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Quality protein intake is essential for women to improve their immune system, build strength, and promote muscle growth (1). Protein powders can accelerate metabolism, control your appetite, and help in losing fat or gaining muscle.
A scoop of protein powder mixed with cold milk or water could help you better manage your weight. However, you must take the right kind of health supplements and drinks to stay fit and strong. Consult your doctor or dietician if you’re considering protein powder for weight loss.
Here, we list some of the best protein powders for weight loss for women in India. Pick the best one that suits your exercise regimen, age, and health.
Top Picks
11 Best Protein Powders For Weight Loss For Females In India
1. Isopure Zero Carb 100% Whey Protein
Isopure’s 100% whey protein isolate claims to help women lose weight, offer daily protein requirements, and support muscle building and recovery. The zero-carb, sugar- and gluten-free protein powder is ideal for women who are exercising or doing strength training to lose weight. The protein powder should be consumed post-workout or first thing in the morning. An ideal amount is one scoop in 180-200ml water.
Isopure whey protein powder can be used between meals or along with nutritious breakfast. The brand recommends that you consume the powder twice a day for productive results. Whether you aim for an athletic body or want to look fabulously slim, Isopure protein powder can help when combined with the right exercise.
2. OZiva Protein & Herbs For Women
OZiva Protein & Herbs powder is customized to suit the needs of women following a diet plan and exercise regime. The cold-processed whey protein comes with essential nutrients like Biotin, Iron, Vitamin A, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and B vitamins to fulfill different needs of a woman’s body. It also claims to promote hormonal balance, sustain a healthy weight, and nourish your skin and hair.
OZiva powder helps in boosting metabolism and burning the extra calories around the belly. Complemented by Ayurvedic herbs such as Shatavari, Flaxseed, Tulsi, and Curcumin, the powder promises to help build lean muscle. With zero added sugar and sweeteners, OZiva can fit perfectly in your diet management plan.
3. Nestle Resource High Protein
Nestle’s resource high whey protein can be one of the best dietary sources with nutritional value. The protein powder can be consumed between two meals. The powder contains a negligible quantity of 0.1% sugar.
The powder aids in weight management and helps strengthen your bones and muscles. It is a good immunity booster, and you can consume approximately 25 grams of protein powder in 150 ml of water. This supplement can be used in medical nutrition therapy as well.
4. Herbalife Personalized Protein Powder
Herbalife offers a whey and soy-based protein with essential amino acids. The protein powder gives a feeling of fullness for an extended period and can be ideal for girls over ten years of age. The powder can help complement the need for vitamins and minerals to keep the body fit and healthy.
You can have 2-3 scoops of powder in cold water for the best results. The powder can help you maintain your weight per your height (Body Mass Index).
5. Saffola FITTIFY Gourmet Hi-Protein Slim Meal Shake
Saffola’s Hi-Protein slim shake claims to have as many as 26 essential vitamins and minerals in its composition. Convenient and easy to mix, the protein powder helps you lose up to four kilograms in two months.
The powder contains about 70% fewer calories compared to the average Indian diet. Each scoop promises to offer dietary fiber required for digestion and the slimming process. The powder uses no added preservatives or artificial flavors. You can consume a Saffola meal shake in place of your regular daily meal.
6. Cureveda Glow Plant-Based Protein Shake
Cureveda’s protein shake contains pearl powder that can keep your skin hydrated and make you look younger. The protein shake claims to be rich in vitamin E, sea buckthorn, grapeseed, ‘mulethi,’ turmeric, and ‘Ashwagandha’ to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and keep it glowing.
The powder consists of 9.6 grams of easily digestible rice and wheat protein in each serving to help you maintain an athletic body. With the right nutrition and ‘adaptogenic’ herbs, the powder can be a good immunity booster. You can add the powder in smoothies, cold milk, or water. The powder comes in rose-sandalwood flavor.
7. myDaily Lean Women Whey Protein Powder
myDaily’s gluten and sugar-free whey protein powder can keep your bones stronger, skin healthy, and lose weight to maintain a toned body. The protein powder replaces carbs and fats by cutting down unwanted cravings. The powder claims to contain more than 24 minerals with amino acids.
The chocolate-flavored protein has biotin and vitamin B5 to help your hair look glossy and help in keratin production to arrest hair fall. The powder keeps you energetic, strengthens immunity, and helps attain hormonal balance. The addition of selenium, zinc, and copper in the protein powder keeps your nails stronger.
8. Celevida Diabetes and Weight Management Nutrition Health Drink
Celevida’s protein shake comes in ‘kesar elaichi’ flavor to keep it tasty. The health drink can help shed weight, release steady energy, and offer high protein and fiber. The drink can efficiently control the sudden sugar spikes. It aids weight management and has a lower glycemic index of just 27.
The powder can be mixed in milk and water to gain about 30 grams of protein in every 100 grams of composition.
9. Pro360 Slim Nutritional Protein Drink
Pro360’s protein drink can be an ideal weight loss meal replacement for women. The protein drink keeps you less inclined towards fatty, sugar-rich food that adds to calorie gain. The protein drink contains essential vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and fit. Further, the drink cuts down belly fat by reducing the fat cell size, controls total LDL, insulin resistance, and cholesterol levels.
You can consume it after your workout or between two meals to achieve a toned body. The powder can be used along with skimmed milk for consumption.
10. & ME Plant-Based Protein Powder
The choco-almond flavor protein powder contains 45 natural herbs and multivitamins. The powder is packed with nutrition from 16 Ayurvedic herbs, 14 vitamins, 11 amino acids, and seven minerals that can help rejuvenate your body.
The protein powder promotes energy and strength, cuts belly fat, improves hormonal imbalance, and relieves stress. The plant-based clean protein supports weight management with no gluten, no preservatives, or refined sugar. The powder can help fight off infections in the body and is a good immunity booster. It can keep your bones and muscles stronger.
11. JustHer Protein with Herbs Exclusively for Women
The gluten, soy, and preservative-free protein powder, exclusively designed for women, can be a great supplement to lose fat. The Ayurvedic herbs in the powder, including Shatavari, Ashwagandha, Ginseng, and ‘Tulsi,’ can increase metabolism and burn the extra fat.
The powder also strengthens your immunity and builds stronger bones. A cup of this shake twice a day can also help relieve stress and keep you refreshed throughout the day.
*The information given in the section has been taken from manufacturers’ sources. MomJunction is not responsible for any of the claims made here. We recommend readers’ discretion.
How To Consume Protein Powder For Weight Loss?
Increasing the intake of protein improves metabolism in the body and reduces hunger pangs (2). Protein intake can have a direct effect on the weight loss regime. Protein shakes, or powder can be incorporated into your daily diet as supplements but not always as meal replacements. Some powders make a healthy alternative to milk in breakfast smoothies, while protein shakes can be your dinner replacement along with simple carbs like salads.
Make sure to consult your nutritionist and get a proper consultation to make sure that protein powder suits your body type and your medical conditions.
How To Choose The Right Protein For Weight Loss?
Consult a doctor or nutritionist for advice on the type of protein powders to choose and the quantity to be consumed every day. Avoid overusing these supplements and stick to the recommendations of the professionals. Remember that a protein powder cannot replace your daily diet and natural foods, but it can help you complete your daily requirement of Protein, especially for vegetarians.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much protein should I take?
Protein intake varies from individual to individual, depending on the end goal – gain weight, lose weight, gain muscle mass or a combination of the three. Protein intake also depends on your physical activity. Intense physical activity would entail higher protein intake for converting protein into muscle.
The recommended protein intake (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for adults is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight (3). Depending on the activity and requirement, the Recommended Dietary Allowance could vary for each person, so check with a dietician or nutritionist before including protein powders or supplements in your regular diet.
2. How should I take protein powder?
Protein powder or shakes can be taken as supplements to regular meals. For building lean muscle mass, protein shakes are believed to have the maximum impact during the “anabolic window” or 15-60 minutes after your high-intensity workout. However, some experts believe that the timing of this can vary due to several factors.
3. What are the best sources of protein?
Protein is found in most foods in varying quantities. Whole foods have a better nutritional profile compared to protein powders. Protein powders or shakes can be a good alternative if whole foods cannot meet your protein target.
Some of the best sources of protein include:
- Legumes, such as lentils, beans, peas, soybeans, edamame, peanuts, etc.
- Nuts and Seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, pecans, hemp seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, etc.
- Whole grains, such as quinoa, brown rice, millets, wheat, teff, oats, etc.
- Poultry and seafood, including eggs, fish, and mollusks
- Dairy products such as low fat milk, cheese, curd or yogurt
4. When should one go for protein supplements?
People who want to lose weight should ideally increase their protein intake through whole foods. But if the diet does not supply enough protein, they can consult a dietician or nutritionist and take protein supplements such as protein powder. These supplements can be taken when the body requirement is not met via conventional meals, or you have a higher protein requirement than usual.
5. What are the side-effects of protein powder?
In a hurry to achieve results faster, some individuals consume protein supplements more than required, leading to some side-effects. Excess consumption of protein powders may disturb the gut microbiota causing digestive stress and bloating (4).
6. Where should I store protein powder?
Protein powder has a higher shelf life since it is dry food. It must be stored in a cool dark place with a temperature of around 22C. You should keep protein powder away from moisture. Do not store it in your refrigerator or freezer as the powder tends to attract moisture when you bring it back to room temperature.
If you are a fitness enthusiast, you may need the best protein powders for weight loss and to meet your fitness goals. When choosing a protein powder, consider one that is easy to blend and free of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and substances that may cause allergies. You may also choose protein powder based on the flavor and add some taste and fun to the way you consume it. However, always ensure you consult a doctor or nutritionist to narrow down on one that suits your requirements. Also, ensure you eat a healthy diet and follow a good exercise regime for best results.
References
1. Protein; Harvard School of Health
2. Manuela PGM Lejeune et al.; Ghrelin and glucagon-like peptide 1 concentrations, 24-h satiety, and energy and substrate metabolism during a high-protein diet and measured in a respiration chamber; The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
3. Daniel Pendick; How much protein do you need every day?; Harvard Health Blog
4. The hidden dangers of protein powders; Harvard Health
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