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Protein shakes for weight loss

Approved by our Clinical team | Apr 2, 2020

What are the best protein shakes for weight loss?

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There are many varieties of protein shake on the market in the UK, all with different ingredients and flavours to help you reach your weight loss goals. Traditionally protein shakes were thought to help men bulk up and gain muscle, which is why many women didn’t drink them. Now, however many protein shakes are designed for women to help them lose weight, aid muscle toning and get the necessary protein that they may not be able to from their diet, especially if they’re vegetarian or vegan.

Are protein shakes good for weight loss?

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Before adding a protein shake to your diet it’s best to read reviews and advice, so you can get an idea of how other people incorporate shakes into their healthy eating and exercise plans. Pairing protein shakes with healthy, balanced and nutrient rich foods, as well as exercise can help you lose weight. The basic principle is that you replace some of your meals with a protein shake, and so reduce your daily calorie intake. In order to lose weight we need to consume fewer calories than our body naturally burns on a daily basis or than we burn through exercise.

Protein also helps you to feel fuller for longer, and it could even stop you from snacking on unhealthy foods when you’re not really hungry – again lowering your calorie intake. You should be able to get all of the protein you need through your diet by eating the right foods, find out more about high protein foods.

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When should you drink protein shakes for weight loss?

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It is completely up to you and your specific goals when you drink a protein shake. Many people say the best time to drink a protein shake is before or after a work out to help fuel your muscles and give them what they need to recover. However if your aim is weight loss you might want to time your protein shakes at times of the day when you feel most hungry, as protein will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

Protein shake recipes

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Knowing what to mix with your protein powder can make your shakes more enjoyable, not to mention tasty. What you blend also depends upon your calorie allowance for that day and your own personal weight loss goals.

  • Blend two scoops of vanilla flavoured protein powder 85 grams of oats and 230ml of skimmed milk or almond milk. Sprinkle in cinnamon to taste
  • Blend one scoop of protein powder with one banana, a handful of ice and 230ml of skimmed milk or rice milk
  • Blend 250ml water with one scoop of strawberry protein powder; add a handful of frozen strawberries and 4 tbsp of fat free Greek yoghurt

Is there a protein shake diet plan I can follow?

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Many protein shake powders come complete with diet plans which will advise you on the number of calories you should be eating as well as what foods will aid your weight loss. For example a typical plan could be; a protein shake for breakfast, followed by a chicken salad for lunch and a protein shake for dinner. Plans will usually allow snacks such as vegetables, and fruit to be eaten between meals. Before starting a protein shake diet you should consult your GP to make sure that it is safe for you to do so.

Should I replace meals with protein shakes?

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If you are hoping to lose weight then replacing some of your meals with a protein shake could help. Weight loss happens when we consume fewer calories than we burn, and replacing potentially high calories meals with a low calorie protein shake could help you to lower your daily calories and lose weight.

Can I just live on protein shakes?

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It is not recommended that you only drink protein shakes as in doing so you will not receive all the important nutrients and vitamins your body needs. This could lead to serious health problems such as malnutrition.