The trend of proffee, or adding protein powder to your morning cup of coffee, is gaining momentum. Sounds innocent enough – just mix and sip. But is this breakfast on the go healthy for you?
Nebraska Medicine registered dietitian Kimmie Sharp, MMN, RDN, LMNT, LD says yes, protein coffee is an easy, low-calorie, filling meal.
Here, Sharp explains how to make protein coffee and what to look for in a protein powder.
Can protein help you lose weight?
“There’s plenty of evidence to support that adequate protein intake helps with weight loss,” Sharp says. “Adding protein powder to your coffee is a great way to cut down on the extra sugar and calories from creamers.”
Don’t get too crazy with the coffee – drinking two pots in one day is not good for you. But a cup or two of coffee with protein powder is a great choice.
“Protein in the morning takes away that feeling of physical hunger you feel after waking up,” says Sharp. “Protein will keep you going for a few hours, while something like regular toast will get you hungry sooner.”
Other good sources of protein:
- Skimmed milk
- i am milk
- Eggs
- cottage cheese
Protein coffee will break your fast
Following the 16/8 intermittent fasting method means that you eat or drink calories within an eight-hour window each day. For the remaining 16 hours (including sleep time), you fast and consume no calories.
You can drink black coffee (without cream or sugar), black tea, green tea, matcha tea and water without breaking your fast.
However, mixing calorie-containing things with your coffee means that it will no longer be calorie-free. Protein contains calories. Adding protein powder to your coffee will break your fast.
If you fast intermittently, wait until your eating window to get your dose of protein powder. Watch our webinar to learn about the pros and cons of intermittent fasting.
Is protein coffee a meal replacement?
You can use protein coffee as a meal replacement. It’s a quick and easy way to refuel quickly for a busy morning. However, many powders lack essential vitamins, minerals or healthy fats. Some protein powders contain much more protein than you need, which can lead to weight gain.
If your goal is to lose weight, a specially formulated meal replacement shake is a better option. “Our meal replacement shakes are nutritionally complete with all the vitamins you need,” says Sharp.
“The New Direction® program is ideal if you want to avoid overeating and lose weight,” says Sharp. “You also get support from our team members and training on how to keep the weight off.”
Schedule a free information session on our medically managed weight loss program by calling 402.559.9500.
What is the best protein powder?
For a protein powder or pre-made shake, look for:
- 20 to 30 grams of protein per serving
- 5 grams or less of sugar per serving
New Direction® Meal Replacements contain 35 grams of protein and # grams of sugar.
“Avoid brands that make crazy health claims, such as that they help cure disease. Those aren’t reputable,” Sharp says.
How to make protein coffee
If you add a protein shake that is already liquid, like the New Direction® program shakes, you can simply mix it with your coffee – hot or iced.
Adding protein powder to iced coffee is also simple. Just mix the two and you’re done.
For hot coffee and protein powder, however, it’s a little trickier.
“Depending on the type of protein powder, it may congeal or get a little clumpy if you add it directly to hot coffee,” says Sharp. “Instead, mix the protein powder with a little warm water first. Then add your hot coffee to your mix, and you should be good to go.” A milk frother can help you dissolve the powder faster.
Whatever your coffee preference, it’s safe and easy to try the proffee trend. “Protein coffee can be effective for weight loss,” Sharp says.
If you don’t see results on your own, try our weight loss program run by medical experts. Call 402.559.9500 to schedule a free information session on the New Direction® Weight Loss Program.
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