Protein Shakes | If you’re on a mission to lose weight, protein shakes could be the piece missing from your diet that can help you reach your weight-loss goals even faster.
A study recently published in the International Journal of Obesity showed that liquid-meal replacements have the ability to improve weight-related risk factors of disease such as type 2 diabetes and cancer, and is also a safe method for helping people lose weight.
When you first begin to implement healthy lifestyle changes in an effort to lose weight, sometimes it can be challenging to find the time to eat healthy since you might have to take more time out of your day to prepare these meals. However, protein shakes can be an ideal meal substitute, especially first thing in the morning when you’re pressed for time and need a lasting energy boost to carry you through the first part of the day. Protein has the ability to regulate hunger and cravings, and can help steady your blood sugar levels. Another study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that a high-protein breakfast can even help regulate hunger hormones much more than high-carb foods such as breakfast cereal and muffins.
Here are additional reasons to start drinking protein shakes:
Protein shakes are cost-effective
The combined ingredients in protein shakes are far less costly than what you’ll typically spend on coffee, bagels, muffins, and other items in coffee shops on the way to work; plus, they’re much healthier.
Protein shakes can be prepared in under five minutes
If breakfast cereal is your usual go-to meal because it’s quick, keep in mind that protein shakes take about the same amount of time to make, if not less. Throw everything in your blender, and pour into a to-go cup so you can drink it on the way to work if you need to.
Protein shakes are highly nutritious
When you add the right, healthy ingredients, protein shakes are rich in antioxidants, fiber, healthy fats, and of course, protein. Blend together frozen berries, avocado, kale, chia seeds or flaxseeds, unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and a non-soy, non-dairy plant-based protein powder.