Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Men – Get Toned
Protein powder has been shown to assist in shedding pounds and help to burn fat in men. This is in part because of the digestive properties of protein along with it being so low in calories. That’s the reason I’m answering, what is the best protein powder for weight loss for men.
A protein powder supplement is a nutritious, filling food that can be used for a high protein breakfast, to satisfy afternoon hunger, for post workout muscle recovery, or as a meal replacement.
Besides the best protein powder to lose weight, I will be discussing other benefits to protein and the best way to take it if you want to lose weight.
How Protein Helps You Lose Weight
There are several reasons why protein helps with weight loss, that you can’t get with other types of foods. The best protein for men’s weight loss will supply you with all or some of these benefits:
- It’s the most filling type of food which helps to avoid cravings and large meals
- Actually takes more calories to digest than other foods such as fats and carbs
- These powders contain the most nutrients for the least amount of calories
- Protein can raise metabolism, promoting your body to burn calories faster
- Helps to maintain and build lean muscle which in return, burns more fat
- Those that do not maintain a low protein diet tend to gain weight easier.
Benefits to Protein if You Exercise
Most diet supplements quote ” best results when combined with exercise”. This is the same with protein powder. Combining this nutrient powerhouse with exercise will show you results at an amazing rate.
Besides the benefits of weight loss, here are some other protein powder benefits.
- Provides muscle recovery after exercise to rebuild muscles larger
- Amino Acid proteins provide healthy skin, nail, and hair growth
- Adds necessary nutrition, vitamins, and minerals to your diet
- Maintains muscle mass and promotes muscle growth
- Creates better muscle tone to get leaner
- Convenience – nutrition on the go
- Provides additional protein needed by Vegans
- Nutrients from protein improve attention, memory, and focus
- Better weight management coming from a low calorie/high protein food
Whey vs Plant Protein for Weight Loss
These two sources of protein are some of the best types for weight loss. They are both easily digestible, very filling, and low in calories. However, it all depends on personal preferences. So here are some of the differences.
If you are looking for a protein powder that doesn’t cause gas, these can come from different protein sources. Whey Isolate is known for causing less protein powder bloating for those that are lactose intolerant, while some plant source proteins can take a few times for your body to get used to.
Whey Protein
This is the most popular protein that is derived from animal products. Whey is made from milk, a dairy product. Because of this, whey has some of the highest concentrations of amino acid proteins.
This makes it an excellent source if you want to gain the most muscle and also for weight loss.
This milk-based muscle-building supplement is considered by some to be the best protein for weight loss for men.
Be sure to look for whey “isolated” when purchasing this type of powder. This is the purest form and has the most protein.
The way that it is “isolated”, also removes most of the lactose. If you are lactose intolerant, many of these are 99% lactose-free.
Protein powders made of whey tend to be high in protein and fiber and low in calories but is not a good choice for Vegans.
Whey protein powders still may cause gas for some people.
Mixed Plant Proteins:
This is the best of the plant protein category. The reason being is that a “mixed” plant protein is the most well rounded because it contains all 21 of the amino acid proteins that your body needs.
Many single plant proteins such as pea, brown rice, sunflower seed, and hemp are low in amino acids.
Mixed plant powders are ideal for both weight loss and maintaining muscle mass. Many mixed plant proteins have added fiber, probiotics and antioxidants.
These protein powders are low in calories and fat, and usually high in protein.
When to Take Protein for Best Results
Getting the best protein powder for men’s weight loss is a start, but another that is important is to try and space out your protein during the day. Always choose anything protein rather than a high carb or fatty snack. Small changes like this make a big difference with the end result.
Keep in mind that there is nothing better than a healthy high protein meal if you can get one in. [Protein powder is meant as a supplement and not to replace your meals.]
Protein In the Morning
A prime time to have a nice protein shake is in the morning.
Your body needs nutrients and fuel first thing after not having anything all night long. A high protein meal with low calories is a healthy way to fill this craving.
This helps to give a metabolism boost that will get your body off to a good start for burning more calories throughout the day.
Protein powder in the morning will help to keep from mid-morning snacking and a big lunch.
Other Key Times To Eat Protein
Although protein powder should not be a meal substitution, it’s better than missing it altogether. Skipping meals causes your metabolism to slow down.
Not eating enough protein or enough of any foods, unfortunately, results in burning fewer calories; the body goes into a mode where it tries to store fat. Missing meals also encourages food cravings that sooner or later lead to unhealthy choices.
Protein powders may also be used as a nutritious afternoon snack to avoid these cravings.
Lastly, near bedtime is also good for high protein with low calories to keep from snacking. Protein at night will not lead to weight gain. In fact, your body will burn more calories burning protein than any other food.
It is not recommended to use your protein powder more than twice a day. Overdoing it will counteract the weight loss benefits.
Post Workout Protein for Muscle Recovery
It’s best to implement some sort of exercise program to go along with your weight loss goals. Protein powder is a vital nutrient for after a workout to help build your muscles back stronger and leaner than before.
The other reason for taking post workout is that after this calorie burn, your body needs its nutrients. This can be felt because you will eventually feel an incredible hunger. Be sure to satisfy this with a powder that is high in protein and low in calories.
Some studies show that the peak absorption time for post workout recovery time is about an hour after exercise. If you aren’t able to get it in at this time it’s ok, just make sure you get it. The average person should consume at least 20-30 grams of protein post workout.
Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss for Men
Product: Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Powder
Price: $
Container size: 29 servings
Protein Per Serving: 24 grams
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: Optimum Nutrition at optimumnutrition.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is one of my favorites, gets excellent ratings, and best protein powder for men. Of course, this all depends on personal preference.
The fact that it is made out of whey and is high in protein, makes it a good powder for weight loss and for muscle gain. Whey isolate is the purest and most concentrated form of protein.
Gold Standard is packed with 24 grams per serving and only 120 calories. Whey is an efficient protein source, so it has a great Amino Acid ratio. 4 grams of Glutamine are added to increase muscle strength along with 5 grams of BCAA’s (Branch Chain Amino Acids).
Gold Standard doesn’t contain any additives or fillers. It is gluten-free but does contain milk products. There is an “all-natural” Gold Standard Whey as well. See My full Gold Standard Whey Protein Review
Gold Standard Positives
- 24 grams of protein per serving
- Added Glutamine and BCAA’s
- Low in fat and carbohydrates
- Whey isolate digests well
- Only 120 calories
- Gluten-free
Potential Negatives
- Sucralose sweeteners in certain flavors
- Natural and artificial flavoring
Product: Orgain Organic Protein Powder
Price: $$
Container size: 20 servings
Protein Per Serving: 21 grams
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: Orgain Organic at orgainorgannic.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is the best-selling Organic plant-based protein on the market. It’s a mixed plant protein powder, so it includes a mix of pea, brown rice, and chia seeds.
Plant source blends make a more well rounded than any single plant protein. Because of this, it contains all 21 essential Amino Acids.
Orgain comes with 6 grams of dietary fiber to help you feel fuller. 21 grams of protein is a great quantity for a plant protein. It contains zero grams of sugar and is sweetened with Stevia. It’s also low in calories and carbohydrates.
See My full Orgain Organic Protein Powder Review
Orgain Organic Positives:
- 100% Organic
- Mixed plant, so it contains all Aminos
- 21 grams of protein
- Low in calories and carbohydrates.
- Vegan
- No artificial ingredients
- Zero sugar
Potential Negatives:
- Must take 2 scoops per serving
- Taste a bit bland
- Sweetened with Stevia
Product: BSN ISOBURN – Lean Whey Protein Powder
Price: $
Container size: 20 servings
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Rating: 4 out of 5
Manufacturer: BSN at gobsn.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is a great 100% whey isolate from the BSN product line. ISOBURN is one of the only protein powders that are streamlined specifically for fat burn. L-Carnine is an important Amino Acid and a thermogenic ingredient that is known to work for weight loss.
Although 20 grams of protein is on the low end for a whey protein, this is still sufficient enough for proper muscle growth. There are other thermogenic properties added, including green coffee extract, pomegranate, and polysaccharides.
Even though this contains thermogenics, it is still considered to be stim-free. This is another low-carb and calorie powder.
Check out my reviews on some other BSN Exercise Supplements
ISOBURN Positives
- Fat burning support from L-Carnitine
- Supports muscle recovery and weight loss
- 300mg of green coffee extract
- 300mg fat oxidation blend
- Stimulant free fat burn
- Added vitamins and minerals
- 120 calories
Potential Negatives
- Lower protein concentration for whey
- Contains artificial flavor and sweetener
Product: Vega One Organic Protein Powder
Price: $$$
Container size: 17 servings
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Rating: 4.0 out of 5
Manufacturer: Vega at myvega.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Vega One is the second Organic plant-based protein powder in this review. Vega is packed with more vitamins, minerals, and Omega 3’s as well as probiotics and antioxidants.
The antioxidants come from the ingredients in cherry and carrot juice. This makes for a healthier and more well-rounded protein supplement. These additional benefits account for the higher price. Vega One has an average amount of protein per serving at 20 grams but contains only 150 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates.
The protein sources in this Organic powder come from pea protein, sunflower protein, and pumpkin seed protein. This makes Vega a great protein for muscle growth as well since it contains all 21 Amino Acids. Vega is USDA Organic certified, non-GMO, Vegan, and Gluten-free.
See my Vega One Protein Powder Reviews
Vega One Positives
- 100% Organic
- Vegan
- 20 grams of protein
- Mixed plant protein high in Aminos
- High in fiber
- Contains probiotics and antioxidants
- No artificial ingredients
- 1 gram of sugar
Potential Negatives
- Cost more than average per serving
- A little higher fat content
- 7 flavors but some are bland tasting
Product: ISOPURE – Zero Carb Protein Powder
Price: $$
Container size: 44 servings – 3lbs
Protein Per Serving: 25 grams
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: ISOPURE at theisopurecompany.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Here is another whey protein designed for weight loss and muscle recovery. It is designed to be Keto friendly with low carbohydrates and no disregard for fat content. ISOPURE contains added Glutamine which is an Amino for adding muscle strength and performance.
This powder has one of the lowest amounts of calories at 110 per serving. Although this is a dairy-based protein, the 100% isolate makes it lactose-free. An added benefit to this powder is that it has a higher than normal quantity of vitamins and minerals added. Because of the high protein content, this is the best protein powder for weight loss and lean muscle.
ISOPURE Positives
- Zero carbohydrates
- 25 grams of protein
- Added Amino Glutamine
- High quantity of vitamins and minerals
- 100% whey isolate
- Weight management support
- 110 calories
- Gluten and lactose-free
- Supports ketogenic macros
Potential Negatives
- Low amount of fiber
- Contains artificial sweetener
Product: Garden of Life Sport Whey Protein Powder
Price: $$
Container size: 20 servings
Protein Per Serving: 24 grams
Rating: 8 out of 10
Manufacturer: Garden of Life at gardenoflife.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is another great whey protein that is fortified with even more amino acid proteins. It includes additional BCAA’s and glutamine. All of this comes with only 120 calories per serving.
Even though this is not an Organic product, the dairy is isolated from grass-fed, free range cows. This means that there are no hormones, antibiotics, or GMO’s. No artificial ingredients either.
Garden of life protein powder also contains probiotics for digestion and immune support.
See my full review of Garden Of Life Whey Protein Powder
Garden of Life Whey Positives
- 24g grass-fed whey protein per serving
- 6g of BCAAs
- 4g of glutamine & glutamic acid
- Includes probiotics to support immunity
- No added hormones, no antibiotics, non-GMO, gluten-free
- No artificial ingredients or preservatives
- Only 120 calories per serving
- No added sugars
Potential Negatives
- Not Certified USDA Organic
- Contains small amounts of Lactose
- Sweetened with Sucralose
Wrap Up…
Best Protein Powder for Weight Loss – Men
Although protein powder is not the magic bullet for weight loss, it’s a healthy and effective change to get closer to your physical goals.
Just the fact that these powders are so high in protein and low in calories makes them good for weight loss.
Protein is slow digesting and very filling which helps to keep from snacking and eating larger meals. On top of that, protein also boosts metabolism which burns more calories even when your body is resting..
If you are ok with dairy-based protein powders, my recommendation is the Gold Standard Whey. It’s inexpensive, high in amino acids, and low in calories.
I also like the BSN Isoburn as well because it contains thermogenic ingredients to go along with its high protein content.
If you prefer a plant-based product, the Vega One costs a little more but is an All-In-One shake, which contains added vitamins, minerals, probiotics as well as antioxidants.
If you have any questions or comments on what is the best protein powder for weight loss for men, please leave a message below and I will respond.