Protein Shakes for Weight Loss: Everything You Need To Know

If you're like most people, you associate protein supplements with bulky muscle tissue and serious lifting. It may come as a surprise to learn that high-quality whey-based protein powders can help women to lose fat while building lithe, lean muscle, too.

How it Works

There's a wealth of research pointing to the efficacy of protein in terms of weight loss. One study showed that doubling the recommended daily allowance helped test subjects lose weight more quickly than subjects consuming only the recommended amount. Another study followed women who had previously lost weight after surgical intervention, but regained weight within two or more years. Researchers added whey protein to a calorie-restricted diet for some test subjects, who lost significantly more weight than the control group following a restricted diet without whey protein supplementation.

There are a few reasons why protein supplementation, particularly using whey-based supplements, can help you lose weight.

First is that protein makes you feel fuller and more satisfied, which can help to curb cravings for unhealthy snacks full of empty calories. Your body can convert protein into glucose for energy, but it requires double the effort. Because protein boosts metabolism and requires more calories to digest, a low-calorie protein powder can leave you with the caloric deficit you need to burn fat stores.

Protein is essential to muscle synthesis, which is particularly important when you're on a weight loss journey. Muscle tissue itself burns more calories than fat.

The Easy Way to Increase Your Protein Intake

A balanced diet rich in protein is key to success when it comes to weight loss, but adding a high-quality protein supplement to the mix is the easiest and most convenient way to boost your protein intake without the added fats and calories associated with many protein-rich foods. Pinup Girl Protein is a great example of low-carb, low-fat protein you can add to baking mixes or your morning smoothie for a quick and stress-free helping of the protein your body needs to lose weight, repair and build lean muscle.