Whey Protein and Weight Loss

Whey protein and weight loss might not seem to go together since we usually picture a bodybuilder drinking a whey protein shake to bulk up with muscles. But many weight loss products and meal replacements use whey protein as one of their main ingredients.

Whey protein isolates are especially desirable for this because of their low-fat and low-carbohydrate content. A diet that utilizes whey protein and exercise will lead to increased lean muscle that burns more calories and results in less body fat.

Most dieters eventually complain that their feelings of hunger win out. Whey protein has been shown to combat these feelings by promoting hormones responsible for appetite suppression. The resulting feeling of satiety helps prevent extra snacking and late night binging.

Another way that whey protein helps you lose weight is because of this high quality protein’s ability to help prevent stress eating. Most of us have experienced eating when we aren’t hungry. Stress is a very common cause of this and easily leads to weight gain.

Whey protein promotes the release of serotonin which causes relaxation and lower levels of anxiety. We are lees likely to stress eat when sertonin levels are elevated. This is especially helpful for someone experiencing the stress of trying to lose weight.

Whey protein and weight loss have been researched to determine if there is an effect on insulin sensitivity. This is an important factor in some of the popular high protein and low carbohydrate diets. It does appear that whey protein improves insulin sensitivity and aids in weight loss through this mechanism.

Whey protein also helps you maximize the weight loss benefits of exercise. Research has shown that people who exercise will gain more lean muscle and lose more body fat when they consume whey protein.

Based on scientific research a whey protein shake might be a great-tasting addition to our list of foods that help us shed those extra 10 lbs.

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