Last week, Jody shared with us about functional beverages and some of the newer sodas that have added fiber. This week, we will look at some functional beverages that have been around for a while but are surging in popularity – protein shakes. You can purchase pre-made protein shakes at the store, or you can buy protein powder and add it to water, milk, or a smoothie.
Some benefits of drinking protein shakes include:
- They can support your body as it recovers from an injury or surgery.
- They can help maintain muscle mass in older adults.
- They are a quick and easy way to get protein for people who may not be able to eat enough protein through food.
- They may help your body build muscle mass along with physical activity.
There are also some things to be cautious about before drinking protein shakes:
- Read the labels closely. Look out for any ingredients that you may be allergic or sensitive to. Also, look for ingredients that may interact with your medications.
- Compare prices of protein shakes and powders. There are many different protein shakes and powders on the market right now. Do your research on the prices and ingredients to make sure you are spending wisely.
- Find a drink with the amount of protein that is right for you. You can refer to our blog to learn more about the daily protein requirements of different individuals. If you have too much protein, you can get an upset stomach or become dehydrated.
Finally, consider the nutrients and the satisfaction factor of protein foods. If you have the time to prepare a meal or snack with a protein food, you may get some additional nutrients and feel more satisfied. You can even make your own protein shake at home! Try our Peanut Butter Berry Smoothies. These are tasty and a good source of protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. If peanut butter in a smoothie is not for you, add some chia or flax seeds instead for a boost of protein and fiber.
