Protein powders can be a great way to supplement your diet and active
lifestyle.
Yet, with all the protein powder options out there, how do you know
which is the best? In this article, we’ll take a look at the benefits of adding
protein to your diet and the things to look for when picking the best protein
powder for your needs.
Why You Should Consider Adding Protein Powder to Your Diet
Protein powders are a quick, easy way to enjoy nutrients on the run. Protein
is a building block for the human body and protein shakes are a popular choice,
as they are convenient and help individuals get enough protein to meet their
fitness goals.
Protein is an essential macronutrient that can aid in:
- Muscle recovery
- Weight loss
- Promoting muscle growth
- Improving sports
performance
- General nutrient
replenishment.
With so many choices out there, how do you pick the best protein powder
for you? It may depend on your fitness goals.
Find the Right Protein Powder for Your Lifestyle
When
researching which protein powder suits you, it’s best to start with your
lifestyle. There is no magic protein powder that’s perfect for one specific
goal, such as weight loss over muscle growth. It all comes down to the
ingredients and ratios of protein to carbs and sugars. A personal trainer or
nutritionist can be a great help in matching you with the right protein powder
for your fitness goals.
Looking
at lifestyle factors, such as if you follow a vegan diet or are lactose
intolerant may lead you to one of the many emerging vegan proteins on the
market. Plant-based
proteins have exploded in popularity in recent years, giving
people more options for their protein shakes.
Choose a Core Protein Source
1. Whey protein powder
Whey protein is one of the most well-known forms of protein powder out
there, as a complete protein. It’s derived from the liquid that separates from
the milk curds during the cheesemaking process. While it’s low in lactose, it’s
not lactose-free, which can make it difficult for some people to digest.
Whey protein is rich in branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which is three
of the nine essential acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. Thanks to its BCAA
content, whey protein is quickly digested and may reduce appetite, promote fat loss and
increase muscle mass and strength.
If you are not vegan or lactose-intolerant, this could be an excellent
option for you.
2. Pea protein powder
Pea protein powder is a popular option among vegans, vegetarians, and
people with allergies. Derived from the yellow split pea, it’s a high-fibre
legume that packs all but one essential amino acid.
Pea
protein may promote fullness, is
hypoallergenic and rich in high-quality protein and iron. It can aid muscle
growth, heart health and weight loss.
3. Hemp protein powder
Hemp
protein is
arguably the best plant-based protein powder option, as it’s a complete
protein. Hemp protein powder is made by grinding pressed hemp seeds into a fine
powder. Known for its nutty, earthy taste, hemp is a high-quality plant protein
with all nine essential amino acids, as well as fibre, minerals and healthy
fats.
Some people love the taste of hemp protein, while others find it too
strong, so it’s worth giving it a try in a small amount before buying in bulk. Hemp
protein is easily digestible but start small – your gut may not be used to such
high doses of fibre.
4. Soy protein powder
Soy
protein isolate powder is low in
fat, contains no cholesterol, and is a complete protein. Soy protein powder is
made by defatted soy flour, with fibre but without the water-soluble carbohydrates.
It enhances the muscle protein synthesis process; however, some studies show
that it’s less effective than whey protein for building muscle.
Soy protein can be of great benefit when combined with other proteins.
5. Brown rice protein powder
Brown rice
protein is a
popular option for vegans and is hypoallergenic, which is generally considered
suitable for people with lactose, soy and gluten allergies.
Brown rice powder is extracted from the grain by separating carbs and
protein with enzymes. It has a subtle flavour that can be easily added in with
other powders or in your shake. It has a low-glycemic index, which can help
regulate blood sugar levels.
Brown rice protein powder has all nine amino acids but is low in lysine,
which plays a crucial part in muscle turnover and growth. We suggest looking
out for a protein powder blend that makes up for the low levels of lysine – for
more bang for your buck.
What to Look For When Choosing Your Protein Powder
When researching the best protein powder for you, keep an eye out for
the ingredients, such as natural and artificial sweeteners. You’ll also want to
be wary of the carb intake and any other artificial ingredients you may not
want.
Find a Flavour You'll Enjoy
Every protein
powder has a unique taste, depending on the protein source and ingredients. The
standard line-up includes chocolate, strawberry and vanilla – but many
companies use flavour enhancers to produce artificial flavours. You can find
wacky flavours like rocky road and salted caramel, or go completely natural
with a non-flavoured option. Be sure to read the ingredients to ensure you
understand what you’re drinking and the potential side effects.
To improve
the taste of your protein shake, you can add milk (dairy or non-dairy), to give
it a creamier texture or add in some fruit or peanut butter. Discover 6 additions you can add to your morning blend.
Want to Learn More about Nutrition?
If you have
any questions about nutrition and fitness, our personal trainers are more than
happy to help. Whether you’re already a member at our health club or are
considering joining, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today.