There’s always someone guzzling a bottle of protein shake or carrying a travelling mug filled with it everywhere you look these days. Because we are all being encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle in light of the challenging economic climate, it is no surprise that the world and its mother are all packing some sort of meal replacement bar or drink just to get through one day.

While protein shakes aren’t exactly bad for you, it is easy to misuse it and think that it is OK if it all you ever eat but then again, if you want to lose weight, build muscle or just get your required intake, having it all the time is not the way to go. Short-term results and the return of all the weight you lost with a vengeance is what you can expect if you embark on an all-liquid diet to help you lose weight faster.

In the old days, protein shakes were mostly aimed for regular gym goers and bodybuilders because they need protein particularly after their intense workouts to help their muscles recover nicely. Rather than having to eat a protein-rich meal all the time, athletes favored whey protein shakes because it was more convenient.

The ordinary folk discovered that they too can partake of protein shakes even if they were not built like Arnold Schwarzenegger and that made it more appealing. Protein shakes became popular with those who worked long shifts because it filled them up in addition to the fact that it was a good protein source.

The thing is, in order for these shakes to properly work their magic it has to be coupled with a good exercise routine. To build your muscles and help them recover from any damages or tears during your intense workouts, you’ll need protein especially if you exercise or train regularly. Protein shakes are the easiest source of protein for athletes who require nourishment post training. Protein shakes with more protein than carbohydrates and fat content is what you’ll need if you’re a bodybuilder and if you’re only trying to lose weight, you’ll need shakes with at least 50% more protein than carbohydrates and one with as little fat content as possible in order for it to work.

Another thing that helped protein shakes rise from relative obscurity is the fact that they contained the right combination of carbohydrates and protein which is good for rehydration and repair and the fact that we are all so hung up on quick fixes. In addition to accelerating the process of weight loss and muscle growth, supplements can be very attractive because it gives us fast results.

Whether you go to an online or brick-and-mortar store, you can find protein shakes anywhere. While it can be challenging to choose the best ones, always read the label and make sure that you get the amount of protein that meets your fitness goals, no more no less.