The Best Protein Shake to Lose Weight

Protein shakes are essential for weight loss and proper nutrition. Protein is part of the food pyramid, and many people do not get enough protein in their daily diet. Also, people who exercise regularly need protein to help repair muscles. If you eat a well-balanced diet you should be getting enough protein. A good and safe way to get this protein to aid in weight loss is through a protein shake.

Protein Powder

According to Max Sports and Fitness magazine, to achieve weight-loss goals you should incorporate 1 gram per pound of body weight of protein into your diet daily. For example, if you weight 130 pounds you should have 130 grams of protein per day. You can find protein powder for a protein shake at most grocery stores, as well as stores such as GNC, Wal-Mart and Max Muscle. Buy a protein powder with few calories per scoop and lower fat. According to Aaron Dibona, Fitworks personal trainer, whey protein and wheybolic protein are the best protein powders for protein shakes. They are lean protein products that are digested over time so your body is getting protein nutrition all day long. "If you work out, consume your protein shake within 30-45 minutes after your workout," Dibona said. If you don't or if you still require more supplement to reach protein needs, try to spread out your protein shakes so your body gets the supplement throughout the day.

Protein Mixture

According to intense-workout.com, protein shakes do not take long to prepare. All you have to do is scoop the amount of powder (depending on your protein needs, this is usually one to two scoops) into your shaker or cup. Add a liquid of any kind, such as milk (preferably soy or nonfat milk), water, or fruit juice (use only 100 percent juice for better nutrients) and mix or shake for about 20 seconds and drink. Each scoop usually has about 15 grams-25 grams of protein (with basically zero fat and zero carbohydrates). It is fast and easy to take on the go. Most stores offer a variety of different flavors of protein powders. It does not matter what flavor you use for weight loss.

Add-ins for Taste

There is no reason to have dieting "taste bad." Protein shakes can taste awful or good depending on how they're made. Some people prefer to have milk or juice mixed in rather than water. Obviously, if you mix the powder with water you are reducing calories. However, if you mix juice or milk, you're getting more protein or better flavor. "I find it more of a meal replacement to blend ice and a banana or other fruit in my protein shake for maximum taste and nutrients," Dibona said. "A lot of people blend blueberries, raspberries and much more to their shake. Either way, you're getting the proper amount of protein, which will ultimately aid in weight loss."