If you have been looking into new diets, then you have probably heard about the protein shakes for weight loss diet made famous by Ricky Rubin. The idea of drinking a protein shake as a meal replacement is not new.
The famous record producer and co-president of Columbia Records lost 130 pounds with his strict work out program and diet of protein shakes and fish. He was featured in GQ showing off his astounding new body and how he made it happen.
Protein shakes have long been a staple with fitness buffs and bodybuilders. So, why are they suddenly getting so much attention as a weight loss tool? The drink consists of powdered supplements and are usually blended with various fruits to add flavor. Many bodybuilders and health fanatics drink these for breakfast every day.
The supplements help to repair and strengthen muscle tissue, while the fruit gives your body extra nutrients. Not all who are committed to the protein shake diet add fruits. They drink the powered chemicals just as they are. Protein powders come in a variety of flavors, but on their own the taste is quite bland.
Protein Shakes for Weight Loss - The Skeptics
Annual sales of nutritional products tops $2.7 billion in the United States, but there are still some trainers that question the benefits of a protein shake diet. They say that drinking the shakes as opposed to eating a well balanced diet can lead to serious health problems, such as dehydration, risk of kidney problems and a greater risk of developing osteoporosis.
Professional trainers say most people are already consuming more protein than the body needs. Protein shakes could be helpful as a quick weight loss tool, but should not be used as a long term strategy. The weight loss shake makes you feel full, so you may eat less at the time. But, gradually the average person will return to their normal eating behavior and the weight will return.
According to experts, a person has to change their whole way of thinking about food, change their eating habits and maintain a healthy work out regime. Then they will be able to maintain a healthy body and a healthy weight. A strict protein shake diet will make you gain weight rather than lose it.
Your body can only break down a certain amount of protein. If you take in more than your body can handle, then you have to be extremely active to use up the excess. Otherwise you will put too much strain on your system. The excess will be stored as fat or excreted as waste. The excretion process takes calcium from the bones, so the more you expel, the more calcium you lose, weakening your bones.
Protein Shakes for Weight Loss - A Magic Bullet
The manufacturers claim protein shakes for weight loss are like a magic bullet. Just drink a few shakes and the pounds will melt away. They say you will burn fat and develop muscles to get that ripped bod you have been dreaming about.
Health care professionals don’t agree. While replacing one meal a day with a weight loss shake can help you lose weight, you should not replace all meals. You should eat a well balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. And you should stick to an exercise program.
Protein has a lot of calories, consuming too much may hinder your weight loss goals. Especially if you are not very active.
Protein Shakes for Weight Loss - Not All Protein Shakes for Weight Loss are Created Equal
There are some bad protein shakes that actually contain harmful ingredients. An investigation found some drinks contained arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. Although the levels were within a safe range, anyone drinking too many shakes per day could be overexposed to these toxins. Be careful to read the label. Many of the protein sources are less than ideal, highly processed and a lot of sugar has been added to make the shake taste better.
What to look for:
- Fruits and vegetables – most protein shakes contain only protein and often very poor quality protein. Look for a product that uses antioxidant fruits and green vegetables as a source of protein.
- Immunity and digestion – look for nondairy probiotics to help your immune system and digestion. Your body needs good bacteria and enzymes to break up the food and absorb the vitamins and minerals. These are important for good overall health as they feed your body rather than just pass right through.
- Sprouted grains – sprouting a grain, seed or nut releases more vital nutrients. It literally wakes up the power of the grain. It is a time consuming process, so most manufacturers do not use this method.
- Detoxifiers and immune boosters – many people trying to lose weight look to fish as they are low in calories. Many fish contain high levels of mercury. Look for a protein shake that contains phytonutrients such as Chlorella to help your body get rid of excess mercury.
Weight loss protein shakes should not replace a healthy diet. To get the most benefit without adverse side effects it is best to replace only one meal a day with a shake. Your other meals should consist of whole healthy foods. Cut down on your calorie intake. The key to losing weight is to burn more calories than you are taking in.
With a well balanced diet and a vigorous workout regime, protein shakes for weight loss will work for you.
