Low Carb Protein Shakes

April 17th, 2009 · 2 Comments · Bodybuilding supplement, Carbohydrate, health, healthy diet, protein, protein shake, protein-powder, weight-loss

What protein shakes?

What do you think when you hear shake? For most, the first thing that comes to mind is an icy cold and delicious chocolate shake! A shake is a delightful drink that comes in a whole bunch of flavors, not only chocolate. In particular, what are low carb protein shakes?

A protein shake is a product of dissolving protein powder in some kind of liquid like water, milk or fruit juice and are mostly preferred by dieters (low carbers) as well as bodybuilders. These shakes are said to be low carb such that it contains only small amounts of carbohydrates and fats. Some shakes show zero carbs as well as zero fats. Of course, let’s not ignore it as a protein supplement. It is called a protein shake because protein is still its major component.

Here, protein is a replacement for carbohydrates. Since, ‘low carbers’ need the energy and the strength, protein is a good source. Thus, protein shakes are the answer for them to be strong and healthy even without carbs.

What are they made of?

Approximately, protein shakes are made up of only a small of calories (121), fat (3%), cholesterol (17%), sodium (3%), potassium (4%), carbohydrates (<1%), sugars and a large portion of protein (50%). These percent values are based on a 2000-calorie diet.

What is their purpose?

Can protein shakes help someone lose weight? Many manufacturers of popular protein shakes advertise their shakes as a helpful, positive way of burning fat. Is their claim acceptable? Do their shakes really increase weight loss? In reality, there is still no evidence that their claim is true.

Most protein shake mixes source their protein from soy, while others use a dairy or an egg base. Yes soy proteins can reduce cholesterol, but at some point, as it reduces cholesterol, the isoflavones it contains, may increase the risk of certain heart disease. On the other hand, not all protein shakes are produced from soy, some are made of whey, which in the past few years, has been found to be more beneficial than soy.

Generally, protein shakes are not harmful. However, we cannot overlook the fact that they alone, cannot make us thinner.

How to Prepare a Protein Shake

Protein shakes are easy to prepare. All you have to do is put a scoop of protein powder in a cup, pour in water, milk, or fruit juice, then mix it with a spoon for about 20 seconds, and presto! You can enjoy a nice protein shake!

However, some prefer shaken rather than stirred. Meaning, we need a blender for that smooth frothy finish! Some would also love protein shakes to be icy cold. Just put the prepared shake in the fridge and whenever you want it, just get your shake in the fridge. Some like it sweet, thus, putting some teaspoons of sugar or any sweetener will give you that sweet delightful taste.

Some choices for a protein shake would be that wonderful chocolaty taste. Some want it with fruits. Of course any fruit will do.

These modes of protein shake preparation are yummy. However, if your purpose were to lose weight, then added ingredients like sweets (chocolate, sugar etc.) would be a No No!

How Much Can You Have in a Day?

Sometimes, using protein powders is way more convenient than eating regular foods. Normally, you can take it 1 to 2 times a day. They are just supplements and not medicines. However, the best time of the day you can have a shake is early in the morning. It is a fast digesting protein, thus having it after eight hours of sleep would be a good idea.

Another time when you can have your shake is immediately after workouts. This would be best time to have a shake, since your worn muscles need to repair and rebuild.