A protein powder supplement is not a magic pill for weight loss. However, eating a low-fat, plant-based diet has been shown to encourage better nutritional habits and weight loss results. Combined with routine exercise, which may call for a protein supplement to aid recovery, choosing the right protein powder can in fact help with one’s weight loss goals.
Protein manufacturers have caught on to the vegan movement and the increased demand for the best plant-based protein powders. Today you can find many different protein powders and sports supplements that can aid with weight management and help individuals achieve their body composition goals. Below we’ve highlighted three of the best vegan protein powders that help with weight loss.
3 Best Vegan Protein Powders for Weight Loss
These product choices are primarily based on the nutritional profile of each product and how they contribute to an individual’s weight management goals. But beyond each product’s nutrition and ingredients, we also take into consideration the taste, texture, and overall enjoyability of each product.
Garden of Life RAW Fit High Protein for Weight Loss
Garden of Life RAW Fit High Protein for Weight Loss is a gluten-free, raw vegan protein powder that delivers a number of healthy concoctions. The protein base is Garden of Life’s “RAW Certified Organic Sprouted Protein Blend,” which offers 15 different types of protein and 26 grams per serving. It also contains a blend of gut-friendly probiotics.
In addition to a solid dose of protein, what gives this product its edge is “RAW Certified Organic Weight Loss & Stress Management Blend” with ashwagandha and Svetol® (naturally decaffeinated green coffee bean extract.) The ashwagandha helps to lower cortisol levels, which is a stress hormone that can influence weight gain. As for Svetol’s weight loss efficacy, Svetol can actually help with weight loss and metabolism.
Based on this review of RAW Fit, the product has been shown to keep your appetite satiated for longer. Combined with its metabolic boosting ingredients and rich amino acid profile, Garden of Life RAW Fit makes the list as one of the best vegan protein powders for weight loss.
For a flavor recommendation, we recommend trying the Unflavored or Original version. Unlike other natural/unflavored protein powders that can taste bland, this one is nowhere near 100% unflavored. The taste has subtle hints of vanilla and is one of the favorites when it comes to quality flavor.
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protein
Sunwarrior’s Warrior Blend is a plant-based protein powder that’s common on the shelves of most health food stores. Warrior Blend is an organic, non-GMO, 100% raw, vegan protein powder that contains both lysine and leucine, two of nine essential amino acids (which are not as common in most plant-based protein powders.) It’s also paleo in that it’s grain-free.
Sunwarrior Warrior Blend Protein is a simple product that contains three protein sources: pea, cranberry, and hemp seed. It also has ground coconut and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which offer a metabolic booster for weight loss.
With 0 grams of sugar, 18 grams of protein, and 100 calories per serving, Warrior Blend makes the list as a top vegan protein powder for weight loss. We recommend the Warrior Blend Natural flavor because it’s virtually tasteless and contains no Stevia. Although Stevia is a calorie-free natural sweetener, the impulse to taste anything sweet is usually to consume more and more. For that reason, the non-sweetened option can be a good tool to help keep over-consumption tendencies under control.
Amazing Grass Protein Superfood
Next is an all-in-one, plant-based protein shake from Amazing Grass. Abundant with greens and great taste, Amazing Grass Protein Superfood is a delicious and nourishing product worth checking out if you’re looking for a nutrient-rich vegan protein powder that’s tasty and filling.
As stated in the product’s official description, Amazing Grass Protein Superfood promotes lean muscle, satisfies hunger, nourishes energy, and aids digestion. In addition to being 100% organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free, Amazing Grass Protein Superfood is also a paleo vegan protein powder in that it’s grain-free (however it does contain quinoa, so that’s debatable among some folks in the paleo community.)
Packed with 2 full servings of fruits and vegetables (rich with 7 different alkalizing greens,) 20 grams of plant-based protein, and no added sugar, Amazing Grass Protein Superfood is an unquestionably solid vegan protein powder that provides it all. There are three different flavors to choose from, Original, Vanilla, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. The original flavor is not sweet yet super-smooth given all the greens, while the latter two are slightly sweet.
Unlike other vegan protein powders for weight loss, Amazing Grass Protein Superfood does contain some sugar (4 grams per serving.) However, they’re natural sugars from fruit and vegetables. The list includes: wheatgrass, alfalfa, barley grass, spinach, spirulina, chlorella, broccoli, acai, banana, beet, goji, pineapple, sweet potato, raspberry, and rose hips. In short, it’s an awesome plant-based protein powder that offers a wealth of nutrition with a superb taste.
Last Words on Vegan Protein Powder for Weight Loss
Sunwarrior, Garden of Life, and Amazing Grass are some of the best brands in the industry in terms of quality control and a reputation for integrity. Another few honorable mentions in the weight management realm of vegan protein supplements are Arbonne Essentials Daily Protein Boost, Bob’s Red Mill Protein Supplement, and Vega Sport Protein Powder.
It’s important to keep in mind that supplementing with vegan protein powder for weight loss is a marginal component of a sustainable and effective weight loss strategy. Like carbohydrates, excess protein intake can be stored in the body as fat. It’s important to understand that supplementing with a protein powder for weight loss is purely just that – a supplement.
If you’re not engaged in consistent exercise and enabling your body to synthesize protein at higher levels, consuming more protein with the intention of weight loss may be counterintuitive. I say this because protein has become a nutritional celebrity over the years, and food marketers are aggressively pushing “make sure you’re getting enough protein” campaigns to exhaustion. Just be mindful of how you use plant-based protein powders for weight loss.
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