Protein Shakes

What are protein shakes?

Protein shakes are typically made using a powder and mixing with water. They are a very popular choice amongst those people who wish to build muscle strength, particularly with weight lifters and bodybuilders.

You can buy protein shakes and other protein-based products from most large supermarkets but you might find a better selection at specialist high-street retailers such as Holland & Barrett. 

Popular online protein brands which are often found on the Instagram feeds of your favourite health and fitness influencers include MyProtein and Protein World. Their range includes everything from shakes, bars and snacks to fitnesswear.

The main benefits of protein shakes

Here are just some of the reasons why people choose to drink protein

Decreased hunger and better control over appetite by feeling satisfied for longer
An uplift in your metabolism which can help with building muscle gain
Complements a weight loss diet or alternatively, a bodybuilding lifestyle
Helps to maintain a healthier weight

When and how to use protein shakes

Having just 1 shake per day can be a good place to start, mix well with water, ice and fruit in a blender. It is usually recommended to have your protein shake to take before mealtimes, with 1 or 2 scoops of protein powder in the shake. However, we would advise against regularly replacing your meals with protein shakes as they are unlikely to contain sufficient vitamins and minerals that you would normally get from meat, fish and dairy sources.

What are some alternatives to protein shakes?

Protein-based products like shakes, bars and powders are a substitute for natural protein sources like lean meat, fish, eggs and certain dairy products. It’s worth noting that you can usually get the same, if not more, benefits from enjoying high lean protein foods as part of your diet.

Not to mention, protein products aren’t always suitable to be used as a meal replacement because they don’t have all the vitamins and nutritional value as a freshly prepared and balanced meal would.

Other vitamins and supplements

Although most people take their daily multivitamin tablets in order to benefit their overall health, some people take vitamins specially for sports performance as they can repair muscle tissue during recovery from exercise and injury.

Supplements can enhance muscle growth when combined with exercise such as weightlifting. It can also help with appetite control if you are trying to lose weight as part of a specialist bodybuilding diet.

Read more about Vitamins

Nutrition

Lean in 15

Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, has inspired thousands to transform their bodies by shifting unwanted fat and building lean muscle.