Taking whey protein powder to aid in your weight loss journey can have many beneficial effects, and can even speed up the process to help you reach your goals faster. This is a protein-packed supplement that can be used to replace other sources of calories for visible, speedy results.
If you’re concerned that your progress has begun to stagnate and you just aren’t seeing the results you’ve been hoping for, you might want to consider adding whey protein powder to your diet and supplement routine. Looking after your body is the best way to live a long and happy life, and this means eating a healthy diet and staying fit. Adding whey protein powder to your diet, along with a healthy exercise routine can help you reach your weight goals.
In just a short read, we’ll take you through the top 5 ways whey protein can help you lose weight, along with other lifestyle changes that can aid weight loss and muscle growth.
What Is Whey Protein Powder?
Whey protein powder is a protein supplement that can easily be bought in any supplement store. It’s currently one of the most popular supplements on the market and is used daily by gym enthusiasts and individuals who want to add extra protein to their diet.
This supplement is made as a byproduct of milk production and is very easy to digest, making it a popular option for many individuals. Adding whey protein to your diet can be very beneficial to your health, especially if you are a vegetarian and are lacking a sufficient amount of protein in your daily intake.
Weigh protein can aid as a weight loss supplement, but it’s extremely important to remember that there’s no magic ingredient to help you lose weight. Whey protein needs to be combined with a well-balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. You can lose weight and gain muscle with the help of whey protein, as long as you are keeping up regular exercise and eating well.
Top 5 Ways Whey Protein Can Aid In Weight Loss:
Whey protein powder consists of over 20 amino acids which are needed by our bodies to create muscle mass and get rid of fat during exercise. Due to this variety of amino acids and its high protein content, whey powder is one of the most satiating supplements you can take.
Some studies have shown that consuming whey protein regularly can aid your weight loss. The following are some of the top ways that whey protein does this:
It keeps you full for longer: Because of its satiating effects, taking whey protein can reduce hunger during the day and prevent you from consuming too many calories in other foods. When you consume calories in foods such as carbohydrates and processed sugars, you may feel hungry again very quickly and can often eat more than you’re meant to. Whey protein gives you a decent intake of good protein and nutrients and can help you eat less on the daily.
It can block fat from being stored in your cells: Some recent studies suggest that whey protein in your diet can prevent fat from being stored in your cells. This in turn can increase your lean body mass when you work out and exercise. The branch-chain amino acids found in whey protein are important for this process.
It is more effective than other protein supplements: This is one of the main reasons why whey protein has risen in popularity over the years and people are raving about its effects as a gym supplement. Compared to other proteins, its ability to reduce hunger is more effective than most. Some research has found that whey protein can suppress hunger for around two hours, which is double the time shown by soy protein.
It can make exercising more effective: Protein and exercise go hand in hand, and it’s necessary to have a high protein intake to gain lean muscle and shed fat. Ensuring you maintain a well-balanced diet with lots of protein can make your exercise more effective, helping you see the benefits of your hard work quicker.
Some people have lost muscle mass whilst trying to lose weight, and this often means you can regain that weight very quickly. This is less likely to happen with a high-protein diet, whey protein powder protects your muscles and helps you lose unwanted fat.
It can help build and preserve muscle mass: The high percentage of amino acids found in whey protein can increase muscle protein synthesis. This means you can easily build muscle and increase your strength, but it will also safeguard your existing muscle mass.
If you cut out too much protein when on a diet or during weight loss, your body will start to use its muscle mass as fuel, and you will lose your lean muscle mass and struggle to get toned. Whey protein powder can prevent this from happening by supplying your body with a sufficient amount of amino acids.
How To Incorporate Whey Protein Powder In Your Diet:
Whey protein is usually sold in a powder form and is quickly digested and absorbed into your bloodstream. Your body starts using the amino acids between 15 – 60 minutes after you’ve consumed whey protein.
Due to it being in powder form, it is usually mixed with water, milk or yoghurt, depending on your preference and drunk as a shake. Here are three great ways you can incorporate whey protein into your diet:
As a post-workout recovery: Drinking a whey protein shake after strenuous physical exercise is one of the most common ways people incorporate whey into their diets. During exercise, your muscles are often under strain and can suffer damage such as micro-tears, or disruptions in your muscle fibres.
This damage is completely normal and your body is adapted to repair it, but getting an intake of protein right after this activity means that the repair process is sped up drastically. Taking whey protein as a post-workout will support your muscles and help you rebuild them effectively, making this one of the best times to take whey protein.
During breakfast: Taking whey protein at the start of your day is also highly beneficial. Having a well-balanced breakfast which includes carbohydrates and protein is a great way to keep you energised and awake throughout the day and keep you going for longer. You can ensure you have enough protein in your breakfast by adding whey protein powder to some of your favourite breakfast foods and beverages.
There are dozens of great ideas and recipes to follow for whey protein breakfasts. Some people enjoy adding the powder to their coffee, teas, or smoothies. Alternatively, you can add it to breakfast foods such as oats, pancake and waffle mixtures, as well as yoghurt and granola.
Have a whey protein snack in between meals: Another beneficial way to consume whey protein on a day-to-day basis is to drink it as a snack in between meals. This is a great snack for weight loss because it can help you feel satiated for longer periods, and prevent you from giving in to your cravings.
A high-protein snack is a great way to keep you going until your next meal. You can add whey protein to a shake or smoothie by blending it with fruit, honey and almond milk, or any of your favourite smoothie ingredients.
Prime Growth Nutrition offers a wide range of whey protein powder supplements which are available for purchase online for delivery in South Africa. We are passionate about your well-being and are happy to help you reach your desired goals.
Whey protein powder is one of our prime sellers, the following are some of the top brands available for purchase in our online store:
- Nutritech Notorious NT Whey
- NPL Platinum Whey Protein
- SSA Supplements Whey Extreme (2kg)
- Evolve Tri-Whey
- Nutritech Proven NT Protein
Control Your Intake Of Whey Protein Powder
As with anything in life, too much of a good thing is not always a great idea. Whey protein is generally safe, and consuming it responsibly and in the correct dosage can have great effects on your weight loss and muscle gain journey, but high doses of this supplement can affect your body negatively and you may have to deal with some of the side effects.
Too much whey protein can lead to digestive problems, especially if you are allergic or sensitive to lactose. It can also cause damage to your kidneys when taken in excessive amounts. Some people may also be allergic to whey protein, and you should always receive professional advice before using this product. Any supplement should always be taken with caution and it’s highly recommended to consult your doctor or dietitian before adding supplements to your diet.
Other Ways To Lose Weight And Gain Lean Muscle
We all have unique body types and metabolisms, so it’s important to find a weight loss program and eating plan that suits you. Losing weight and gaining muscle is easier for some, but there’s no magic formula to follow and you need to be consistent and motivated every day.
Living a healthy and active lifestyle that is sustainable is the best way to keep your body weight under control in the long term. The following are some great tips for living a healthy lifestyle that will benefit your body weight as well as your mental health.
Eat meals at the same time every day: Eating meals consistently at regular times throughout the day can help your body and metabolism fall into a proper routine. This can increase the speed at which your body burns calories and help you lose weight. It may also prevent you from snacking on unhealthy foods in between meals throughout the day.
Eat a healthy breakfast: Some people believe skipping breakfast or skipping meals is good for weight loss but this is not true and can be dangerous for your health. You will prevent your body from getting enough nutrients in the morning, and it could lead to you consuming unhealthy snacks later on when you get hungry.
Add fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet: Consuming lots of fresh produce is essential to living a healthy lifestyle, so make sure you are getting some in every meal. They are high in vitamins and minerals for a strong immune system and high in fibre.
Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do for your body. Make sure you consume enough water throughout your day, it can also prevent you from feeling hungry unnecessarily.
Prime Growth Nutrition offers a large range of supplements to assist you in weight loss and muscle gain, along with vitamin supplements for overall health. Consult with your dietary professional and start living the healthy lifestyle you deserve.