Can You Have A Protein Shake For Breakfast?
You know those mornings where you wake up late and you literally have 10 minutes to get yourself ready and out the door? We all have those mornings, and that’s when a quick breakfast on the go is most needed.
A lot of you ask if having a protein shake for breakfast is a good thing. Although you can get a wide range of vitamins and minerals from food, a protein shake can be a very handy way of ensuring you still get these without having to skip breakfast or reach for that pastry.
Choosing a good protein shake for breakfast can be tricky as there are plenty out there to choose from, so which is the best for you to enjoy for breakfast?
Why breakfast is a good time for a protein shake
Protein shakes are convenient
Having a protein shake for breakfast can be a quick and easy way to start the day, with minimal preparation required, compared to other breakfast options.
You can even prepare added fruits in advance and keep them in the freezer until they’re needed.
Protein breakfast shakes will help you lose weight
Of the three macronutrients, protein has the highest effect on satiety, which is the feeling of fullness following a meal.
The most important factor when it comes to weight loss is being in a caloric deficit.1 Starting your day with a protein shake has a satiating effect which can make you less likely to overeat later in the day. Protein digests slowly, while a breakfast high in carbs (like toast or cereal) digests quickly and can cause a rebound blood sugar (and hunger) effect. While the calories in protein shakes vary, there are plenty of options to stay within a reasonable calorie level.
Protein breakfast shakes will help increase your daily protein intake
When looking to lose weight, it’s important to retain as much lean muscle mass as possible. If you’re aiming to be in a calorie deficit and retain muscle mass, a high protein intake is recommended.1 When you’re targeting weight loss, it’s important to maintain muscle mass and ensure your body is burning fat instead. This can be hard if you don’t have many calories to play with.
Protein breakfast shakes will help maintain/build muscle
Whether you’re trying to maintain muscle during weight loss or looking to build muscle to bulk up, consuming protein at breakfast is important. Especially if you’re working out consistently, you want to make sure you’re getting adequate protein to refuel for up to 24 hours after your workout. When you have high protein goals for the day, having a protein shake for breakfast will set you up for success.
Is a protein shake for breakfast good for fat loss?
Whether you’re cutting calories for weight loss or just trying to burn fat, a protein shake for breakfast can support muscle growth (or retention) and therefore help preserve lean mass while targeting fat loss (as long as you’re in a calorie deficit).
Protein Breakfast Shake Recipes
Coffee & Chocolate Breakfast Protein Smoothie
200ml milk 100ml brewed coffee Latte or Chocolate flavoured Impact Whey Protein 1 tbsp. maple syrup - 100g banana
1tsp. cocoa powder
Mornings wouldn’t be the same for most without a caffeine hit. Providing 45mg of caffeine and 29g protein, this smoothie is a great way to start the day.
Vanilla and Raspberry Shake
- 250ml milk (of choice)
- 250ml water
3 scoops Vanilla Raspberry Whole Fuel Blend - 50g fresh raspberries
Matcha Smoothie
1 Scoop (25g) Matcha Whey Protein 2 Medium-Sized Fresh Peaches ½ Thumb Root Ginger (grated) 75ml Milk (of your choice)
Matcha whey protein contains caffeine so it saves having to add brewed coffee to the smoothie.
Matcha is a form of green tea so alongside the ginger and peaches it will provide a refreshing start to the day. In addition to caffeine, matcha is packed with catechins, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances to support overall health.3 The peaches are also a good source of vitamin C and 2 peaches contain 4g of fibre. Having a green tea protein shake for breakfast is a great alternative to coffee, giving you plant based energy and plenty of nutrition to fuel your day.
Take home message
Having a protein shake for breakfast isn’t harmful to your health in any way regardless of your goal being to gain muscle or lose weight. It’s much better than skipping breakfast overall or reaching for a pastry or something unhealthy on the go.
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Claire is a Registered Dietitian through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and a board-certified Health and Wellness Coach through the International Consortium for Health and Wellness Coaching. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master’s degree in Clinical Dietetics and Nutrition from the University of Pittsburgh.
Talking and writing about food and fitness is at the heart of Claire’s ethos as she loves to use her experience to help others meet their health and wellness goals.
Claire is also a certified indoor cycling instructor and loves the mental and physical boost she gets from regular runs and yoga classes. When she’s not keeping fit herself, she’s cheering on her hometown’s sports teams in Pittsburgh, or cooking for her family in the kitchen.
Find out more about Claire’s experience here.
