At the start of your weight loss journey, you’ve probably already realized that the more you read up on it, the more questions you seem to have—should I lift weights, should I use protein powder for weight loss—and the less you seem to be doing.
Although it seems like there are so many things to consider before you change your lifestyle to a more active and healthier one, starting is just the hardest part of it. It’s an easy thing to say that you’re going to lose weight, but it’s difficult to start to get down to it.
Your lifestyle and your body will dictate everything on your weight loss journey, from what constitutes a balanced meal to a proper exercise regime, so each journey is as unique as you are.
However, some solutions work across the board, and you should also keep them in mind. These are simple tips that can ease your transition into a healthier lifestyle.
Nevertheless, deciding to become healthier is the best decision you can make, all that’s left is sticking to that conviction!
Skipping Meals: Getting Rid of Misconceptions
When you first decide to change your lifestyle to kick-start your weight loss journey, there may be some things you’ve put on your agenda that could end up being counterproductive.
An example is that you may think that skipping meals will hurry you along the path of weight loss but in doing so would result in more harm than good. Eating breakfast is what kicks off your metabolism, and failure to do so means your body operates and digests at a much slower pace. Hence, skipping breakfast could even yield opposite results.
To get the most of out of breakfast, have it as soon as you get up to kick-start your day right—don’t wait until you get to work or two to three hours after you wake up to eat it. Starting the day right by eating a proper breakfast also has other advantages and among that stands out is that it ensures that you won’t be overeating the rest of the day.
Moreover, you also have to make sure that you’re eating the right kind of breakfast or food for that matter. This goes without saying for all meals and not just your first of the day.
But how do you get the most out of your food without piling on useless calories?
First, your meal has to be well-portioned. It should contain the right amount of protein and fiber, although the exact diet will depend on the person. These are some of the basic nutrients you should keep in mind.
Should I Use Protein Powder for Weight Loss: What You Should Know About Protein?
Now, many of you may be confused about protein powder or shakes. You may associate them with bulking up, things that athletes or bodybuilders drink to tone up and pack on some muscle.
“But I don’t want to bulk up; I want to lose weight! So why should I use protein powder for weight loss”?
The thing is, protein powder is used by bodybuilders and athletes to bulk up and make gaining muscle and muscle definition easier. On top of that, protein is an essential component of weight loss as well.
Getting enough protein as a nutrient is important as it can boost your metabolism, as a lot of energy is used in digesting and metabolizing protein. It also helps you reduce your appetite by seizing your hunger hormones.
It also does help you build and retain muscle—losing body fat can sometimes result in the loss of muscle, but getting enough protein can prevent that.
With all of those said, we, therefore, conclude that protein powder and shakes are a great addition to any weight loss plan, especially if you don’t have much access to quality high-protein foods. They’re easy and convenient to throw into your daily routine.
You don’t have to worry about the taste either—no, it’s far from anything like downing medicine because many protein powders come in different flavors. Meanwhile, protein shakes can be mixed with any fruit or vegetable you prefer.
Protein powders also come in many different types; each contains a different kind of protein with its characteristics and benefits. An example is the plant-based soy protein. It contains all the essential amino acids and soy isoflavones, which provide other health benefits.
Hopefully, we have at least helped you answer the questions “should I use protein powder for weight loss” and “what exactly are protein shakes.”
Other Tips for Beginners
There are many other simple lifestyle changes you can incorporate into your daily routine to help you ease the transition. A few examples are:
Staying hydrated
Although this seems to be a no-brainer, many of us don’t consume enough water during the day. Needless to say, it’s still something we have to be wary about.
Start drinking the recommended number of eight glasses a day and you’ll feel better instantly!
Remember to drink water au naturel, and you will be getting rid of hundreds of calories found in sugary drinks such as juices, cream-blended coffees, and even alcohol.
Choose whole-grain, low-sugar rice, and bread options
You will feel just as full but will consume lesser calories than those highly processed with white flour and refined sugar.
Start slow
This is for those people who are leading very sedentary lives and are afraid of the wreak havoc effect of clocking in hours at the gym. A good, slow-paced 30-minute walk around the neighborhood or a quick 10-minute run up and down the stairs will do.
Gradually add ten more minutes of any activity or exercise each day. Increase the time or intensity as your body gets more comfortable being active.
The key here, not just with the exercise but with your diet as well, is consistency. Just stick to it no matter what, and you’ll see results in no time!