First off, many protein supplements are created for body-builders and athletes who train intensively. They might say things like “fat burner,” or “muscle builder,” on the labels, but this is misleading for the average dieter, because they can be loaded with calories and additives.
If you’re dieting and want to simply increase the proportion of calories that you’re getting from protein, you need to be scrupulous and cautious.
Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing a protein supplement. Our next post will list common protein supplements/sources and their characteristics, so be sure to check back again.
Choosing A Protein Supplement – What to Look For:
- Calorie content. Body builders and athletes need more calories, not just protein, to pack on the muscle and stay energetic. Many protein supplements are loaded with calories, simply because they’re not for average dieters. ALWAYS look at the calorie content.
- Fat content. Many of the fats included in these supplements aren’t all that bad, like omega-fatty acids, but it’s best to check. Also look for cholesterol, especially in egg-derived proteins.
- Additives. While some of these fat-burners and metabolism boosters, etc. sound great, remember, you’re already cutting calories and increasing your physical activity. Do you really want to affect your metabolism in an unnatural way? What are the consequences?
- Purity/Source: Protein supplements can come from both plant and animal sources, are sold in various combinations and concentrations, and can also vary in purity due to processing. Be sure to read the ingredients.
- Characteristics: As the sources and preparations of proteins vary, so do their actions within the body. For example, some are metabolized faster than others. Know what kind of protein you’re taking and what its properties are.
Click here to learn about types of protein supplements
Best Protein Supplements
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Another good attribute to look for is BCAA’s. These indicate the quality of the protein in the protein powder. You can usually see these on the Nutrition Label under the Amino Acid Profile.
I definitely prefer the whey protein isolates instead of the concentrates as they have less fat and less lactose, and more protein (plus they taste a lot better as well, much more neutral in taste). I also look for the brands with no artificial chemicals and preservatives and flavors. Why would you want to be healthy yet put these ingredients in? Anyway, I always thought it was strange that so many companies put these ingredients in! So always check the label.
Thanks for the great tips. I am usually going to the gym and trainers there are selling various kinds protein supplements. But after a small conversation with them I realized that nearly all of them are for building up your muscles but not for loosing your weight. And as you said, there are more calories there then we need, and cholesterol is very bad thing for your health. I would suggest that all those protein things are unnecessary for loosing your weight.
It is definitely important for those who are serious about a protein supplement for weight loss are aware of the kind of proteins being taken and what the properties are. The information you provide regarding the types is very useful. Also the cholesterol consideration is important and often not considered by those searching out a supplement.
Cheers
Steve
Steve´s last blog ..Super Slim Slimming Clubs
Are Protein Supplements addictive?
If you consume more protein than you really need, you risk several negative consequences. First, you could gain weight. Consuming more calories than you need in a day, even if they’re protein calories, will cause your body to store the extra calories as fat.