Benefits of Protein for Weight Control
High protein diets conserve muscle mass, rev metabolism, and suppress appetite - useful mechanisms for shedding pounds. But with concerns over sustainability, many dieters prefer plant over animal-proteins.
The good news is vegetable proteins efficiently build and preserve lean muscle mass, speeding the bodys calorie-incinerating capacity. They also take longer digest, stabilizing blood sugar to prevent sharp hunger and cravings.
Reasons to Choose Plant-Based Protein Powders
Veg protein sources check all the boxes for supporting safe weight reduction, including:
- Boost calorie burn to accelerate fat loss
- Curb appetite and reduce cravings
- Provide lasting energy without crashes
- Improve gut health and digestion
- Enhance detoxification
- Reduce inflammation and bloating
- Support heart health
Top Plant-Based Protein Sources for Shakes
A spectrum of wholesome vegan protein powders abound for whipping up satisfying shakes. Here are some of the top options for weight control:
1. Pea Protein
A nutrient powerhouse made by milling yellow split peas into flour, pea protein rates exceptionally high for bioavailability at 90-98%. With a light, fluffy texture and mild flavor, it blends easily into tasty shakes.
2. Brown Rice Protein
A versatile protein extracted from brown rice grain, this smooth and mellow tasting powder contains all essential amino acids for building and repairing lean body mass to rev calorie burn.
3. Hemp Protein
One of natures richest sources of protein by weight, minimally processed hemp powder delivers a one-two punch of 10g protein plus 3g Omega-3 fatty acids per 2 tbsp serving to crush hunger.
4. Pumpkin Seed Protein
Lesser known but potent, pumpkin seed protein powder contains 18 amino acids plus magnesium, zinc, and omega fats for increased energy expenditure. The greenish powder has an earthy taste.
5. Sacha Inchi Protein
Derived from a Peruvian plant, sacha inchi protein has a stellar amino acid profile on par with eggs or soy. The fine powder has a mild, nutty flavor likened to roasted sunflower seeds.
6. Sunflower Seed Protein
A hypoallergenic option, sunflower protein powder offers substantial amino acid levels to build and maintain calorie-torching lean muscle. Its smooth, nutty taste complements many flavors.
Other Key Shake Add-Ins for Weight Loss
While protein lays the foundation, blending shakes with metabolism-boosting superfoods amplifies fat burning potential. Consider adding items like:
- Flax or chia seeds
- Cinnamon
- Ginger or turmeric
- Cocoa or cacao
- Greens powder
- Berries
- Cayenne or black pepper
- Leafy herbs like mint
Best Ready-to-Drink Plant Protein Shakes
Skipping the messy blender in favor of ready-to-enjoy bottled shakes offers an easy shortcut to good nutrition for busy dieters. Here are some top store-bought options:
OWYN Plant-Based Protein Shakes
With 20g pea and rice protein plus inulin prebiotic fiber, OWYN shakes help build lean muscle while controlling hunger for 3-4 hours. Vegan and allergy-friendly.
Orgain Organic Nutrition Shakes
Orgain blends 21g organic plant protein and 5g fiber from fruits and greens into a creamy, satisfying drink packing a weight loss punch. Just 150 calories too!
Aloha Organic Protein Shake
At just 110-150 calories, this ready-to-drink shake designed for weight control harnesses the power of plant proteins plus prebiotics to crush cravings post-workout or as a meal replacement.
Vega Protein Made Simple Shakes
With 20g pea protein, 6g fiber plus probiotics and omega-3s, Vegas pre-bottled shakes help dieters lose fat while building and protecting metabolism-stimulating muscle.
Build Your Own Plant-Based Protein Weight Loss Shake
Creating homemade shakes allows ultimate control over ingredients for a customized nutrient profile. Follow these easy directions for slimming DIY blends:
Pick Your Base
Choose unsweetened non-dairy milk like almond, soy or hemp. For added creaminess, try brewed and chilled coffee, coconut water, or plain kefir.
Select Your Protein Powder
Add 2-3 scoops or 20-30g of your preferred plant-based protein powder like pea, brown rice, hemp, or pumpkin seed.
Include Nutrient Boosters
Blend in metabolism-activating items like flaxseed, greens powders, ginger, berries, cacao nibs, etc. Stick to 1-2 tbsp of mix-ins.
Flavor & Sweeten
Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla or cocoa powder plus limited sweetener if desired. Stevia, monk fruit, dates, or small amounts of honey or maple syrup work.
Liquids & Ice
Pour in enough liquid to achieve desired consistency, adding a few ice cubes as needed to chill and thicken for a frosty shake.
Toppings
Get creative with fun optional toppers like cocoa nibs, crushed nuts, coconut, seeds or shredded veggies/fruits. Granola and nut butters also delicious!
Meal Planning Tips for Weight Loss Shakes
Strategically incorporating shakes into daily meal plans amplifies their slimming potential. Heres how to effectively swap them for common meals:
Breakfast Shake
Have a protein-packed shake to start the morning instead of typical fare like cereal or pancakes. Keeps you satisfied and energized for hours.
Post-Workout Recovery Shake
Down a nutrition-dense smoothie within 30 minutes after exercise to help stressed muscles recover and refuel most efficiently to accelerate fat loss.
Lunch or Dinner Replacement
Substitute a filling shake for meals when cravings or lack of time would otherwise derail healthy eating. Adds essential nutrients minus excess calories.
Pre/Post Meal Appetite Controller
Sip on a light protein shake 30 minutes before dinner to curb overeating. Have another for dessert to prevent cravings for less healthy nighttime snacks.
Achieve Weight Goals Faster with Plant-Based Shakes
Whipping up nutritious protein shakes makes improving diet quality effortless while supplying essential nutrients to protect precious lean muscle. Utilize them strategically as meal replacements or snacks for faster fat loss results!
FAQs
What are the benefits of plant protein for weight loss?
Plant proteins help build calorie burning lean muscle, balance blood sugar to prevent cravings, reduce inflammation and bloating, and support heart health - all useful mechanisms for shedding pounds.
Which plant-based protein powders work best for shakes?
Top options include pea protein, brown rice protein, hemp protein, pumpkin seed protein, sacha inchi protein and sunflower seed protein. All provide high quality amino acids to preserve or build slimming muscle.
When should I drink protein shakes to lose weight?
Strategically use shakes as meal replacements for breakfast, post-workout, when you’d otherwise make poor choices due to lack of time or cravings, or before/after meals to control portions and hunger.
Can I buy ready-made plant protein shakes?
Yes, many brands now offer convenient pre-bottled shakes made with vegan proteins like OWYN, Orgain and Vega. Check labels for calories, protein/fiber content, added sugars and clean ingredients.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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