10 Best Protein Shakes For Women 2016

Protein Shakes and Weight Loss

Protein shakes are not all about building up muscle mass. Women protein shakes go hand in hand with weight loss as they:

help repair muscles after a rigorous fitness routine
help retain lean muscle mass
increase the body’s ability to produce heat resulting to more fats burned [this process is called thermogenesis], and
keep one feel fuller longer or increases a person’s satiety level in between meals

Slimming Shakes: Which is Which?

As protein shakes have become a fad, the many products that have flooded the health and fitness markets are making it hard for us to choose the best protein shake — something that’s a smart addition to our healthy routine and one that’s free from nasty ingredients like heavy metals, added sugars and even unwanted calories.

But this isn’t something we need to fret about. Whether we’re novices when it comes to incorporating protein shakes to our weight loss regimens or are already experienced in this matter, whether we’re into the vegan diet or love a good steak from time to time, there’s a choice out there for each one of us. Here are the things we need to put in mind that’ll lead us right to our best matches.

We need to know our protein needs.

The average woman needs about 45-75 grams of protein in a day depending on whether we lead a sedentary lifestyle or are quite active. That would be an average of 25 grams in one meal which, when translated to food, would look something like these:

4 hard-boiled eggs
Meat that’s about the size of a deck of cards
2/3 can of tuna

So, if ourusual protein shakes pack more than that number in one serving, we have to lessen it and vice versa. And one more thing, plant-based protein shakes don’t automatically translate to having less protein per scoop.

We must put our dietary limits in mind.

Are you lactose intolerant or a vegan? Then, whey protein is not for you as it’s sourced from dairy. You don’t have to worry, though, as the market offers a lot of non-dairy alternatives. Non-dairy sources include brown rice and quinoa.

Check the ingredients out.We must have a sharp eye when it comes to the ingredients of our pre-mixed protein shakes or the protein powders we use for our smoothies. Look at the label. If you’re using one that’s advertised as a specific kind of protein shake powder [plant-based like hemp or a combination of proteins from plants, for example], make sure that it’s the first ingredient you’ll see on the list. Don’t go for protein shakes flavored with sugar or artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acsulfameand sucralose[these artificial sweeteners are known to have negative effects on the body after they’re broken down during metabolism].If you see any of these on the label, steer away from that product!
Make it a point to go organic. Going organic means we are getting more value. Take whey protein for example. If we’re going for this kind of protein shake then opt for the one that’s USDA-certified organic and is grass-fed. Doing so ensures we’re getting more of that heart-healthy Omega-3.
Skip the hype!Another person’s smart choice doesn’t mean that it’s also the best match for you. We should know what we’re looking for in our protein shakes. Additionally, we need to make product reviews a part of our decision-making but don’t base the whole of it on stellar 5-star reviews as some companies hire people just to get that. And another thing, it doesn’t mean that the more expensive the product is, the more effective it will be. Our individual needs are as unique as our personalities. Experiment. Try several protein shakes until you find one that you feel suits your lifestyle ad your fitness needs.

Now that we have set the yardstick set on how to choose the best protein shakes, let me cinch down your list for women protein shakes more with this year’s top healthy shakes for weight loss.

1.Orgain Organic Plant Based Powder

Orgain is every health-conscious woman’s dream. It’s organic, non-GMO, dairy-free, soy-free, gluten-free and practically plant-based. These features make it an ideal protein shake product for vegans and those who are lactose-intolerant as well.

Protein Content: 21 grams of protein [from organic pea, brown rice, chia seeds and hemp]

Healthy Add-ons: Has a net carbohydrate content of only 3 grams, without any added sugar [though there are some complaints about added Stevia, a plant-based sugar substitute.]

2.Protein World The Slender Blend

This protein shake has weight loss literally stamped on it so, if you’re looking for something that’s really going to jump start you off in that direction, this is it. It’s made of a low-calorie mix of whey protein and nutrients that fight fat like green tea and raspberry ketones.

Protein Content: 24 grams of whey protein

Healthy Add-ons: Contain 141 calories with 1.5 grams of fat. Suitable for vegetarians and diabetics, gluten and soy free. It’s Kosher and Halal certified as well.

3.Naked Rice Organic Brown Rice Protein Powder

Naked Rice is as naked as you can get and that’s what makes it one of the best weight loss shakes 2016. More than being a protein powder suitable for smoothies; you can add it up to whatever dish you’re going to eat. It’s a 5-pound bulk of GMO-free, gluten and soy free plant-based protein that’s free of any artificial ingredients including sweeteners.

Protein Content: 25 grams of brown rice protein

Healthy Add-ons: Doesn’t contain any sugar or other form of sweeteners, has 4 grams of carbohydrates and contains 120 calories per serving. Additionally, each serving contains 4.9 grams of BCAAs or branched-chain amino acids which help reduce muscle breakdown especially at night and curb hunger pangs.

4.Solgar Whey Protein Powder

Solgar is a combination of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrates. The advantages – it contains more amino acids, boasts of better nutriment absorption and makes protein more useful to the body. The downside – it’s not your usual 100% whey protein isolate. And though it’s 98% lactose-free, it has about less than 1% of soy which is not good news to those who are allergic or intolerant to it.

Protein Content: 20 grams of protein from whey protein isolate and concentrates

Healthy Add-ons: Only contains 90 calories per serving with 5 grams of fat. Plus, you get free-form L-glutamine and BCAAs on the side. It also doesn’t contain any artificial sweeteners.

5.Manitoba Harvest Hemp Pro50 Protein Supplement

This protein supplement is not just good for your smoothies; it can be a healthy add-up to your regular yogurt and can even be used for your baked goods. It’s a non-GMO one-ingredient protein supplement – the source being hemp. It is a common knowledge that hemp is a good source of protein and amino acids. In addition to that, hemp also has considerable amount of fiber and omega fatty acids that are just as important to our health as the first two.

Protein Content: 15 grams of hemp protein

Healthy Add-ons: Each serving contains 7 grams of fiber and 2.5 grams of omega fatty acids. It’s non-GMO, whole food, raw and suitable for vegan diets.

6.Nature’s Plus Ultra Energy Shake

If you want effective healthy shakes for weight loss that double as your daily multivitamin go-to, this is the product to get. Its non-dairy formula makes it an ideal match for those who have lactose intolerance. Plus, this energy shake’s protein source is plant-based [pea, rice and soy protein] so it fits the vegan diet. The downside is it contains soy so it’s a no-no for those who are intolerant or allergic to it.

Protein Content: 25 grams of pea, rice and soy-based proteins

Healthy Add-ons: It has a lot of vitamin and mineral content like vitamin C, vitamin B complex and potassium. It also has a low GI.

Cons: It contains a form of sweetener — GlySweet.

7.Vega One All-in-One Nutritional Shake

There’s one reason why this protein shake carries the name all-in-one because it really does. Protein? Check. Fiber? Check. Vitamins, minerals and even omega fatty acids? Check, check, check. It even contains probiotics! It’s one complete meal replacement as you get almost all of the essential nutrients a body can need in one serving. This makes it one of the top weight loss shakes in the health and fitness markets.

Protein Content: 20 grams of protein from hemp, SaviSeed pea and flax

Healthy Add-ons: Aside from the protein, the nutritional shake also contains about 6 servings of greens and 50% of an individual’s daily vitamins and minerals needs. It is non-GMO, made from whole foods, gluten-free and suitable for those who are into vegan diets.

Cons: Contains Stevia, a plant-based sweetener.

8.Tera’s Whey Organic Whey Protein

Every ingredient in this US-made whey protein shake is organic. Protein powders sourced from whey are the perfect companion pre and post-workout as whey helps build and repair muscles. Additionally, Tera’s Whey has low-carb content [5 grams per serving]. It does contain organic Stevia, a plant-based sweetener though it’s low GI so it won’t cause your blood sugar to spike up.

Protein Content: 20 grams of whey protein

9.Designer Protein Aria Women’s Wellness Protein

This is one of the protein shakes in the market that’s specifically aimed at women’s wellness and weightmanagement. The good thing about Aria is it’s not as expensive as the others. So, if you are tight on the budget, check this weight loss protein shake out and see if it’s something to your liking.

Protein Content: 15 grams of protein [a blend of soy protein isolate, whey protein concentrate and whey protein isolate]

Healthy Add-ons: A good source of calcium and soy protein for heart health. It also contains several vitamins.

Downside: It has Stevia and as a milk and soy product, it’s not suitable for the dairy-intolerant and those suffering from soy intolerance and allergy.

10.SlimQuick Pure Protein Powder

SlimQuickis one of the best weight loss protein shakes for women in the market as it’s specially designed to be one. It claims to help its user lose up to three times the weight.

I bought this just to see for myself if the protein shake craze is really effective or not but I’m still on my first week so there’s not much experience to tell other than it does stave off hunger pangs.

Protein Content: 20 grams of whey protein

Downside: Contains artificial sweetener so, go easy on this one.

The Perfect Time to Drink Protein Shakes

According to experts, the best times to drink protein shakes are before and after your workouts. Before as they increase your body’s heat production allowing you to burn more fats as you exercise and after as the protein content of your drink helps repair and restore your sore muscles.

There are also protein shakes that double as meal replacements so, you can chug in one in place of your usual meal [preferably lunch or dinner]. Some protein shakes are not suitable as before-bedtime drinks like those which are whey-based as they can cause blood sugar spiking at night. Check with a medical expert first if you plan on doing this.

Exercise Above All

You have to keep in mind though that the best slimming shakes in the market [or whatever protein powder or shake for that matter] don’t work like magic bullets. Weight loss isn’t achieved overnight and it doesn’t come without a price. You have to exert effort and pair your weight loss smoothies with an exercise plan for you to be able to shed off those pesky pounds. Yes, these top weight loss shakes dohelp you get to your goal and keep you on the right track but they wouldn’t do the whole job.