I work night shifts and I’m trying to lose some weight, but it’s tough with my weird schedule. My day usually looks like this: I eat a small breakfast, sleep a few hours, have a small lunch, then dinner. After a quick nap, I’m off to work, and that’s where things get rough. I get super hungry during my shift.
Honestly, I think the weight gain is from eating a fourth meal while working, even though it’s a desk job and I’m not moving much.
So, here’s my question… Can a protein shake keep me full at work instead of grabbing a full meal? Is that a bad idea? Also, I’m planning on starting some workouts after my shifts, but I don’t really know if a shake could work to keep me full at night or if I should wait until I’m working out more regularly.
I totally get you. I actually drink protein shakes all the time for the exact reason you mentioned. I don’t eat a ton of meat, so it’s just easier than making a whole meal sometimes.
Ashton said:
I totally get you. I actually drink protein shakes all the time for the exact reason you mentioned. I don’t eat a ton of meat, so it’s just easier than making a whole meal sometimes.
That’s good to hear. How long does a shake usually keep you feeling full?
@Sky
For me, the shakes with 30g of protein keep me pretty full for around 5 hours. After that, I might feel a little hungry but not like I’m starving.
I’ve noticed that adding fiber really helps me stay full longer. I make a smoothie with fruit and add a couple scoops of fiber powder, like Metamucil. The combo of fruit and fiber keeps me full for hours. Just drink it pretty quick though because the fiber can make it thicken up if you let it sit too long.
Protein shakes help me a lot. The first few days weren’t easy, but once I adjusted, they really started to keep me full. I’ve had good results with Muscletech Nitro Tech Ripped; it’s supposed to help curb appetite. I also use Atkins shakes sometimes. I’m down from 225 to 185 since August, mostly by using shakes and going on walks.
Protein has been a game changer for me in terms of staying full. Since August, I’ve lost 45 pounds, and protein has been key. It fills you up and supports muscle growth, which helped me eat less and build some muscle at the same time.
I like using Clear Whey protein mixed with water. It keeps me satisfied for a while and is great if you’re working out since it’s low in calories but still packs 20g of protein per serving. It’s a bit pricey, but I find it worth it. You don’t have to be super strict about timing either; just drink one when it fits best with your schedule or hunger level.