When did you hear someone extolling the virtues of protein shakes? Likely some five years back, as fate will have it with most weight-loss fads, they eventually fell from favor, as hazardous products caused public concern and even FDA-ordered recalls.
The problem is that some protein shakes are actually good for you. If research recommends them to women in labor, they can’t be all that bad. There’s also research proving that a protein-rich breakfast will keep you feeling full longer than one based on carbs. A meta-analysis also says nutrient-enriched meal replacements can help shave off fat and keep it off for good. So, then, why aren’t more people sold on protein shakes?
Especially during recovery periods like hospital stays. Protein shakes have become a convenient and nutritious way to meet these protein needs. However, there are common things people need to correct when incorporating protein shakes into their diet, especially during hospital bed rental Toronto.
The simple answer is this: some shakes can seriously hamper your weight-loss efforts. This, through poor ingredient choice and even poorer dietary habits. Ditch the three mistakes below, which are turning your shake into a dietary bomb, and get ready to see that number on the scales moving.
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Neglecting Medical Advice
Proteins are:
- The building blocks of life.
- Playing a critical role in repairing tissues.
- Supporting the immune system.
- Maintaining muscle mass.
Hospital stays often lead to muscle loss, making incorporating adequate protein intake into your diet essential.
The first and most crucial mistake is paying attention to the advice of healthcare professionals. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before adding protein shakes to your hospital bed rental diet. They can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific medical condition.
Incorporating healthy protein shakes into your hospital bed rental journey can be a beneficial and convenient way to support your recovery. By avoiding common mistakes and following the advice of healthcare professionals, you can ensure that your protein shakes contribute positively to your healing process.
Got protein guilt?
If you’re unfamiliar with this term, it describes a protein bonanza, which may start innocuously enough, with a mere shake, but continues throughout the day. You have several shakes, bars, protein-rich meats, and nuts—and you’re on the point of completely exhausting your liver. Not only does extra protein translate into excess calories, i.e. fat, but anything around or over 125g per day is likely doing you more wrong than right, say UrgentCareExtra.com experts. In fact, the Center for Disease Control recommends that women should stop at 46g per day, so take the amount above as strictly recommended for serious, professional, massive bodybuilders.
Protein shake = Milkshake. Right?
Nope. A protein shake should be designed to help you load up on protein, keep you feeling full for as long as possible, or help you undo muscular damage. In essence, adding some nut butter, nut milk, or dried fruit could work just fine—unless they contain added sugar. Check the labels; also, opt for ‘safer’ alternatives, like whole foods (berries, avocado, flax seeds, kale, etc.).
On that same note, check your protein powder’s label, make sure it includes 5g of sugar (or less) per 100 calories. Check out this list of sugar substitutes, too, because they’ll make your insulin spike and drive your cravings up the wall, just as much as actual sugar would.
Wrong protein powder
The problem with protein powders is that dieters and muscle-builders alike all assume they were created equal. Pro tip: they’re not. Here’s what to avoid, according to the experts:
- Whey. Skip it altogether, if you’re lactose intolerant. Also, skip it if you’re trying to lose weight, because it absorbs very fast (and raises your blood sugar about as much as white bread). And that, of course, defeats the whole purpose of a shake that will leave you feeling full.
- Casein. Also not recommended for the lactose intolerant. To boot, it causes addiction! If you’ve ever wondered why you could never consider becoming a vegan, here’s a study that says casein works like opiates on your brain.
- Soy. Most soy available to us in the Western world is unfermented, i.e. full of toxins (phytoestrogens, soyatoxin, saponins, etc.).
So, then, what are your options? Plant-based powders like chia, cranberry, and rice, or non-fat beef protein. Your best bet is a powder that contains 20-25 grams per serving (or up to 30g, if you really want to bulk up, shed a lot of weight, or are recovering from massive muscle damage).
Conclusion
The journey to incorporating protein shakes into one’s diet, especially during recovery periods like hospital stays, can be a promising and convenient way to meet essential protein needs. However, several common mistakes can turn these shakes into dietary pitfalls that hinder weight loss efforts rather than supporting them, typically around 20-25 grams or more if you have specific fitness or recovery goals.
First and foremost to consult with healthcare professionals, such as doctors or dietitians, before introducing protein shakes into your diet during a hospital stay. Their expertise can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your specific medical condition, ensuring protein shakes contribute positively to your healing process.
