Protein powder for weight loss?

[Somaraicila]

I've heard that it is and that it isn't!
Can anyone elaborate or share their knowledge please?

[Geronimo]

I think a protein powder drink CAN help with weight loss IF you are making sure to keep a calorie deficit throughout the day. To me, the benefit of having a protein powder drink instead of a meal or snack is that I can accurately track the number of calories I'm taking in.

That being said, my understanding is that there would be little difference between eating a chicken breast/steak/etc or drinking a protein powder shake IF the portions equal the same number of calories.  Also keep in mind that not all calories are the same.  If you eat 200 calories of lean meat or 200 calories of a protein powder drink, you'll be better off than taking in 200 calories of junk food or sugary foods.   Sugar slows your metabolism and you'd end up burning few calories during the rest of the day.

[SunsetRunner]

Protein powder won't make you lose weight!
However, protein powder is a quick source of protein, which is basically building blocks for your muscles and why people often using before and after working out, especially strength training.
Protein powder can be used as a meal substitute as well, but seeing as (going from my box of whey pp) you mix 2 scoops of powder with 3 dl of water (or milk, cause that works better in my opinion), you get less than half a liter (quart) of shake from that, most people probably won't find it as satisfying as a real meal. Nor does it taste as good as an actual meal (my opinion).
From what I know, a normal shake made with water more or less equals 150g of chicken breast and some veggies, so unless you're in a hurry or just done at the gym and need a protein quick fix, I'd go for the yummier, more filling option with the added bonus of nutrients. 🙂

[Direwind]

In a nutshell, in order for ingested protein to be stored as fat, it must first be converted into glucose, a process which requires high levels of glucagon relative to insulin. This ratio only occurs when an individual has not eaten for at least for or five hours. In order for your body to then convert the glucose to fat, high levels of insulin relative to glucagon must be present. This hormonal ratio only occurs when the individual is in the fed state. Because it is virtually impossible for these hormonal situations to coexist, your body won't store excess calories from protein as fat."
Taken from physical magazine

unused protein is removed from the body in your urine

[kk40]

Hi, I was just reading your comments on protein drinks, can i just check, is this saying that you protein drinks  will not turn to fat in the body.......  I have read 3 or 4 times but cant quite get what it is saying.  My trainer has suggested i have one protein drink a day for breakfast as i am exercising 5 times a week but want to shift my stomach fat.... 

KK

[Direwind]

There ARE shakes that help you gain weight, but a simple protein shake is
NOT one of them unless you are eating too many calories overall.

I have been using protein shakes nearly everyday on my weight loss journey,
and so have many other people. And we are losing weight, not gaining it.

[Geronimo]

I agree with Direwind.  As long as you are burning more calories than you're taking in, your body will not want to store that protein powder drink as fat.  Your body will want to use the protein to refuel/repair/rebuild your muscles (which you are actually tearing down during a hard workout).

But keep in mind you shouldn't just drink countless protein shakes and think you're safe.  You need to be burning more calories than you're taking in.  So, a single protein drink after a workout should be fine.  I try to use a protein powder that's low carb, like Optimum Nutrition's.  I love the taste of Muscle Milk but found that it has too many carbs for my liking.  Post workout, I think you're better to have a high protein, low fat, low carb intake.  That should ensure you're building lean muscle.  

1. Work the body so it wants/needs the protein to rebuild/repair.  

2. Then give it that protein (preferrably within 30 minutes of finishing the workout).  

If you want to have a protein shake for breakfast instead of post workout, you may want to consider a Caseine Protein shake instead of Whey Protein shake.   From what I've read, Casein Protein will digest slowly and keep your metabolism elevated longer throughout the day (and thereby help you burn more calories). 

[dianahk]

There are protein powders for weight loss, but I agree that they work best when you are active and counting calories. I have lost 19 lbs since March using protein shakes for breakfast and sometimes for lunch. I also count calories and exercise, a combination of cardio and weights.