The sports and fitness nutrition industry has changed drastically in the last couple of decades by introducing protein powders and workout supplements, as research proved that increasing protein intake is the key to shedding body fat, losing weight, and leaning out. But with hundreds of options in the market, choosing the best protein powder for weight loss can be a challenging endeavour, especially if it’s your first time.
Therefore, in this post, we’ll talk about the different protein types and their uses and share how to choose the best protein powder for weight loss.
Protein Types and their Uses
Not all protein powders are created equal and serve different purposes or offer unique benefits for specific users. Let’s check out the most common types you can find in Australia:
1. Whey Protein
If you’re an avid bodybuilder, you most likely know whey protein since it’s the most commonly used protein powder worldwide. It contains every essential amino acid the body needs for protein synthesis and eases digestion, making it suitable for everyday use after a workout.
2. Soy Protein
Soy protein is another popular choice, especially among women looking to lose weight. It helps reduce bad cholesterol and can help with osteoporosis, which can develop after frequent core workouts.
3. Egg and Milk Protein
Egg protein is excellent for people looking to lose weight. It burns more slowly than whey and other proteins, keeping your appetite under check and stopping you from eating unnecessarily. In contrast, milk proteins enhance muscle growth by optimizing immune function and blood/nutrient circulation.
4. Brown Rice and Hemp Protein
Brown Rice and Hemp proteins are 100% plant-based and gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for ovo-vegetarians and vegans. They’re excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help speed up weight loss by reducing hunger and appetite.
Choosing the Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Every protein powder offers a unique benefit for users. Here’s how to choose the best one for weight loss:
1. Opt for “Lean” Ingredients
When choosing a protein powder, it’s not just about the protein type. You also have to consider the other ingredients, especially those that can complement your workout and help shed fat and/or lean out. One of the main ingredients you should look for is L-Carnitine, which is essentially a combination of two amino acids that work together to produce more energy by transporting fatty acids into the cell’s mitochondria to be used as fuel. In simple words, it helps you burn fat, literally! Moreover, it also helps improve insulin sensitivity by controlling the amount of blood sugar entering the muscles and limiting fat conversion and accumulation.
2. Opt for High Protein
The purpose of buying protein powder is to increase your protein intake, so naturally, you need to choose one with a high protein content. The best protein powders in the market contain at least 20 grams or 0.7 ounces of protein per serving or higher. This is important for people looking to lose weight since the process requires you to eat in a calorie deficit, meaning you have to burn more calories than you take in. When you do this for weeks or months consistently, you could end up losing muscle mass. Hence, you need high protein content to compensate for the deficit.
3. Check the Calorie and Macro Breakdown
Again, it’s not just about the protein. You also need to check the carbohydrate and fat content since these macros are also essential for a healthy diet. Everyone requires different macro combinations depending on physiology, eating habits, mental health, metabolism, and preferences. However, you should ideally look for low carb and fat options when you’re on a weight loss journey. If you’re worried about low energy, you can opt for a pre-workout supplement that contains caffeine, L-Carnitine, and a blend of ingredients that increase energy and motivation. This way, you don’t have to rely on carbs too much.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – how to choose the best protein powder for weight loss. If you’re on a weight loss journey, you need to understand that it will take more than just hitting the gym and eating a healthier diet to reach your fitness goals. The best protein powders in the market are designed to speed up your journey and help keep you motivated. Oh, and when you go shopping, make sure you look for a tasty flavour like vanilla, chocolate ice cream, and banana cream, etc., so you can satisfy your tastebuds while shedding stubborn fat.
