Weight loss is possibly one of the primary goals of most of my clients. And they're almost always surprised when I suggest protein powders as a way to help them lose weight more effectively.
However, the dietary supplement market is flooded with products that are full of fat and carbs. These protein powders will not only create a barrier to weight loss goals but could also mean that you pile on some unwanted fat.
Over the years, our team here at Total Shape has managed to find some low-calorie protein powders that we generally recommend to our clients, especially for weight loss. Here are the top picks for the best protein powders with low calories.
Let's take a closer look.
Product | Supplement Facts | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
 | ||
#2 | ||
#3 Isopure Zero Carb | ||
#4 Bulk Supplements | ||
#5 |
If you're looking for protein powders that provide just protein and no other fillers, then Transparent Labs may be your best option.
The only minor annoying thing for me is that not all flavor options are available in tubs.
PROS
For any vegans or
It's not only a low-calorie option but also claims to help with filling you up for longer.
The only thing I didn't like is that it seemed to be just a little bit grainy.
PROS
Isopure is one of the
This may make it easier for you to prepare your meal plans without messing up your ketosis and weight loss efforts.
While it is available in a large
PROS
The next one of our recommended products is this one from Bulk Supplements.
The one downside with this option is that it's not sourced from hormone-treatment-free cows, which may be essential for many people.
PROS
PaleoPro has specialized in protein powders that are sourced from premium beef and eggs.
It has minimal carbs and fat and comes with the added benefit of containing some collagen that may help to improve joint health [1].
Just be prepared for serious shaking to get the consistency right; you could be mistaken for shaking up some fancy cocktails 😉
PROS
Of all the plant-based and whey protein powders we researched, we couldn't find one that provided less than 90 calories per serving, considering the amount of protein.
With basically no carbs,
I just found that I got a bit bored with the flavors available, so a few more options would be great.
PROS
7. Quest Nutrition Multi-Purpose Protein Powder
The last
It's
Like a few other protein powders that we tested, it is best when you blend it to get a better consistency.
PROS
Low-calorie protein powders are suitable for people who have strict dietary needs to support weight loss. But there are a few specific reasons that we’d like to go into a bit more.
Calorie Controlled Diets
The secret to shedding some pounds is to eat healthy and burn more calories than you're taking in. It sounds simple, but it's not the easiest thing to do.
So, when you've managed to get your food cravings under control, the last thing you want is for your nutrition supplement to mess things up for you.
Unfortunately,
Keto Lifestyle
The only way you can create low-calorie products without reducing the protein content is by stripping out carbs and fat. This is especially interesting for anyone on the keto diet where carbs are basically the enemy.
Unless those carbs come in the form of dietary fiber, you want to keep them to an absolute minimum. Fiber doesn't only help you feel full longer, it also improves the body's digestive process.
Underlying Health Issue
I have worked with people who suffered from heart conditions that were ultimately diet-related. For such people, it's vital to remove all saturated and trans fats from everything they eat [2].
Based on the information I got from my dietitian, she always recommends low-calorie protein products as they generally limit or completely remove any fats.
But there's more to the protein story.
How Does Protein Powder Help With Weight Loss?
Protein powder helps with weight loss by supporting appetite suppression and metabolic rates. Here's a more detailed breakdown.
Achieve Net Negative Calories
By using only the best protein with low calorie
Deal With Hunger Cravings
Usually, people look for fiber to feel full. But protein has this hidden benefit of taking longer to digest than carbs. As a result, it gives you the feeling of satiety for longer,
So, if instead of reaching for a Krispy Kreme for your snack, you pick up a tasty nutrition shake, you might be able to make some more significant changes in your lifestyle.
For instance, protein has been shown to reduce appetite and prevent overeating by triggering hormones that promote feelings of fullness and satisfaction.
Boost Metabolic Rates
One of the biggest obstacles people have in their battle to lose weight is how their metabolism reacts to certain nutrients. For so many of my clients, it's almost always down to refined
The good news is that protein has been shown in clinical research to boost metabolic rates that may help with burning more fat [4] .
Check out these helpful tips to learn more ...
Bottom line: eating more protein can boost your metabolism because it has a higher thermic effect meaning your body is going to have to work harder to digest, break down, and store it.
What Should Influence Your Buying Decision?
Here are the 4 areas that we always focus on with our clients before we make a recommendation.
1.
You can generally categorize protein products into plant-based proteins and animal-based
On the plant side of things, you'll often find rice, hemp, and pea protein powders. Just keep in mind that rice and pea protein would need to be stacked to give you all the amino acids needed. A combination of rice and pea protein is common.
2. Muscle Building Goals
If muscle mass is your primary goal and you're not vegan, then I would generally recommend high-quality whey products.
From a nutrition perspective,
However, for vegans, rice, and hemp powders may achieve the same benefits [5].
3. Dietary Restrictions
You might be thinking of vegans and vegetarians where it's down to a personal choice. But it's far more common to make dietary decisions due to allergies and intolerances.
For many people that rules out anything with lactose, soy, or gluten, so pay close attention to the nutrition label to identify any potential health issues.
4. Texture And Consistency
So, once you've picked your suitable ingredients, it's time to make sure it tastes right. Things have improved a lot in the last 10 years. I remember powders coming out of a blender with a total grainy texture (no, I'm not that old).
Anyway, this is a bit of a trial and error situation, so make sure you check out online reviews about the consistency.
OK, so what's the actual approach you should take?
How To Use Protein Powder For Weight Loss
Here are 3 simple tips I give all my clients. If you can focus your attention on these, then you may be in a good position to succeed.
Balance Your Diet First
You have to fix your diet and start counting calories. Trash all the processed stuff and everything laced with sugar. The easiest way to achieve this is with an app like Noom to help you monitor your macros and calories.
Create A Regular Exercise Routine
You have to start doing physical activity several times a day. No, I don't mean going to the gym twice a day, but even a 10-minute fast-paced walk at lunchtime may help to burn some extra calories.
Stack With Other Supplements
People often think of bodybuilders who stack multiple different supplements to build muscle mass. However, there are some great pre-workout products and fat burners that may help you work harder.
And if all else fails, invest some money by hiring a personal trainer like me to hold you accountable 😉
FAQ:
From all my years' worth of experience with clients of all ages and sizes, I have found that whey protein doesn't seem to let you down. The one that has worked best for us that has one of the lowest calories is Transparent Labs.
This protein powder has 1g of carbs and zero fat, and it tastes really good as well.
If you have had some success with these best protein powders or any other low-calorie protein product, how are the results with regards to weight loss?
Please let us know on social media, and we'll make sure to share it.
You can also read about low FODMAP protein powders too.
