I (40M) am new to this whole scene because I wanted to lose weight. This is the first time I have ever really gained weight because my metabolism was always stupid high, but its slowed down in middle age as expected.
I started intermittent fasting, immediately cut out snacks and started having a Slimfast shake for lunch, then a reasonable dinner.
Thats all been fine, and my weight is starting to come down.
I did read articles saying that Slimfast isnt particularly good because of the sugar content, but all the articles seem to be from the US (I am British) and the stuff I have is no added sugar, and all that seems to be carb based.
People have suggested skipping it for a protein shake instead, but a lot of that is conflicting!
People have said about making a shake with protein and peanut butter, people have said peanut butter is awful for it.
I just dont know what to do and I am going in circles.
What can I drink at lunch that is better than I am currently drinking? Do I just mix the protein as directed? Do I add things?
When it comes to weight loss there is only one hard rule - calories in must be less than calories out. Then how to achieve that differs. Often going high in (quality) protein is preferable, especially if training. You will still need plenty of carbs and fat as those are what gives you energy, but you can skew the ratio towards protein.
If you want to go the shake for lunch path you may want to look for meal replacement shakes rather than training shakes. It is however a field I'm not very knowledgeable in. But that is how I would do it, if doing shake. Or if you just want a lighter lunch, something semi-fluid, I cannot recommend enough going down the yoghurt/quark road. Combine with some muesli and fruits/berries. Quark is the high protein option (10%+ by weight) but is much firmer. If you need even more protein add eggs.
And I am definitely firmly in calorie deficit, but I am not insisting on the shake, it just seemed a reasonable option.
I am interested in the quark/muesli/berries route. Is there a specific amount I should be eating?