Lifestyle

How Many Protein Shakes Should You Have a Day

By Amber SmithNov 16, 2022 12:00 PM
Elm and Rye

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

How many protein shakes should you have a day? This is a question that a lot of people are wondering these days. With so much talk about the benefits of protein shakes, it can be hard to determine how many you should actually drink each day. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of protein shakes and how many protein shakes should you have a day.

Best Protein Supplements for Protein Shakes

  1. Elm & Rye Protein

  2. Penguin Protein

  3. GNC AMP Sustained Protein Blend Premade Shakes

  4. Legion Whey + Whey Isolate Protein

  5. Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder

  6. Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Powder Chocolate

  7. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin, Unflavored 

Protein shakes are a type of beverage that is often used as part of a weight loss or bodybuilding diet. They are made by combining protein powder with water, milk, or juice. Protein shakes can be a convenient way to get extra protein in your diet, and they come in many different flavors.

There are many different types of protein shakes available on the market. Some of the most popular types include whey protein shakes, casein protein shakes, and plant-based protein shakes. 

Whey protein is a type of protein that is derived from milk. It is a fast-digesting protein that is ideal for post-workout recovery. Casein protein is a slow-digesting protein that comes from milk. It is ideal for use before bedtime or during long periods of fasting. Plant-based protein is made from plant sources and is a good option for people who are vegan or lactose intolerant.

There are many different ways to enjoy protein shakes. Some of the most popular ways to drink them include:

  • As a meal replacement: Replace one or two meals per day with a protein shake.

  • As a post-workout snack: Drink a protein shake within 30 minutes after working out to help rebuild muscle tissue.

How many protein shakes you should have per day depends on your goals. If you are trying to lose weight, you may want to drink one shake per day as a meal replacement. If you are trying to build muscle, you may want to drink two or three shakes per day. Be sure to talk with your doctor or a registered dietitian before starting any new diet or supplement plan.

What's in a regular protein shake?

Protein shakes usually contain a combination of protein powder and water. However, some people like to add other ingredients, such as milk, fruit, or peanut butter, to their shakes.

Milk is a good source of protein and also contains carbohydrates and fat. Fruit is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Peanut butter is a good source of protein and fat.

Protein powders come in many different flavors, including chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cookies and cream. You can also find protein powders that are flavored with more unusual flavors, such as green tea or pumpkin spice.

Protein shakes are a convenient way to increase your protein intake. However, it's important to remember that they're not necessary in order to build muscle or lose weight. You can get all the protein you need from other sources, such as meat, fish, eggs, and beans.

If you do decide to drink protein shakes, be sure to check the labels carefully. Some protein powders are high in calories and may contain unhealthy ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners or added sugars.

What are some tips to make the best protein shakes at home?

There are a few things you can do to make sure you're making the best protein shake possible:

  • Use a high-quality protein powder. Look for a powder that is low in calories and fat and contains no artificial sweeteners or added sugars.

  • Avoid adding too many other ingredients to your shake so you don't add too many calories and fat. Keep it simple by just adding protein powder and water.

  • Use a blender or shaker bottle to mix your shake. This will help to ensure that the powder is fully dissolved and that your shake is smooth and free of clumps.

What are some popular ingredients to add to protein shakes? 

There are a number of popular ingredients that people like to add to their protein shakes, including:

  • Milk: Milk is a good source of protein and also contains carbohydrates and fat.

  • Fruit: Fruit is a good source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

  • Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a good source of protein and fat.

  • Chocolate: Chocolate protein powder is a popular choice for many people. It has a rich, decadent flavor and can be used to make shakes, smoothies, and even baking recipes.

  • Vanilla: Vanilla protein powder is a versatile option that can be used in sweet or savory recipes.

  • Strawberry: Strawberry protein powder is a sweet and fruity option that can be used to make shakes, smoothies, and other recipes.

  • Green tea: Green tea protein powder is a unique flavor that can be used in savory or sweet recipes.

  • Pumpkin spice: Pumpkin spice protein powder is a popular seasonal flavor that can be used in baking recipes or shakes.As you can see, there are many different ingredients that you can add to your protein shake.

Just be sure to check the labels carefully to make sure you're not adding too many calories or fat to your shake. And always remember that a simple protein powder and water shake is all you really need to get the benefits of protein.

How do I pick the best protein shakes to buy?

When you're looking for the best protein shakes to buy, be sure to consider the following criteria: 

Check the Ingredients

Be sure to check the label to see what's actually in the protein powder. You should look for a powder that is low in calories and fat and contains no artificial sweeteners or added sugars.

Choose a Flavor You'll Enjoy

Protein powders come in many different flavors, so be sure to choose one that you'll actually enjoy drinking. Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are always popular choices. But don't be afraid to try something new, like green tea or pumpkin spice.

Check the Price

Protein powders can range in price from around $15 to $50 per container. Be sure to compare prices to find the best deal.

Read Reviews

When you're looking for a protein powder, be sure to read online reviews to see what other people are saying about it. This can be a great way to get an unbiased opinion about a product.

As you can see, there are a few things you should keep in mind when you're looking for the best protein shakes to buy.

What is the difference between premade protein shakes and protein powder? 

Protein shakes can be made from either protein powder or premade protein shake mixes. Protein powder is a concentrated source of protein that can be mixed with water, milk, or other liquids. Premade protein shakes are ready-to-drink beverages that contain protein, carbohydrates, and sometimes other nutrients like vitamins and minerals. 

Both options can be a convenient way to get the benefits of protein. However, premade shakes tend to be more expensive than protein powder. And they may also contain more calories and sugar. So if you're looking for a low-calorie option, protein powder is the better choice.

How much protein do you need a day?

To understand how much protein powder you need to consume daily, first consider how much protein your body needs to function properly. The amount of protein intake per day differs among people, but a safe rule is 0.36 grams for every pound of body weight.

For example, the average protein intake for a 125-pound woman should be about 45 grams per day (0.36 g x 125 lbs = 45 g). In general, women need 46 grams of protein daily and men require 56 grams.

Not only does body weight affect how much protein you should consume, but other factors do as well. If you lead a lifestyle with lots of physical activity, you most likely burn through the energy provided by protein quicker than the average person. This means that your muscles need additional nutrients to continuously rebuild and recover properly. Anyone who works out at least four to five times per week should aim to eat close 1.0-1.2 grams of per pound they weigh in order maintain muscle function.

So, if you weigh 150 pounds and workout frequently, you need to consume between 150-180 grams of protein each day. This can be achieved by incorporating a combination of whole foods and supplements into your diet.

What are the signs that you're lacking in protein?

If you're not sure whether you're getting enough protein, there are some signs to look out for. You might feel tired all the time, have trouble concentrating, or get sick more often than usual. You might also notice that your hair and nails are breaking more easily, or that you've lost muscle mass.

If you think you might be lacking in protein, the best thing to do is to speak to a doctor or registered dietitian. They can help you figure out how much protein you need and whether you should be taking supplements.

What are some different ways to use protein powder besides protein shakes? 

You can use protein powder to make pancakes, waffles, muffins, and other quick breads. Just add protein powder to the dry ingredients and follow the recipe as usual. You can also use it to boost the protein content of smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, and more. 

And if you're feeling creative, you can even use protein powder to make homemade energy bars, protein balls, and other snacks. Just mix it with some nut butter, rolled oats, honey, and other ingredients, then shape into bars or balls and refrigerate. 

So how many protein shakes should you have a day? It really depends on your goals and lifestyle. If you're trying to build muscle, you may need more protein than someone who isn't working out regularly. And if you have a busy lifestyle, protein shakes can be a quick and easy way to get the nutrients your body needs. 

Ultimately, it's important to listen to your body and see what works for you. If you're feeling tired or run down, you may need to up your protein intake. And if you're struggling to reach your fitness goals, adding a protein shake to your daily routine may be just what you need.

Now that you know all about protein shakes and how many protein shakes should you have a day, it’s time to discuss the top brand options we shared with you at the start of this article: 

1.     Elm & Rye Protein

Image courtesy Elm & Rye 

With just a few key components, this is ready to go. This distinctive combination may help you bulk up, gain muscle, improve endurance, and more.

Meat, fish, and soybeans are all high in amino acids, which are essential components of protein. Amino acids have several functions in the body, including the synthesis of proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and soybeans contain significant amounts of amino acids.

BCAA supplements, which contain leucine, isoleucine, and valine (three essential amino acids), have been shown to not only promote muscular growth but also decrease fatigue and soreness. Elm & Rye's non-vegan protein supplements are made from 100% pasture-raised and grass-fed cattle.

2.     Penguin Protein

Made from the best pasture-raised, free-range, and grass-fed cows we can find, our Whey Protein is a full-body restorative blend. It comes in five different flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Banana Peanut Butter, Cookies & Cream, and Snickerdoodle. Each serving contains 25 grams of protein, and 10 grams of Collagen. 30 servings per bag, 1040 grams total. Our formula includes a customized mushroom complex, Turmeric, Collagen and Ashwagandha. Formulated with love, by Penguin.

3.     GNC AMP Sustained Protein Blend Premade Shakes

Image courtesy GNC 

If you're looking for an easy way to get your protein without any fuss, these premade shakes are perfect. They mix up quickly and easily, plus they're portable so you can take them with you wherever you go.

With 25 grams of protein, these shakes are perfect for post-workout recovery. They are also low in calories and fat, making them ideal for people who want to lose weight.

Not sure which protein powder suits you best? GNC has a variety of flavors and brands that make it easy to find the perfect shake for your post-workout recovery or snack time cravings.

4.     Legion Whey + Whey Isolate Protein

Image courtesy Legion 

If you're interested in building muscle, this protein powder is a great choice for you because it's made of whey protein and whey protein isolate.

Not only is this protein powder easy on the stomach, but it's also easily absorbed and makes for an excellent post-workout recovery shake. It's low in calories and fat as well, making it a great choice for dieters or those seeking to lose weight.

This is the ideal protein powder for you if you want to increase your muscular development and recover from your workouts. Whey protein is a high-quality source of protein, but it's critical to get a good quality whey protein supplement.

5.     Orgain Organic Protein + Superfoods Powder

Image courtesy Orgain 

If you're vegan or are looking for a plant-based protein powder, this is the powder for you. It contains organic pea protein, brown rice protein, and chia seeds to give you the best source of vegan protein possible.

Furthermore, this protein powder contains an abundance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Furthermore, it is also low in calories and fat which makes it ideal for weight loss warriors!

This is the ideal choice for those who are searching for a plant-based protein powder that is nutrient-dense. Protein powders are an excellent way to get the nutrients your body requires, but it's crucial to pick the proper protein powder for your requirements.

6.     Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Powder Chocolate

Image courtesy Garden of Life

Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Powder is not only a delicious and nutritious protein supplement, it is also 100% whey protein. This chocolate flavor powder provides a convenient way to get the extra protein you need without any artificial ingredients.

Whey protein is a high-quality source of amino acids that aids in the development and recovery of muscles. This protein supplement is great for post-workout recovery or as a meal substitute. It may assist you in achieving your fitness goals while also providing your body with the nutrients it requires.

Look no further than Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Powder if you want a protein supplement that is both healthy and delicious. You can be sure that it will give you the results you want.

7.     Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin, Unflavored 

Image courtesy Vital Proteins

The Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin is perfect for those who are always on-the-go and need a quick, delicious, and nutritious snack!

If you're focused on building muscle and recovering quickly from workouts, collagen peptides are an excellent protein supplement option. They contain plenty of amino acids and are easy to digest, which makes them perfect for post-workout recovery or as a meal replacement shake. Plus, they can help support your fitness goals while also providing key nutrients to your body.

Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder is the best protein supplement for individuals who are looking for a tasty and healthy protein powder. It will undoubtedly deliver the results you want.

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.