Weight loss has long been a leading trend in popular culture. As people see ads, television shows, movies, and other media filled with thin, toned bodies, they often find themselves seeking ways to achieve that same look through fad diets, workout plans, and other methods that have gained popularity. One of the strategies people use relies on protein shakes as a weight loss tool, but is it really “worth it” to try and use protein shakes to lose weight? Continue reading as the people at ENU cover that topic and more.

Can Protein Shakes Help You Lose Weight?

It’s no secret that diet is one of the biggest factors to consider for those who want to lose weight. Among the three macronutrients that serve as the pillars of a healthy diet – protein, fats, and carbohydrates – protein is easily the most useful for weight loss. Though all of these elements serve a role in your diet, protein boasts a number of effects that can aid anyone’s weight loss efforts.

First of all, it is important to understand the basics of weight loss. Though a huge number of factors can affect the outcome of your efforts, the basic mechanism of weight loss is a very straightforward equation: eat fewer calories than your body needs to run, and it will be forced to consume itself for fuel. This is how weight loss happens, and the majority of dieticians and personal trainers will tell you that consistently implementing this formula is the top concern for successful weight loss. While many programs will promise results, choosing one that you can actually stick to is an important part of any weight loss strategy.

Protein can help you stick to this formula because it been repeatedly linked to greater feelings of satiation, or fullness, when eating. This sensation leads people to eat less when protein is a significant part of their daily diet, and fewer calories translates to more weight lost. In addition, protein requires more effort for your body to convert it into useable fuel compared to fats or carbs, meaning that the net gain in energy (or calories) for a gram of protein is less than for a gram of fat. This combination of eating less and using more energy for digestion can have a tremendous impact on the outcome of your weight loss diet, especially if you use protein shakes for sports nutrition along with regular exercise.

Another important factor in this equation is convenience. As mentioned above, the best diet is generally the one you can stick to in the long run. The convenience of protein or meal replacement shakes means that they are often the quickest, healthiest option for dieters on the go, and they make it that much easier to stay faithful to your weight loss plan rather than turning to unhealthy fast foods or sugar-filled snacks. When you don’t have time to cook or find yourself headed out the door on an empty stomach yet again, consider a well-rounded protein shake as a replacement for your meal. It’s worth it.

Ingredients to Look for in Meal Replacement or Nutritional Shakes

So we’ve established that protein shakes are beneficial for those who want to lose weight, but what should you look for in a protein or meal replacement shake? The answer has much in common with other dietary advice you’ve likely heard before: Aim for a balanced mix of key nutrients, including the three macronutrients: protein, fats, and carbs. Try to get them from natural, unprocessed sources, and avoid unhealthy additives when you can.

Many protein shake manufacturers add things like corn syrup, sucrose, carrageenan, or artificial sweeteners to make their products more palatable, boost the calorie count, or adjust the texture of their beverage. Do your best to steer clear of these ingredients – not only in protein shakes, but in most other foods as well – as they can ultimately sabotage your weight loss efforts. Protein shakes with healthy ingredients are the better option, plus you can often add things like fresh fruits, juices, yogurt, or anything else you could want to make a protein shake recipe that suits your taste.

For example, ENU meal replacement shakes contain 20 grams of protein from whey and soy isolates, two of the easiest types of protein for your body to use, plus complex carbs from sources like brown rice and quinoa for extended energy and heart-healthy fats in the form of coconut and sunflower oils for optimal vitamin absorption and a substantial – but not too substantial – calorie count. Each carton also includes our blend of 24 vitamins and minerals, so all your body’s processes get the support they need, and our shakes are gluten-free, lactose-free, Kosher, and non-GMO. For a quality protein shake with a well-rounded nutritional profile, try ENU meal replacement shakes today.

Tasty Protein Shakes with Lots of Important Nutrients, Vitamins, and Minerals

The nutrition shakes that come from ENU are carefully formulated to provide a healthy, balanced meal replacement rich in protein, as well as wholesome fats and carbohydrates. If you live a busy lifestyle and need something worthwhile to grab when you’re on the go, try a shake from ENU. To learn more about all our products and how they can support your lifestyle, visit us online or call (855) 266-6733 today.