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Protein Shakes can be a great aid in weight loss when you have a busy schedule. Cheap, easy, and quick, they can be used as a meal replacement or as a way to curb your appetite until your next meal. However, it’s important to look at the ingredients and nutrition facts on the protein shakes you buy, because they can be packed with sneaky additives that may not be good for you. When it comes to choosing a protein shake, it’s important to look at the fine print. Many pre-packaged protein shakes on the market are plastered in images and text that market them as “healthy,” but have ingredients that say otherwise. So when it comes to choosing a protein shake, how do you know which ones you should avoid?
It depends on what your personal goals are and what intolerances you may have. One common misconception is that all meal replacement shakes are good for weight loss. On the contrary, some are actually designed to promote muscle gain. For this reason, they’re very high in calories and may prevent you from staying in a calorie deficit long enough to see steady, consistent weight loss.
Something else to take into account when determining what protein shakes to avoid is knowing when there may be sneaky allergens that could cause stomach discomfort. One ingredient that may trigger an allergic reaction in some people is whey concentrate powder, which is a common ingredient in meal replacement shakes. Whey also contains traces of lactose, so it may cause nausea and bloating in people who are lactose intolerant or have any kind of sensitivity.
Finally, one of the biggest things you should avoid when shopping for protein shakes are the sneaky additives they include, especially pre packaged protein shakes. One common one is sucralose, an artificial sweetener that serves as a sugar substitute because it has no calories. For this reason, it is often used in products that are considered “diet” or “healthier” modified food options. Studies have shown that it can not only spike your blood sugar when consumed, but the fact that it’s ultra-processed also means it can kill good bacteria in your gut, which has lots of negative health effects as well.
Another common preservative in pre-packaged protein shakes is maltodextrin, a powder made from starches like corn and potatoes. It serves as an artificial thickener to enhance the creamy texture of the shake. The danger of this additive is that it’s highly processed--ingredients like these can increase your risk of things like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer--so consuming protein shakes that contain it regularly could be counterproductive to your health goals.
In conclusion, protein shakes can be a great supplement to a busy lifestyle. However, it’s important to read the ingredients closely so that you know what you’re consuming. Some protein shakes are better suited for you than others, so take into account your own intolerances, preferences, and needs when deciding which brands to avoid.
