Protein Powder Shakes For Beginners

We all want to live our healthier lives, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. There are lots of things you can consider, like increasing the amount of exercise you do or changing up your diet and cutting out processed foods. However, one method that people overlook is the power of protein shakes. You can easily find the best protein powder to meet your needs, but you do need to know where to start. Here’s the complete run down on protein powder shakes for beginners. Keep reading to find out more…

Know Your Protein Requirements

The most important thing is that you know exactly how much protein you need a day. This will vary from person to person as it all depends on things like your age, gender, activity levels, and weight. Your protein powders won’t contain the full amount of protein you need for the day, but it should contain a decent amount. Ideally, you want to be aiming for a protein powder that contains at least 10g of protein per serving. You can find some that over 25g per serving, and these will most likely be beneficial if you’re really looking to boost your intake. Make sure you check the label and serving suggestion when shopping for protein powders and you’ll easily be able to find the right one for you.

Types Of Protein

The most common type of protein in powders comes from whey which is a cheese by-product. Whey protein powder is probably the most common form of supplements that you will see on store shelves. Due to its dairy origins, it’s not suitable for vegans or those who are lactose intolerant. However, there are plant-based alternatives like pea protein that contains the same amino acids as whey, but it made from dairy-free ingredients instead. So, make sure when choosing a protein powder that you know which type of protein it’s made of, and you’ll be able to ensure you have the right one for your dietary needs.

Watch Out For Sugar And Sweeteners

No one wants a protein powder that tastes horrible, so you’re probably going to look for one that is said to have a delicious flavour. However, you do need to be careful of the sugar levels and the types of sweeteners that have been used to achieve it. Even if they say it has naturally occurring sugars, the levels of them could be too high and cause sugar spikes and crashes. The type of sweetener is also important as artificial ones are said to be linked to lots of cancers and other diseases. Natural sweeteners like maple syrup and coconut sugar are the best alternatives and tend to be used in smaller amounts while still producing a sweet taste. The point of a protein shake is to increase your intake which in turn promotes recovery and nutrition within your body. Sugars won’t do any of this, so you really want to avoid powders with high sugar levels if you want to get the most out of your shake.

Look For Other Nutrients As Well

Some protein powders will also be equipped with other vitamins and minerals in a bid to make them even healthier, but not all of them are so you need to check the ingredients list if that’s what you want. It can be quite beneficial to go for protein powders that have things like added vitamin C and iron as you then don’t need to worry about getting them elsewhere or try to remember to take supplements each day. Not all protein powders will have these added vitamins and minerals but opting for one that does might be better for your overall health if you’re lacking in them.

Meal Replacement Shake VS Protein Shake

There seems to be a misconception that protein powder shakes and meal replacement shakes are the same thing. However, though there are similarities, they do have some quite stark differences. Most of the time, they both come as a powder and can be mixed with water or milk to create a shake. Protein shakes are pretty much full of protein and occasionally vitamins and minerals, but it’s main purpose is to increase your protein intake. A meal replacement shake on the other hand is designed to satiate your appetite and still provide you with all the nutrition that you need. These types of shakes normally won’t have as much protein but will have a higher nutritional value, making them suitable for replacing meals. Protein shakes aren’t sufficient for replacing actual meals, so don’t confuse the two!

Protein powders are a fantastic addition to your diet whether you’re exercising or not. Most people don’t realise that they aren’t getting enough protein, but this can easily be rectified by incorporating them into your daily routine. You’ll soon notice the difference in your energy levels and recovery time from exercising once you up your protein through powders. So, why not do what’s right by your body and try increasing your consumption of protein powders and really give your health a boost!

Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)