Protein shakes are highly popular nowadays for several reasons, such as weight loss, muscle gain, or recovery from an injury. Although there are many natural protein sources, like eggs, poultry, milk, etc., protein shakes have become a crowd favorite as they are convenient and fuss-free. However, if you’re wondering whether you will get the results from drinking protein shakes, you are not alone.
People have started prioritizing health and fitness, so they are looking for less time-consuming yet equally beneficial strategies. Most people don’t have time to have a hearty meal all three times of the day. Thus, replacing one of the meals with a power-packed protein shake seems like a feasible option. You will get the results you want without having to spend hours preparing a decent and healthy meal.
Nevertheless, the booming variety of protein shakes in the market can easily overwhelm you, especially if you are new to this whole health and fitness scene. There are so many brands, types, and categories of protein shake that you will have difficulty choosing one that suits your needs and preferences best.
This is why I have prepared this blog for you. Read on as I highlight the best and most beneficial protein shakes you need to add to your diet in 2023.
Protein Shakes: Pros and Cons
Before we discuss the best protein shakes for 2023, let’s first take a look at what protein shakes are and what they offer. Protein shakes are essentially categorized as dietary supplements as they contain amino acids that are the foundation of protein.
They might not be a substitute for a healthy meal, but they can enhance your diet and help you get the nutrition your body needs when you reduce your calorie intake. All in all, protein shakes can be helpful when you don’t have a lot of options to add protein to your diet or if you are struggling to get your daily required protein value by food alone.
Now, let’s quickly overview some pros and cons of protein shakes.
The Benefits of Protein Shakes
May Help with Muscle Gain
Initially, protein shakes were popular among athletes and gym enthusiasts. They used it to improve muscle and performance. It also helped them with common injuries sustained during games and training sessions.
As mentioned above, protein shakes are rich in amino acids, which your body absorbs easily. According to research, when you consume more amino acids, they trigger muscle synthesis. What’s more, they can help you gain muscle even if you’re following a low-calorie diet for weight loss.
Aid in Weight Loss
This is perhaps one of the biggest reasons protein shakes have become so popular. Since consuming protein shakes increases the amount of protein in your body, it can promote weight loss in many ways.
Firstly, adding protein shakes to your daily diet can help increase the feeling of fullness. This means you won’t feel hunger pangs and eat some unhealthy snacks. Protein shakes keep you fuller for a long time, which helps when you’re trying to lose weight and minimize calorie intake. In addition, research suggests that protein might even reduce ghrelin levels in your body, affecting your appetite.
Next, it boosts metabolism, burning more calories. This is because your body is now consuming more protein compared to carbs and fats. Also, high protein in your diet can stimulate gluconeogenesis, which can burn extra calories.
Finally, high protein intake can help you eliminate the most stubborn fat in your body, the belly. Losing belly fat is one of the biggest concerns of every person during weight loss. It takes a lot of time and effort to lose belly, which can be frustrating. However, protein shakes can help you accelerate the process of losing belly fat.
This is because high protein intake promotes fat loss and oxidation. Increasing protein intake is associated with losing fat from the belly or midsection, reducing the risk of diabetes and heart diseases.
Thus, it is fair to say that protein shakes can help you improve your overall health and fitness in many ways.
Cons of Protein Shakes
A Temporary Solution
Although they are highly beneficial, protein shakes are a short-term solution. While they can help you lose weight and gain muscle in the short run, you can’t rely on them for long-time results. You shouldn’t rely on them solely for reaching your health and fitness goals. Instead, you should try to embrace some lifestyle changes while taking help from dietary supplements like protein take for a short while.
Not a Replacement for Meals
Protein shakes can’t be replaced by a meal. Your body needs a balance of nutrients, and protein shakes can’t offer all of them. You can add them to your daily diet to enhance results, but you shouldn’t consider them substitutes for a wholesome meal.
Tony’s Recommend Protein Shakes
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1. Atkins Gluten Free Protein-Rich Shake
Brand: Atkins
Flavor: Milk Chocolate Delight
Diet Type: Keto, Gluten Free
Allergen Information: Milk, Soy
About this item:
The Atkins milk chocolate delight shake is rich and creamy and a perfect option to add to your balanced diet. As it has 2 grams of carbs and 1 gram of sugar per serving, it can help you reach your fitness goals. It is best for people who want a keto-friendly and low-carb option. It can help you satisfy your hunger as it has 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber per serving.
It can support your body and keep you energized throughout the day. It’s an excellent source of iron, folate, zinc, selenium, and vitamins D, B6, and B12. Satisfy your cravings without feeling any guilt.
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2. Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Shake
Brand: Muscle Milk
Flavor: Chocolate
Number of Items: 12
Protein Source: Whey
Package Information: Bottle
About this item:
This protein shake helps satisfy hunger while building muscle. It is an energy-packed option that you can grab on the go as a snack or have instead of breakfast. It contains 25 grams of protein, zero sugar, and 5 grams of fiber, and is a good source of Vitamins A, C, and D and Calcium.
Smooth and delicious, they can also be added to oats, coffee, pancakes, etc. It has amino acids that help in building muscle mass.
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3. Fairlife Core Power Elite 42g High Protein Milk Shakes
Brand: Core Power
Flavor: Chocolate
Diet Type: Kosher
Number of Items: 12
Allergen Information: Milk, Lactose-Free
About this item:
This protein shake is perfect to refuel, rebuild, and rehydrate muscles post-workout. It contains all 9 essential amino acids, vitamin D, calcium, and electrolytes your body needs. The high-quality protein in the shake works to rebuild, repair, and maintain body tissue and lean muscles while making new cells, assisting in recovery after a workout.
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4. Lean Body Ready-to-Drink Chocolate Protein Shake
Brand: Labrada
Flavor: Chocolate, banana, cookies and cream, strawberry, vanilla
Diet Type: Gluten Free
Number of Items: 12
Protein Source: Blend
About this item:
The tasty drink contains 40 grams of protein. Enjoy this rich and creamy shake while getting one step closer to your fitness goals. It comes in 8 flavors, helping you enjoy the richness per your taste. It keeps you feeling fuller for longer, reducing hunger and helping you to lose weight. As they are rich in protein and fiber, they help curb sugar and junk food cravings. This ensures you stay on track and maintain a healthy diet.
Furthermore, it contains 22 vitamins and minerals, like Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Riboflavin,Biotin, Magnesium, Potassium, and Zinc. Plus, the best part is that this shake is gluten and sugar-free.
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5. Atkins Iced Coffee Café Caramel Protein-Rich Shake
Brand: Atkins
Flavor: Caramel
Diet Type: Keto, Gluten Free
Protein: 15 Grams
Item Form: Liquid
About this item:
This rich and creamy shake is an excellent part of your balanced diet. It has 3 grams of carbs, one gram of sugar, 15 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fiber. It is designed to keep you energized during the entire day. The Café Caramel Shake is an excellent source of zinc, folate, selenium, and vitamins D, B6, and B12. Plus, it is a treat for all coffee lovers.
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