Protein is an important nutrient needed by everyone of a daily basis. It helps to repair body cells, build and repair muscles and bones, and provides a source of energy. Protein also controls many of the important processes in the body related to metabolism. This is why protein plays an important role in gaining and losing weight. Many people choose to incorporate whey protein shakes into a calorie controlled diet. Depending on your goals, it can help you gain or lose weight. In this article, we’ll look at how whey protein powder shakes can be used as a part of a healthy diet.
Whey protein is a by-product of the cheese making process and is a high quality, complete protein, with all the essential amino acids that your body must have develop and repair muscles. The addition of whey protein to the diet is a terrific way to jump start a weight reduction program. Whey protein is a key ingredient in many weight reduction and meal replacement products, and is a highly concentrated protein powder that is free of fat or carbohydrates. Clinical studies have discovered that people who combine diets with leucine rich protein products like whey powder with a regular fitness program have more lean muscle tissue and they lose more body fat. While they’re losing fat their metabolic rate increases and they naturally burn more calories each day. Whey protein powder can also help to manage your weight by giving you a feeling of fullness so that you’ll consume fewer calories.
Experts say that your morning meal can play an important role in your weight reduction efforts by helping to rein in your mid-morning and afternoon appetite. Food choices at breakfast time can govern your blood sugar levels for the remainder of the day. A whey protein shake with added oil or wheat germ is a great combination of protein, fat and carbs. For a healthy banana bread shake you’ll need 2 scoops of whey powder, 1 banana, 1 + 1/2 cups of water, 1/2 cup of cooked oatmeal, 3/4 of a cup of bran flakes, 2 tablespoons of wheat germ and some brown sugar to taste. Simply place the ingredients in a blender and blend until mixed thoroughly and serve. Whey powder can also be used in just about any baked goods recipe. Add cup to pancake or waffle batter and adjust the baking soda, and do the same for quick breads such as banana bread, blueberry muffins and even chocolate chip cookies.
Coconut whey protein shakes are perfect after you’ve been working out on a hot day. This recipe tastes very much like coconut cream pie filling but without the fat and calories! You’ll need 1/2 cup of coconut milk, 1/3 cup of fresh or frozen berries, 1 scoop of protein powder, 2 tablespoons of flax seed, 1/2 to 1 cup of water, and sweetener to taste. Simply blend the ingredients together until smooth. You can adjust the thickness of high protein shakes by adding more or less water.
Whey protein shakes not only reduce your urge to overeat, but making your own healthy protein shake concoctions can add other valuable essentials to your diet. If you make homemade fruit smoothies you will get fiber from whole fruits, calcium from yogurt, and healthy carbohydrates from oatmeal, flax seed and wheat germ. There are so many benefits to making whey protein a part of your weight loss program so enjoy using it in foods you love.
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