We’ve all heard the saying about breakfast being the most important meal of the day, but why? A healthy breakfast can kickstart your metabolism and provide your body with the necessary energy to function and help you stay full and alert in the morning.

There are also studies that suggest having a well-balanced breakfast can also improve one’s brain function and contribute to having better mood, productivity, blood sugar control and improved heart health when compared to those who opt out of breakfast.

But what makes a good breakfast? After all, not everyone has the time to prepare a hot meal and we sometimes don’t have the time to eat a solid breakfast (depending on how quickly you have to jump into your day). Most people would opt for something that’s convenient and can be consumed on the go like protein shakes for example.

So if you’re thinking about grabbing a protein shake for a high powered breakfast, today I’m dishing on the pros and cons and whether or not protein shakes are good for breakfast.

Is A Protein Shake Good For Breakfast

In the fitness community, protein shakes stack pretty high on the list of grab and go “snacks”. Traditionally, they are consumed as a pre- and post-workout snack, but many people also reach for protein shakes for breakfast, especially when they’re short on time.

But is it a good meal replacement for breakfast? I’ll explore more on that soon and also elaborate on other pros and cons to consuming protein shakes for breakfast.

What Is a Protein Shake

A protein shake is a blended drink resembling a milkshake that contains high levels of protein and is a dietary supplement. It typically consists of protein powder mixed with water, milk, or a milk substitute (a protein powder that’s sourced from an animal or plant-based sources); and is traditionally consumed to help someone with muscle recovery, muscle mass, weight gain, or increased energy.

However, many people (even those outside of the fitness community) tend to enjoy a protein shake because of the flavor offerings, availability and convenience such as in the form of a premade drink, and the attractive health benefits since protein shakes can be tailored according to your diet and taste preferences and because protein itself is an essential macronutrient for all.

Are Protein Shakes Good For Breakfast

Protein shakes can be a great way to increase your protein intake, help repair muscle tissue and support overall weight loss and fitness goals. One serving of most protein shakes contain anywhere between 10 and 30 grams of protein, which usually comes from animal (whey protein) or plant sources.

But are protein shakes a great meal replacement alternative given the amounts of protein in drinking a protein shake? It depends. When choosing a protein shake, there are a few things you’ll want to first consider.

It’s important to note that not all protein shakes (or protein powders) are created equal. With an uptick in its popularity, many protein shakes now contain unhealthy additives such as added sugars or artificial flavors, which beats the whole point of digesting the healthy benefits of the shake.

If you want an easy way to increase your protein intake, you can have a high protein breakfast with a protein shake. Just be sure to read the labels to ensure that whatever protein shakes you consume have enough nutrients (like high quality protein powder). Or you can also opt to supplement your protein shakes with a side of fresh fruit or whole grains to give them an extra boost in nutrients or flavoring if you’re wanting to make them taste a bit more interesting.

4 Benefits of Protein Shake For Breakfast

Time-Savings

It can take a lot of pre-planning to meal prep breakfast ideas that are nutritious and easy to grab and go. Plus some breakfast is just better when served hot, especially a lot of the popular breakfast ideas like eggs that contain a good amount of protein. That’s one of the benefits to having protein shakes for breakfast. They’re great for those busy mornings and require hardly any preparation – or they can be made the night (or days) before. Most only require the protein powder to be added to milk and then given a quick shake before serving.

Keeps You Feeling Full

Have you noticed that an increase in protein consumption helps you feel full longer? That’s right. When you’re on a health journey, you’ll want to start filing up on proteins before you fill up on carbs. You can bump up your protein intake with protein shakes for breakfast to help you lose body weight and build muscle mass.

Energy-Boosting

Fuel up for the day with pre-portioned animal—or plant-based protein powders in your shake. These give you the boost of energy you need to feel invigorated and energized and boost productivity.

Nutrient-dense

Add nut butters or fruits and veggies to your protein shake recipes and get an extra boost of nutrients your body needs to support a more well-balanced meal. Or you can also serve it with a side of grains or fruit to ensure you’re adding enough fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to your morning routine.

Weight Loss (and Fitness)

Bump up your protein intake to lose body weight and build muscle mass. That’s one of the best benefits of increasing your protein intake, especially when you’re on a fitness journey. Research shows that people who consume a high-protein breakfast see more positive effects than those who are on a high-carb breakfast, when it comes to reducing hunger.

Studies also show that eating more protein can help boost your metabolism and reduce your calorie intake, which of course can also lead to weight loss. So bump up your protein intake when you want to curb cravings, lose weight, build muscle mass, and stay full longer so you can reach your weight loss and fitness goals.

If you like these, you can also try these high fiber breakfast foods or these healthy and high protein wedding breakfast ideas.