Do Protein Shakes Really Work for Weight Loss?
What Is a Protein Shake?
A protein shake is a single drink intended to deliver protein to supplement a regular diet. When I use the term, I am referring to meal replacement protein shakes, which include other nutrients and are often used for weight loss and weight maintenance programmes.
Depending on the programme, protein shakes can replace one or two of the usually three daily meals. These shakes exert their effect by reducing portion size, consequently minimizing caloric intake, all the while providing excellent nutritional balance and satiety.
Do They Really Work?
Protein shakes as meal replacements have been scientifically developed to provide all the nutrients that you typically receive from an average meal - but with fewer calories.
They are effective substitutes for meals that are high in calories but poor in nutrients. For example, a typical breakfast delivers around 550 calories. By contrast, a meal replacement shake, such as an Herbalife Nutrition Formula 1 shake prepared with 1 glass (225ml) nonfat milk, provides only 190 calories.
In this case, choosing a protein shake will save you approximately 350 calories per meal, and you get an excellent balance of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and macronutrients (protein, carbs, and healthy fats). Protein shakes often come in different flavors and allows you to add fruits, spices and other healthy ingredients to create an endless variety of recipes.
These products are also practical and convenient. They are a perfect nutrition solution for the frenetic pace of 21st-century life. You can have your shake at your office, at school, or on public transport. Many Herbalife Nutrition customers enjoy these shakes at Nutrition Clubs, which are available in more than 90 markets.
Still, nutrition balance and limiting caloric intake are decisive factors when using meal replacement protein shakes. The success of any weight loss programme will depend on your fruit and vegetable intake, meal appropriateness, stress control, sleep quality, and exercise habits.