Protein shakes

[IBreakCellPhone]

Hey, all.. Especially you fitness freaks out there. I'm looking to lose some weight, and I think protein fitness shakes can be some good low-calorie meal replacements. I've experimented with Myoplex regular, but I was wondering what your opinions were on some of the shakes that are around.

Thanks!

[anthrogirl]

Avoid Whey Protein--in fact, when you are shake shopping, look for whey protein. If the shake contains whey, don't buy it. Whey protein has an addictive and carcinogenic component to it. I will link you an article if you wish, but I have to pull it out of a professional peer-reviewed Medical journal to which I subscribe, and it's a little tricky.

If you are trying to lose weight, fiber is a neccessary component. The average human must consume 30 grams fiber/day in order to maintain good health. Most Americans get about 10 grams/day. So when you are shopping for cereals and bread (for example), check the labels to make sure that you are getting at least 4-5 grams per serving. Many cereals can provide as much as 10 grams/serving.

Also, it would be helpful to limit your meat consumption. 3-4 oz/day (or as much as would fit in the palm of your hand) is plenty. It's difficult, because in the States, we are used to consuming on average. 10-12 oz/day.

Be sure to bring more green veggies into your diet at each meal. I cannot emphasize the importance of this.

And of course, moderate exercise (about 30 min of elevated heart rate/day) is critical--not only to lose weight, but to maintain fitness and general health (immune health, cardio health, psychological health etc).

It's best not to replace full meals with processed foods (i.e., protein shakes). The nutrients are not as bioavailable, and they usually contain ingrediants that are not neccessarily helpful.

Changing one's diet also includes changing lifestyle. Food/nutrition is an enormous part of being alive--and I admire your interest in improving your health and well-being!

ag