protein shakes

[bored...]

I am a 20 year old female and fairly active (Just ran my first 10k). I am not overweight but regardless of following a reasonably healthy diet and going to the gym about 5 times a week, I am struggling to achieve the figure I want and lose that last stubborn half stone. I was reading in a magazine about protein shakes and weight loss supplements. I just wondered if they actually work, and which ones are the most effective. I am extremely conscious that I don't want to put any weight on, and I wanted to check that protein shakes/bars wouldn't cause weight gain. Also are there any slimming pills out there that actually work, without causing seizures and stuff? Any advice gratefully accepted x

[Velvetee]

What exactly do you do in the gym, in regards to an exercise programme? Also what exactly do you eat in an average day?

Protein shakes are generally consumed by exercisers who wish to build muscle. Protein is necessary for muscle growth, so if you are quite active and do resistance training, then taking protein supplements may help to increase muscle fibre and therefore, make you heavier.

I don't think you should resort to diet supplements and pills, maybe your diet and exercise routine needs altering, so as to help speed up your metabolism.

[Ethel]

Muscle weighs far more than fat. If you are muscular you will weigh heavier on the scales but you will be smaller than a non-exerciser of the same weight.

[rov1200]

As your not grossly overweight if you follow the Atkins diet as well as exercise you will lose this 1/2 stone within about 3 weeks. Then just moderate your normal food intake to stabilise it.

[kippyboo]

Theres no such thing as a safe weight loss pill, they are a waste of your money at least and at worst youre health.
Have you tried resistance and weight training ? If youre only doing cardio you could be burning lean muscle and slowing your metabolism . Free weight training helped my daughter in law achieve her goals , she had only been doing cardio previously and although she lost weight she hit a plateau and couldnt achieve theshape and muscle tone she desired. She used protein shakes after her workout and even though it upped her calorific intake she still lost weight and more importantly to her she lost inches. Im no expert but hope this helps.
Try this site for info they have a forum where she got loads of advice
www.myprotein.co.uk