Are you looking to incorporate some protein shakes and other options into your nutritional intake? Protein is an important component for building healthy muscle and maintaining weight. Read on to see some of the options and which might be best for your own #optimalhealth.
Not all Proteins are Created Equal
According to Men’s Health Magazine, “Not all protein powders are created equal. Some contain carefully isolated proteins to fulfill a specific purpose — maybe to provide quick amino acids to your muscles, — while others are a blend of different proteins to fill multiple roles in one scoop. Consider your goals: Are you looking to build muscle, manage your weight, or a little of both? Then read on to decide what protein is best for you.”
Best Protein Powder for Your Smoothie
Still unsure? Protein Powder 101
Listen to the Experts
Lean it Up reviewed 150 protein powders and gave their expert opinion on the best and the brightest. Here’s what they had to say about using protein powders:
Protein works hard for you, simultaneously, from two different angles:
- Builds Lean Muscle — a constant waterfall of protein is critical for the growth and development of lean muscle mass, and helps preserve existing muscle tissue (so that your muscles won’t deflate over-time, aka catabolism).12 It also helps increase strength gains.3456
- Supports Fat Loss — protein suppresses appetite and keeps hunger from flaring up;7 reduces the body’s propensity to store fat, by controlling blood sugar levels and insulin — a hormone that controls fat storage;8 and it torches major calories after consumption (via thermogenesis), which promotes weight loss and prevents fat gain.91011
Protein incinerates upwards of 35% of its own calories during digestion and metabolism, whereas carbs & fat lie in the inefficient 5-15% range. Translated, a 100 calorie meal from protein burns up to 35 calories; that same meal from carbs or fat would only knock off 5-15.