Whey Protein Shakes: Are They Necessary?

Craving that thick, milky drink that goes through the straw in a very slow rate? That drink sounds like a milkshake, right? Yes, for the most part. But there is a different type of shake that most of us are not visualizing drinking. This is more on the healthy side---like a protein shake!

The majority of us can acquire the proteins that we need by just consuming foods. Approximately forty-five to fifty grams of proteins each day should be consumed by healthy adults.

For those exercise buffs, of course, you are likely to need more protein from any source than people that live a sedentary lifestyle.

Before we get into the whey protein shakes, what are protein shakes? Protein shakes are usually consumed by athletes that require nourishment after their workouts. They can range from one-hundred percent protein to mainly carbohydrates with additional protein and fat. In protein shakes, there are a variation of flavors that come in either a powder form or ready-to-drink packages, as in cans and/or foil packs.

There are many methods of choosing a protein shake; it really depends on your health goal(s). For example, if your goal is to lose weight or body fat, it is best to change to a protein shake that is mainly protein, lower carbohydrates and a small amount of fat. Here is the catch--the shake should be more than fifty percent protein. Protein shakes can contain different protein types, as in milk, whey, casein, egg, soy, and rice.

You should be getting protein in every aspect of your diet. However, you can supplement with a whey and casein combination; just make sure that you are not lactose intolerant, since these are milk sources.

Whey Protein Shakes

Speaking of whey protein shakes, adding it to your diet can actually aid in weight loss. According to the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, the 2008 edition, people that took a whey protein supplement actually lost more weight and kept their lean muscle mass more than the people on the same diet minus the whey protein shakes.

The recommendation for women is to eat between 1,800 and 2,400 calories a day to maintain weight and for men to eat between 2,400 and 3,000 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Supplementing a Meal

As for replacing your meal with a whey protein shake, substituting one meal a day with this shake can assist in weight loss. The catch: avoid a meal that is calorie-rich and high in carbohydrates; replace them with a low-calorie meal. However, you have to continue to eat wholesome foods to make sure that an efficient intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber are fulfilled. In fact, whole food sources should be your first option before selecting a whey protein shake diet.

Consult your physician prior to consuming the whey protein shake diet.

Benefits of Sports Nutrition

Whether you go to live sporting events or watch them on TV, these sports talents look so healthy and vibrant. But what is their secret to having vibrant bodies? Most people can agree that it takes some exercising and healthy eating.

What are the benefits of sports nutrition?
As many sports-oriented people know, one of the requirements of sports nutrition is having a substantial amount of nutrients to boost up your energy while doing many sports activities. Sports people's energy level decreases much faster than the average person does; therefore additional nutrients are needed.

If you are an athlete and/or sports-oriented, then you will lose a massive amount of fluids during the period of exertion and as a result, dehydration often occurs. You may also experience being very tired and thirsty, which may be impossible (or almost impossible) to perform physically. If you are unable to perform physically, then it may have a negative impact on your daily activities.

In the world of sports nutrition, your diet should be based on variations, as in age, size, fitness level, and the type of sport that is being performed. Before going on any type of diet, as with anything else, if you are involved in sports, you should consult the doctor about the type of foods that should be consumed.

Over time, when you visit a fitness club and perform a workout, massive amounts of fluid are lost. For example, when you are sweating quite a bit, you will lose the water that was in the body. This is the reason that water plays a very essential role in sports nutrition. Water makes up approximately sixty percent of body weight.

Since the body cannot produce or collect a large amount of water, fluids must be replaced that was lost during the workout or practicing session, which usually exceeds the typical eight glasses of water a day. Otherwise, the body will become dehydrated.

You should maintain a diet that is well proportioned and well-balanced. The proper blending nutrients should include carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats play a pivotal role in terms of energy and sports performance. Many people know that carbohydrates are the most important nutrient, which makes up approximately sixty to seventy percent of the calories that are in the body. A few examples of foods with carbohydrates are fruits, vegetables, breads, and cereals.

Protein is another important part of sports nutrition. This nutrient gives nearly a minimum amount of fifteen to twenty percent of everyday energy, which is also for muscle and tissue building. Foods that contain proteins are dairy products, eggs, poultry, beans, nuts, among other foods.

If you decide to participate in sports-related activities, in addition to exercising, you should consider the regimen that comes with sports. These include drinking a large quantity of water, which is the most important and have a proper diet, as in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. (In terms of drinks, Gatorade will also work) With the proper regimen, you are more likely to become healthier, better sports performers, and more likely a happier life.