GUEST POST by Scott Reid

One of the choices when looking at using a protein powder as a help to lose weight is which type to go for. The main choice is generally between whey-based protein and plant-based protein powder, however there are many aspects to consider.

A lot of people than want to use protein powder as a help to lose weight, can’t tolerate whey protein for various reasons, including bloating and potential allergy problems. Plant-based protein powder can be the perfect option for those who can’t use whey for that reason.

However, there are also many other benefits which you get from a plant-based protein powder that you cannot get from any animal-based protein product, including fibre content and some types of vitamins and minerals.

 In this guest blog post, author Scott Reid offers you a quick run-down on six of the key benefits of choosing a plant-based powder.

1. Great for those with allergies

Many people with allergies can’t actually tolerate whey protein because of the milk and other ingredients it contains. However, plant-based protein is perfect for anyone with a whey, milk or gluten allergy, creating none of these problems. 

As long are you aren’t allergic to the source of the plant-based protein powder, you should be fine to use it and to get to your workout and weight loss goals without worrying about any adverse reactions. 

2. Full of fibre

Plant-based protein powders are full of fibre which helps our digestive system and also leaves us feeling full after drinking a plant-based smoothie or shake, another help to lose weight. A plant-based protein powder naturally helps you to feel full and also keeps your digestion regular so it’s a double win. 

Fibre is also good for your heart health as well so these are all great reasons why plant-based protein powder is awesome. Fibre is one of those elements which many people are lacking in their diet so if you don’t have time to cook lots of meals with a high vegetable content, then adding in a smoothie made with plant-based protein can help to ensure you still get enough fibre in your daily diet. 

3. Boosting your metabolism: extra help to lose weight

It takes your body a lot longer to digest protein than fat or carbohydrates so if you are aiming to lose weight then you need to eat more protein to boost your metabolism. The plant-based protein takes even longer to digest because of the extra fibre. 

The harder your body has to work to digest and metabolise the plant protein, the more fat your body will burn, which helps you to achieve your weight loss plans. Not only do you get fibre, vitamins and protein, but a boost to your metabolism as well – you really can’t lose! 

4. Healthy fats to help you lose weight

Plant protein contains healthy unsaturated fats which can help your body to absorb vitamins and can help you lose weight. 

There are no other types of fat within plant-based proteins, only the good kind which your body needs to work effectively so if you are looking to drop a few pounds then this has to be the right choice for you. 

5. Lots of vitamin content

Plant-based protein contains a lot of great protein but because it has come from a plant derivative, it will also contain all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from the plant as well – many of which you just can’t get in animal-based protein. 

While plant-based protein powder provides us with a lot of nutrition, it’s not a substitute for a healthy diet, so adding it to smoothies, drinks or baking can provide us with a lot of essential minerals, vitamins and fibre in a quick and convenient form. 

6. Better for the environment

Creating plant-based protein powder is much better for the environment than any kind of animal protein. It uses less land and fewer resources to grow crops and is much cleaner for the environmental, producing far less waste. 

So if you want to look after the planet as well as your health, then choosing a plant-based protein powder is always the greener option – look out for organic versions as well, so you can be doubly sure it was produced in an environmentally friendly way. 

If you want help to lose weight then increasing your protein intake is a good start. Replacing one or two meals with a protein-based shake using a plant-based powder is one of the healthy ways to lose weight.  

With one scoop packed with fibre, vitamins, protein, minerals and antioxidants, it’s no wonder that plant-based protein powders are taking the fitness world by storm – so whether it’s a post work-out boost or you need to increase your intake of protein to lose weight, you can’t go wrong adding a plant protein to one of your healthy filling meals.

You may also like this article from Focus Performance about the benefits of hemp protein.