Yes, pregnant mothers can safely drink premier protein shakes, given they are used as supplements rather than a full meal replacement.
They offer a significant source of protein, which could be beneficial, especially as many pregnant women were consuming them before their pregnancy.
However, it’s important to note that these shakes contain artificial sweeteners and additives, which may not always be safe or ideal while on this journey.
Consuming a balanced and varied diet remains key to obtaining nutrients vital for both the mother’s health and child’s development.
Protein shakes shouldn’t be overly relied upon; instead, they can serve as a convenient and flexible option to supplement the protein intake, particularly given the busy schedule of incoming moms.
Remember, they should complement a healthy diet, not replace it. As always, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor when you need to take in ant supplement during pregnancy.
Tips for pregnant women to consider when they need to drink premier protein shakes
Be sure to take these guidelines into account whenever you decide on incorporating shakes into your pregnancy-diet:
Nutritional needs
During pregnancy, your nutritional needs change and it becomes important to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need together with your baby.
Protein is indeed important, but it’s usually recommended to obtain it from balanced diet that includes various sources like lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and dairy products.
Ingredients
Check the ingredient list on your premier protein shake to ensure it doesn’t contain any ingredient that may not be safe for you.
It may come with additives that you may want to avoid due to allergic reactions and other medical reasons.
Always let your doctor aware before going ahead to take any supplements while pregnant. Ensuring this is crucial for your health and your little one.
While supplementing with this, be sure to drink more water to stay fully hydrated. While you may choose to hydrate with protein shakes by mixing with milk or water, be mindful of excessive caffeine or ingredients that may cause dehydration.
Does premier protein have folic acid?
No, premier protein shakes do not typically contain folic acid. They are basically designed as a source of proteins, vitamins, and minerals rather than a comprehensive prenatal supplement.
Folic acid is a very important nutrient during pregnancy as it helps to prevent neural tube defects in the growing baby.
If you’re looking to supplement it simultaneously with proteins and planning on using premier shakes then you might rather want to consider the Premier 30g Protein PLUS Energy and Immune Support, as this includes 118mcg of Folic Acid, which is a significant amount of folate.
However, your safe bet should be your prenatal vitamins because they contain the right amounts of folic acids that meets your requirement.
When should I drink premier protein shakes while pregnant?
Drinking protein shakes at any time of the day is acceptable once you’re taking the recommended dosage. Nonetheless, these are general guidelines for when you might consider having them during pregnancy:
As a snack
Protein smoothies can be a convenient and nutritious snack option. You can drink them between meals to help satisfy hunger and provide your body with essential nutrients.
This can be especially helpful if you’re experiencing nausea or have difficulty eating larger meals.
Post-workout
If you engage in pregnancy exercises and are looking to replace the lost energy and help your muscles recover quicker, then you can consider drinking it as a post-workout option.
As supplement
Some pregnant moms find it challenging to eat, consequently making it difficult for them to meet their protein needs. In such cases, then protein shakes can be used as supplement to ensure you get adequate proteins.
Can you drink premier protein shakes while breastfeeding?
Breastfeeding moms aren’t left out- they can safely have it too. These shakes can be a great way to meet the increased protein needs that come with nursing a baby.
In fact, many mothers have noted that they have experienced no negative effects on their milk supply or their baby’s health when using protein shakes including premier as a supplement.
However, it’s key to note that these should not act as a replacement for a wholesome, balanced diet, but rather supplement it.
Always be mindful to check labels for ingredient specifics to confirm the shake does not carry any components potentially harmful to the mother or baby.
What kind of protein shakes can I drink while pregnant?
While it’s safe to drink protein shakes, you do not need to drink anything labeled as such. You should always choose ones that are safe and aligns with your dietary needs. Here are some guidelines to select the best ones:
- Pregnancy-safe ingredients: Choose protein powders that do not contain ingredients that can potentially harm your baby. Avoid shakes with excessive caffeine, artificial additives, preservatives or high level of sugar.
- High quality protein sources: Opt for ones that use high quality protein sources like whey, casein and plant-based proteins like pea, hemp or rice. These sources offer amino acids that ate important for your little one’s development.
- Nutrient content: Check the label for essential nutrients. A good protein shake for pregnancy should contain a range of vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and flic acid.
- Low sugar content: The ones with very low added sugar are always the best. Too much sugar will only contribute to gestational diabetes and nothing better. If you’re someone who likes sugar, then it’s rather better to get it from fruits like water melon, apple or grapes.
- Fiber: Consider shakes that contain fiber. Fiber can help with digestion and prevent constipation, which is common during pregnancy.
- Homemade shakes: You can also make your shake at home where you can easily customize the ingredients to fit your health needs. You can include fruits, Greek yoghurt, veggies and protein sources like nut butter or protein powder.
If you’re specifically looking for the best and safe brands to take during pregnant, then consider these:
- Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum (buy)
- Best Nest Wellness Mama Bird Protein Powder (buy)
- Pink Stork Pregnancy + Nursing Protein (Chocolate Truffle) – buy
These selected protein powders are third-party tested, devoid of questionable herbal blends, caffeine-free, and contain minimum added sugars.
A wide array of these powders is available in the market, but pregnant women should always opt for those specifically formulated for them.
FAQs
There isn’t a specific “best” pre-made protein shake for pregnancy; the choice depends on individual preferences and nutritional requirements. However, some popular pregnancy-safe protein powders, according to curated lists, include Ritual Essential Daily Shake Pregnancy & Postpartum, Orgain Organic and Needed Collagen.
Ensure protein shakes can generally be consumed while pregnant as they are very nutritous and can help you maintain a balanced diet. However, you should discuss this choice with your doctor first before taking it.
Fairlife protein shakes are made from ultra filtered milk, contain essential nutrients, including calcium and protein. While they might be safe for pregnant women, it’s crucial to discuss with your healthcare provider before consuming them to ensure that they address your specific nutritional requirements during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Premier Protein shakes can be a useful tool for pregnant individuals seeking to meet their increased protein needs.
They offer a convenient and tasty option to supplement daily protein intake. Not only do they contain sufficient proteins, they also offer other vitamins needed to support baby’s growth.
However, it’s important to remember that they should not replace balanced meals and diverse sources of protein.
While they can supplement a diet, they shouldn’t solely account for the dietary intake of essential nutrients needed for both mother and baby.
As with all dietary decisions during pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider or dietitian before adding Premier Protein Shakes, or any protein supplement, into a diet plan during pregnancy.
This can ensure the unique nutritional needs of the individual and their baby are adequately met with neither deficiencies nor excesses.
References:
Clean Eating Kitchen (Is Premier Protein Healthy?), Drink Wholesome (Is Premier Protein Good For You?) & National Institutes Of Health (High protein supplementation in pregnancy)
