The Best Belly-Flattening Protein Powders for Women In Their 40s, 50s, 60s and Beyond
Different stages of life benefit most from different protein powders: Discover what's best for you!
There’s startling new research that suggests that getting more protein in the morning is the secret to speedy weight loss for women over 50. And the real-life success stories are as compelling as the science: Tens of thousands of women are losing weight by simply adding protein powder to their favorite brownie recipe or to their morning cup of coffee to make “protein coffee.” But the question naturally arises: What are the best protein powders for women over 50? What about over 60? And for younger women wanting to get a head-start on warding off menopausal mid-section weight gain — what’s best for them? Here, our top picks based on the latest science.
Best protein powder for women under 50
As many as 60 percent of menstruating women have struggled with anemia, and iron-rich pea protein can deliver an energizing boost. As many as 60% of menstruating women have struggled with anemia, so iron-rich pea protein can deliver an energizing boost. Bonus: dieters eating more legumes like peas lost more weight than their non-pea–eating counterparts according to a study published in European Journal of Nutrition.
Try: Olympian Labs Pure Pea Protein with 25 grams of protein and 9 grams of iron in each scoop (Buy from Amazon, $24.14). Bonus: Amp up the variety of amino acids by mixing it with wheatgerm. (Click through for a round-up of the best vegan protein powders for women.)
Best protein powder for women over 50
Consuming just 20 daily grams of soy, rich in hormone-regulating phytoestrogens, slashes hot flashes, cramps and other menopause-related symptoms by 40 percent, says Johns Hopkins University research. Soy can be especially effective at reducing hot flashes. Important: Choose a soy powder that’s GMO-free to avoid unwanted toxins. Bonus: Research published in Obesity Science and Practice suggests that adding soy to a diet helps support weight loss.
Try: NOW Sports Nutrition Soy Protein Isolate with 20 grams of protein per scoop (Buy from Amazon, $22.79).
Best protein powder for women over 60
“Whey protein concentrate is the best protein source for older people who want to retain or rebuild fatburning muscle,” asserts Paul Arciero, PhD, author of The PRISE Life. Bonus: whey is proven to reduce the risk of weight-disrupting metabolic syndrome according to research published in Bioactive Food as Dietary Interventions for Diabetes.
Try: Orgain Clean Whey with 21 grams of protein per serving (Buy from Amazon, $30.39).
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.
For more on how to use protein to lose weight over 50:
Protein Brownies: Women Over 50 Are Eating Them for Breakfast and Losing 100+ Lbs
Study News: Extra Protein in the Morning Proven to Dramatically Speed Belly Fat Loss
Women Over 50 Are Going Crazy for Protein Coffee — And Weight Loss Is Only One Reason
