients label of the product. Try to look for one that contains at least 20 grams of protein powder in each scoop.
Quality check: Look for authenticity by ensuring its third-party certification. There are some parties, like NSF, Informed Sport, etc., that exist to ensure the quality of the product. It will provide you with a product that is free of banned ingredients as well.
Ingredients check: If you are going for a protein powder aiming to lose weight, make sure to check the ingredients first. The product should be low in sugar, as it helps prevent weight gain. Calorie content should be as little as 80 to 120 calories.
Fiber is also an important factor in the weight loss journey. Look for a product that contains a considerable amount of fiber, as it helps suppress appetite and maintain satiety, leading to a decreased body weight.
Top Protein Powders for Supporting Weight Loss
Choosing the best supplement when it comes to health concerns is indeed a difficult task. To make this journey easy for you, we have collected some of the top protein powder choices for shedding pounds. Following are the 5 best protein supplements for weight loss
1. Whey Protein: A Staple for Fat Loss
Whey protein is one of the most preferred proteins recommended by experts for weight loss as it is convenient for daily use. It features amino acids that are easy to digest and help decrease stress levels while boosting energy.
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
This product is a good source of protein along with BCAAs, that are important for the maintenance and build-up of the muscles. It is also available in a variety of flavors for your convenience, so you can choose the one that suits you the best.
MuscleTech NitroTech Whey Gold
Particularly prepared for muscle recovery and building, this whey protein contains a blend of peptides and whey protein isolates that have the potential to be absorbed rapidly in your body.
Isopure Zero Carb 100% Whey Protein Isolate
For people who are having a hand on their carbohydrate intake, this whey protein isolate is an ideal choice. This product is also free of gluten and lactose, so it will suit all the sensitive ones out there.
2. Plant-Based Protein Powders: Ideal for Vegans and Vegetarians
If you are a vegan and prefer of vegetarian diet, these plant-based protein powders may be an ideal choice for you. These protein powders are made from ingredients that are completely plant-based as brown rice, hemp, and peas. Another reason why people go for these protein powders is that they contain a lower calorie content and less fat as compared to whey protein powders; however, these protein powders may also contain less protein content in each serving when compared to the others.
Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder
Garden of Life has always kept its position at the top by providing top-notch supplements for a healthy lifestyle. It also offers plant-based protein powder, which contains a blend of quinoa, peas, and brown rice, making it vegan-friendly and completely organic.
Vega One Organic Protein & Greens
Vega One Organic Protein Powder does not only provide you with protein but also a mixture of fruits and greens to offer a nutritional supplement with all-rounded benefits.
Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein Powder
This protein powder product is packed with nine essential amino acids, making it a great source to boost healthy fiber and fat. It is a high-protein powder for slimming down your body.
3. Casein Protein: Slow-Digesting for Sustained Energy
Casein is a protein that is found in milk, and it is known for its slow digestion. It means that this protein will be helpful in weight loss as it helps you feel fuller for a long period of time. As it controls the appetite, it is beneficial for people who are opting for weight loss. The casein protein also contains a considerable amount of essential amino acids, which are important for repairing muscle tissue as well as for building it.
Optimum Nutrition Casein Gold
Optimum Nutrition Casein Gold is a protein powder that contains a handsome amount of casein. It is one of those supplements that are slowest to be digested; hence, it manages your weight by providing the sensation of being full for longer periods of time.
MusclePharm Combat Powder Slow-Digestive Protein
It is a good protein powder supplement, containing casein as its major ingredient. It is available in a variety of flavors to suit your taste.
Ascent Native Fuel Casein
This protein powder contains casein protein obtained from cows who are fed with grass. It does not contain any artificial ingredients, gluten, or soy, so it is also a healthy option for weight management.
4. Pea Protein: A Digestive-Friendly Option
The most remarkable feature of pea protein is that it can be digested easily in the human body. The pea protein is also economical, therefore overcoming the issue of budget for some people who are facing hurdles while opting for protein powders for weight loss.
NOW Sports Pea Protein Powder
The pea protein powder offered by NOW Sports is packed with iron and protein. A good thing about this supplement is that it is free of artificial flavors and added sweeteners, making it the best protein powder for fat loss.
Vega Sport Performance Protein
This product is specifically designed to serve those who are involved in athletics. Vegas Sport Performance Protein features brown rice protein with pea protein and also a combination of BCAAs and electrolytes to support workout activities.
5. Soy Protein: Supporting Weight Management Goals
The second most common choice of protein used in protein powders is soy protein. This type of protein helps to decrease high cholesterol levels and also provides relief from the symptoms of menopause in some women. Moreover, it can also build bone mass and, henceforth, help to treat osteoporosis.
Optimum Nutrition Soy Protein Powder
This product is a healthy choice as it contains a good concentration of protein with low carbs and fat, making it a great choice for managing weight.
Now Sports Soy Protein Isolate
It is a high-quality isolate of soy protein as it contains a minimum amount of gluten and lactose with a considerable concentration of protein.
Myprotein Impact Soy Isolate
For those who are looking for a budget-friendly protein powder, this soy protein powder is a good choice.
How to Incorporate Protein Powder Into Your Weight Loss Routine
According to research, about 25 to 30 g of protein is considered to be helpful in losing weight and also preserve lean muscle mass. One thing to keep in mind is that protein powders also contain calories, so it is essential to combine the protein powder intake with exercise. If not done so, it will only increase your calorie intake and impair your weight loss.
Some experienced people say that the best time to take the protein powders is after you finish the exercise. However, recent studies recommend that the time spent consuming the protein has very little impact on muscle development and weight loss. Therefore, whenever you are going to take protein powder, it should be based on your tolerance, preference, and convenience.
Conclusion: Finding Your Ideal Protein Powder for Weight Loss Goals
Protein powders are used for weight loss as they offer a range of related benefits like maintaining satiety, promoting digestion, and offering a good nutrition profile. There are a number of factors mentioned in this article that you need to keep an eye on whenever you go to buy the best protein powder for fat loss. We have provided you with the most effective protein powders for supporting weight loss goals. You can also go through some tips on how you can add your protein powders ideally to your daily routine.
