Put down that protein shake! Experts warn drinking two scoops of popular exercise supplement does as much waistline damage as a Big Mac
- Diet and nutrition experts are warning Australians to be cautious about protein
- They say some people are unaware protein shakes can be very calorie heavy
- Protein supplements can also contain additives which may have side-effects
Nutrition experts are warning Australians protein powders and shakes could be doing as much damage to your waistline as a Big Mac.
Protein supplements have long been the trend among health and fitness conscious millennials but many don’t consider their effect when looked at with the rest of their dietary intake.
Dietitian Julie Gilbert from Solutions with Food said the average serving of a protein supplement contains about 10-30 grams of protein which is up to half the recommended daily intake.
Nutrition experts are warning Australians protein powders and shakes could be doing as much damage to your waistline as a Big Mac
Dietitian Julie Gilbert said, ‘A standard full cream glass of milk is around 700kj. By adding two scoops of protein you could be adding another 1300kj to your milk – the same as a Big Mac’
Another issue is that people can be misguided into thinking protein shakes will make them leaner but are unaware they can be very energy heavy.
‘A standard full cream glass of milk is around 700kj. By adding two scoops of protein you could be adding another 1300kj to your milk – that’s the same as having a Big Mac,’ Ms Gilbert told The Daily Telegraph.
‘It would take 1.5 – 2 hours of exercise to justify that energy intake,’ she said.
An excess of protein, like almost anything can cause problems, and has been linked to an increase in heart disease, kidney damage, and even weight gain, just to name a few side effects.
Protein supplements can also contain a raft of other additives such as artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and sugar that can cause problems when consumed in excess.
Jamie Rose Chambers, a Sydney based dietitian and nutritionist, advises that a far healthier way is to get enough protein from wholefoods such as lean meat and fish.
‘Food will impact our mood – and our mood will absolutely impact the food we choose to eat as well.’
She said lean proteins from wholefoods are one of the best ways to improve your mood through your diet.
Jamie Rose Chambers, a Sydney based dietitian and nutritionist, advises that a far healthier way is to get enough protein from wholefoods such as lean meat and fish