Protein Shakes for Newbies: What to Buy & When to Drink
Protein shakes are great whether you’re trying to lose weight or maintain weight. They can be a healthy tool that gives your body the nutrients it craves on a daily basis. There are many reasons people choose protein shakes including how easy they are to make and take, they take the guesswork out of making sure you’re getting enough protein, and they’re an affordable alternative to expensive supplements. You need to be careful when choosing a protein powder, however, because they’re not all created equal.
What to Look for When Purchasing Protein Powder
Head to any supplement store or browse any bodybuilding website and you may find yourself overwhelmed. That’s because there are hundreds if not thousands of different brands of protein powders. A huge range of protein powder is a positive thing because that means there are options that suit your lifestyle. You want to, however, make sure that these protein powders include a few key ingredients. When choosing your powder, look for whey, protein such as soy or pea, casein, and creatine. Avoid protein powders that contain sugar.
Deciding What Protein is Best for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all protein when it comes to what’s right for a person’s body. Most people are overwhelmed when it comes to choosing between plant based or whey protein. There isn’t one that’s better than the other. Individuals can try both out to see which one is absorbed better by their body. Plant-based protein powders are great for those who have digestive issues. Whey is great for those who follow a rigorous workout regime.
When Should You Drink Protein Powder?
Those who are looking to cut calories and lose weight can substitute a meal for a protein powder. When you swap a meal a day with a shake, you’re cutting calories. Not only that, but you’re also getting nutrients your body needs and you’re avoiding eating something unhealthy that you may have consumed otherwise. Protein powders can also be taken before or after a workout. Many people opt for taking them afterward because they’re easily digested by the body. This helps your muscles to recover quicker.
How to Make a Protein Shake
The beauty of protein shakes is the fact that they’re incredibly versatile. You’ll want to choose a flavor based on your taste buds. Most people opt for strawberry, vanilla, or chocolate. Those flavors can be mixed with a variety of bases and still have a great taste. When it comes to choosing a liquid, there are plenty of options. It depends mainly on how many calories you’re looking to consume. Popular options include water, cow’s milk, almond milk, coconut milk, or cashew milk. Some people do juice but be mindful of the sugar content. Protein shakes can be made blended or shaken. You can also add fruits, veggies such as kale and spinach, healthy fats like avocados, or nuts, seeds, and additional powders like matcha.
Overall, you just have to listen to your body when it comes to choosing a protein powder. From there, you’ll be able to tell whether plant-based or whey-based protein sits better with your digestive system. You’ll also find a schedule for drinking them that works best and what type of added ingredients you like.