What do Protein Shakes do, and How Can They Help You Achieve Your Health Goals?

Today, we're diving into a topic getting more traction than a footy player dodging a tackle: protein shakes.

Whether you're sweating it out strength training in the gym or just aiming to keep your nutrition on the straight and narrow, chances are protein shakes have popped up on your radar. But you might have found yourself asking…What do protein shakes do?

Let’s get into what protein shakes do and how they can be a powerful ally in the quest for a healthier lifestyle. So, grab a cold one (we're talking protein shakes, of course), pull up a stump, and let's get into it.

So, What Do Protein Shakes Actually Do?

What are protein shakes for, you ask? Imagine protein shakes as the nutritional equivalent of a utility player in footy: versatile, reliable, and ready to jump in when you need a boost.

These liquid dynamos are packed with proteins—from whey protein to soy protein or pea protein—and they're all about helping your body repair, grow, and thrive.

But here's the kicker: you don't have to be a muscle-bound warrior to reap the benefits. Research published in Sports Medicine busts that myth wide open, showing that average adults can see improvements in muscle growth, repair, and overall health by increasing their protein intake (1).

Shakes make it easy — It's like having a secret weapon in your health and wellness arsenal!

How Protein Shakes Work?

Getting into the nitty-gritty of getting those muscles to bounce back and bulk up, we can't overlook the mighty role of protein shakes.
Picture this: you've just wrapped up a killer workout, your muscles are feeling the burn, and they're screaming for some TLC. That's where our trusty friend, the protein shake, comes into play.

Now, it's not just a gym craze or fitness fad; there's solid science backing this up. When you work out, your muscles go through a bit of a rough patch, getting all torn up on a microscopic level (2). It sounds bad, but it's actually the start of something good. This is your body's way of saying, "Alright, let's beef up these muscles." And what do these muscles need to kickstart their recovery and growth? A blast of protein.

Research is on our side here, showing that slurping down a protein shake after throwing weights around can significantly crank up muscle protein synthesis (1).

This fancy term is just a scienc-y way of saying your muscles are repairing and growing. It's crucial for bouncing back faster, cutting down on the aches, and, most importantly, for stacking on some serious muscle.

So, while it might seem like just another step in your workout routine, knocking back that protein shake is actually a science-backed strategy to get the most out of your sweat sessions. It's not just about following the crowd; it’s about giving your muscles what they need to come back stronger, all based on what the experts have found.

Now that you know all about the amazing benefits protein shakes provide for muscle recovery, let’s make sure we’re getting the timing right.

Muscle Gain

Let's pump up the volume on muscle building. It's no secret that protein is key for bulking up, but did you know that, according to Frontiers in Nutrition, protein shakes are particularly effective when gulped down after a workout? (3) It's like giving your muscles a healthy dose of TLC, helping them grow bigger and stronger, ready for whatever you throw at them next.

Weight Management

On the flip side, if you're in the fight against the bulge, protein shakes are in your corner.

They play a clever trick on your stomach, making you feel full and satisfied, which can help you avoid reaching for that cheeky snack. Plus, they keep the metabolism firing on all cylinders, helping you burn calories like a pro. It's a win-win for managing weight without feeling like you're missing out.

A study published in Nutrition Journal has actually shown that meal-replacement protein shakes, like The Man Shake can be the real deal when it comes to weight management. (4)

In some cases, meal replacement shakes have helped participants achieve an overall greater net loss when compared to their peers on more traditional calorie-restricted diets. Not too shabby!

Convenience

Now, let's talk about the real MVP: convenience. In the mad dash of daily life, finding time for proper nutrition can feel like finding a needle in a haystack.

That's where protein supplements like shakes shine. So, what can protein shakes do to make healthy eating simpler? Well, they're quick, they're easy, and they let you keep your nutrition goals on track without missing a beat. Whether you're between meetings or juggling family commitments, a protein shake is a convenient source of the all-important nutrient, and can be your nutritional lifesaver.

But hold up, now that you know what protein shakes do, let's make sure you pick the right one.

It's not just about grabbing any old shake off the shelf; it's about finding the one that matches your health goals and dietary needs.

Keep an eye out for shakes that are low in unnecessary sugars and additives but high in quality protein and essential nutrients.

Whether you've got dietary restrictions like lactose intolerance, you're on a vegan diet, or even just picky, there's a perfect protein shake out there for you.

Mixing protein shakes into your daily diet is dead simple. And while they’re great on their own, mixed with water or milk, you might be wondering how to make protein shakes work for you in new and exciting ways.

Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast, a post-gym recovery boost, or a meal replacement, there are a million different ways to add a rich source of protein to your diet with the help of this dietary supplement.

And if you're feeling adventurous, why not try whipping up some protein-packed treats? The Man Shake's recipes page provides no end of inspiration in this department — from pancakes to smoothies, getting your extra protein in has never been more delicious.

What makes The Man Shake stand out from the crowd? It's simple: it's made with the everyday Aussie bloke in mind.

We're talking about a shake that nails the balance between taste, nutrition, and convenience. With hundreds of real success stories from blokes just like you, The Man Shake is proving to be a game-changer in the world of health and nutrition. So what's in a Man Shake? Each serving of our meal replacement shake contains:

• Only 2.4 grams of sugar to avoid those afternoon energy crashes
• 30 grams of whey protein to build muscle and keep you fuller longer
• 25 vitamins and minerals to keep you in tip-top shape
• 7.5g of dietary fibre to help digestion
• Pre & Probiotics to boost your mood and strengthen your immune system
• Natural fat burner formulation to increase body fat loss

A Typical Man Shake Meal Plan

Smash your weight loss goals with The Man Shake's meal replacement shake program.  It looks a little something like this:

• 8:00 AM: Start your day with a morning Man Shake (The Man Shake GO! is perfect for your morning shake, with an added caffeine boost to get you moving.)
• 10:30 AM: Our recipes page is packed with tons of snack suggestions, but we recommend something like rice crackers and tuna, or a weight loss snack like The Man Bar. As a rule of thumb, we suggest keeping it to under 5 grams of sugar and 150 calories. A higher protein content is the best option to fuel your body!
• 1:00 PM: Another one of our shakes for your lunch
• 3:00 PM: An afternoon snack
• 6:00 PM: A balanced, nutritious dinner to end the day. We have lots of dinner ideas on our website, but a good mix of complete protein (eg. lean animal sources like chicken or a small steak), and veggies/salad is the way to go! Remember—protein, protein, protein!

So, what do protein shakes do?

From building muscle mass and managing weight to offering unbeatable convenience, these potent, liquid wonders have a lot to offer. And with team Man Shake on your side, you've got allies who understand the unique needs and preferences of the Australian man rooting for you.

Ready to take the plunge and wondering where to buy protein shakes? Right here, from The Man Shake of course.

You've got nothing to lose but those extra kgs and a fitter, happier, healthier new you to gain. Give them a go!

“The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review” by Stefan M Pasiakos 1, Tom M McLellan, Harris R Lieberman. ‘Sports Medicine’ - 2015.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25169440/

“It’s the Recovery, Not the Exercise, That Builds Muscles” by Kathy DiBlasio. ‘UNC Health’ - 2023
https://healthtalk.unchealthcare.org/its-the-recovery-not-the-exercise-that-builds-muscles/#:~:text=%E2%80%9CYou%20make%20microtears%20in%20your,within%2024%20to%2048%20hours.

“Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training” by Harry P. Cintineo,1 Michelle A. Arent,1 Jose Antonio,2 and Shawn M. Arent. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142015/

“Efficacy of a meal replacement diet plan compared to a food-based diet plan after a period of weight loss and weight maintenance: a randomised controlled trial” by Lisa M Davis, Christopher Coleman,1 Jessica Kiel,1 Joni Rampolla,1 Tammy Hutchisen,1 Laura Ford,1 Wayne S Andersen,1 and Andrea Hanlon-Mitola. ‘Nutrition Journal’ - 2010
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2851659/#:~:text=Weight%20loss%20at%2016%20weeks,achieved%20on%20MD%20versus%20FB.