Are you starting an exercise programme or trying to push yourself further after working out for a while? Your nutrition is a factor you need to pay attention to.
In this case, a high-quality protein supplement is essential. You can get it whenever you need it because it’s convenient and straightforward to use.
There is only one problem; It’s possible that hundreds of protein powders are already available. It’s challenging to find the one that’s just right for you.
Take a look at some of the most important considerations to keep in mind while choosing the best protein powder according to your goals.
1. Gain Muscle
Choose a protein powder with a high biological value to build muscle. The best choices are whey protein and whey isolates in terms of protein sources.
2. Weight Loss
Choose shakes that do not include additional sugars or dextrins (sweeteners made from starch) for losing weight. You should avoid Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), which aid in muscle building and weight gain.
3. For Vegetarians and Vegans
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, don’t use milk-based protein drinks; instead, utilise plant-based protein shakes such as soy, pea, and hemp.
4. Going Low Sugar
Patients with diabetes should avoid protein powders that show sugar as one of the first three components. It’s also a good idea to hunt for a low-carbohydrate protein smoothie.
5. For Kidney Patients
When it comes to protein consumption, kidney patients can’t take in a lot of it at once. Stay away from protein powders with a high concentration of amino acids.
6. To Prevent Stomach and Intestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal and lactose intolerance patients should avoid powders that include lactose sugars, artificial sweeteners, or maltodextrins. You should avoid powders that contain gluten if you have an allergy or sensitivity to gluten.
Importance of Third-Party Tested and Certified
The TGA regulates all the nutritional supplements in Australia. It is required to check if your protein powder has been third-party tested if you want to confirm that it includes just what it says on the label (and nothing else).
When a supplement firm hires a third-party testing agency to guarantee that their product includes all of the components specified on the label, this is known as third-party testing.
As an elite or professional athlete, this assures that the best protein powder does not contain any banned ingredients. Knowing exactly what you’re putting into your body isn’t a bad thing at all!
How and When to Take Protein Supplements
The ideal time to eat protein for maximum muscle building is a hotly debated issue. However, the following are the widely accepted ways to do it.
- Athletes and regular exercisers should take protein within 60 minutes of completing a workout to aid their recovery. During this time, your muscles are most receptive to protein’s repair and growth-promoting effects.
- To maintain a healthy weight, it is essential to consume protein at every meal and snack to keep you feeling full.
Although there is no magic figure for how much protein to eat at one time, it is ideal to aim for at least 3 ounces or 20 grams of protein every meal.
Endnotes
Once you’ve decided on the sort of protein powder you want to buy, you can research the various brands, read reviews, and look at their ingredient lists. This will help you choose the best protein powder.
Observe your body’s response to a new protein supplement. As with any supplement, you may want to take a break or switch products.
Finally, try to drink lots of water and eat complete, fresh meals rich in protein and fibre.
What’s the wait for? Crush all your fitness goals now!
