Tips for Finding Best Protein Powder for You

Protein
is the most important macronutrient because you simply can’t survive without
it, much less thrive. Protein helps with growth, maintains lean muscle mass and
helps you stay satisfied after meals. Every cell in the body contains protein.

Many
foods that are high in protein, like meat, take time to prepare. Protein powder
can provide a concentrated source of protein that is simple and quick to add to
your diet. But, with so many options on the market, how do you find the best protein powder for you? Do you know how to choose protein powder to meet your
goals and needs?

Why Protein Powder?

Here
are four reasons to add protein powder to your routine:

• It’s convenient. Just whip up a
  drink in seconds and enjoy.
• It’s absorbed quickly, meaning
  you get a big dose of protein right after your workout.
• It’s absorbed easily by the
  body, meaning the body can utilize all the protein it contains.
• It provides your body with a
  steady stream of critical amino acids.

Basically,
using protein powder means you can ensure that your body has what it needs to
repair any damage and stay healthy.

What to Look For in Protein Powder

Here
are a few things to consider when looking for the best
protein powder for you:

• What are your
  goals? – Are you trying to bulk up, or is your goal just to get
  more protein? Some protein powders are loaded with additional carbs and
  calories, so they’ll help you put on weight while fueling your muscles. If your
  goal is just to get more protein into your diet without too many extra calories
  and you’re not looking to gain weight, look for a plain protein powder instead.
• Number of
  ingredients – The best protein powders have limited
  ingredients; there is no reason to have a ton of added special nutrients or
  sugar. The more ingredients there are, the more complicated it gets to
  determine if the protein is high quality.
• Source of
  protein — There are a number of types of
  protein that can be used to make protein
  powder. Whey comes from milk and it is one of the best-tasting, highest quality
  and most economical of the protein powders. Casein protein also comes from
  milk, but it takes longer to digest than whey protein. Other options include
  eggs, soy, pea and brown rice protein powder. The type of protein that is best
  for you will depend on your personal preferences and goals.

These
are just a few tips for how to choose protein
powder and things to consider when looking for the best protein powder for you. But, what about what to avoid in protein powder?

Recommended Products:

What to Avoid in Protein Powder

Here
are a few tips for what to avoid when shopping for a protein powder:

• Too much sugar
  — Some protein powders contain a large amount of sugar in order
  to make them taste good. Always check the sugar content on the label. Choose an
  option with 10 grams or less of added sugar per serving. Or opt for a protein
  powder without added sweeteners, which increases its versatility. If you must
  have a sweetener, look for natural options like xylitol, monk fruit extract and honey.
• Artificial
  flavors — Protein powders come in a variety of flavors. Those that use
  artificial flavors might be cheaper, but they may not be the healthiest option.
  Instead consider a powder that is flavored with natural cacao or vanilla.
• Carrageenan
  – This is a thickener made from seaweed that has been found to increase
  inflammation, lead to digestive problems and might be a possible carcinogen. It
  is best to avoid this ingredient completely.
• Vegetable oils
  — Certain oils, like soybean, canola or sunflower oil, are added to
  protein powders to enhance flavor or to thicken the product. Many of these have
  been linked to inflammation and are extracted by using chemical solvents.

To
choose the best protein powder for you,
look closely at the label and avoid these specific ingredients.

How
to Choose Protein Powder

You
have taken our list and are ready to go shopping. Before you have tried a
product, start by buying small quantities. Until you find the products that you
definitely like, you don’t want to buy in bulk. Or consider asking a friend if you
can sample their favorite protein powder before you commit to a major purchase.

Second,
start with your goals first.  The secret to taking
protein powder is all about using it wisely so that it matches your health
goal. Fast-acting
protein powders, like whey, give you a quick source of energy
and a flood of amino acids for muscle repair. While the slower-acting protein
powders, like casein, may help you stay fuller longer. Knowing why you want to
take a protein powder will help you select the type of protein that is right
for you.

Finally, pick a protein powder that
has a flavor you actually like. No matter how “healthy” a protein powder might be, if you are choking it
down then it is not the best protein powder for
you.