Let’s face it, as an athlete its pretty hard to not only afford to eat whole protein sources at every meal, but it also gets pretty boring. A good protein powder can be your best friend in getting into your best form. With so many different types on the market, it can be hard to figure out what protein powder will give you the most bang for your buck, and get you to your goals.
Casein Protein (Milk Protein)
Casein is an slow digesting and rich protein source that continues to feed your muscles long after whey proteins have dropped off. Casein is the natural, undenatured form of casein found in milk.
- Provides body with amino acids over an extended period of time
- Helps in preventing muscle breakdown
Optimum’s Gold Standards Casein is probably the best on the market, try it and see why!
Whey Protein
Whey protein is said to be the ultimate favourite. Originating from milk, during the process of cheese making, whey has the highest value in providing branched-chain amino acids, which result in building and retaining.
- Has the highest value in providing branched-chain amino acids, which result in building and retaining muscle tissue
- Enhanced digestion, absorption and potential muscle building effects make it best suited for after workouts, to utilize a large influx of amino acids
A Whey ISOLATE contains less carbohydrates then a regular whey. This is ideal for people who are on carb conscious diets.
Try Allmax’s Isoflex, it is by far the best whey on the market! Yum!
Egg Protein
Eggs are a great source of protein, but due to the high cholesterol and fat in eggs made this a somewhat unhealthy way of getting your protein. Egg Protein allows you to decrease the need to intake a large amount of eggs, and helps reduce the costs. Who wants to eat 12 eggs in one sitting anyways?
- High efficiency ratio, thus being most protein absorbed by the body
- Avoid the cholesterol and fat, while maintaining the amount of protein
- Helps with muscle growth by supply amino acids
Some people love Egg protein, others hate it… My advice, start off with a small tub to try.
There are also other options out there, Soy and Rice protein are ideal for individuals who are lactose intolerant. Many proteins are blends of the main types of protein. Also look at the purpose of your protein supplement. A meal replacement will replace a meal. A weight gainer will help add weight. Whey protein is best used for post workout and in the morning. Casein digests the slowest, therefore makes it a good choice before bed. You must choose what fits your needs the best.
Ask any fitness enthusiast… Cytosports Muscle Milk is delish!
What are your Goals?
Fat Loss: go with the purest protein, with as little added fat and carbs as possible: whey protein isolate or soy protein isolate
Muscle Maintenance: whey protein to give you the BCAAs you need, and is low-carb. Other choices might be Soy protein and casein protein are also good choice. MRPs also make good meals for muscle maintenance. Protein blends also work well throughout the day.
Athletes: try to find a protein with added carbs to help decrease the chances of muscle loss, and supply you with energy
Examples
Whey: Champion Nutrition, Allmax Isoflex, PVL Whey Gourmet, 4Ever Fit Whey,
Casein: Optimum Casein, Champion Pure Casein
Egg: Optimum Egg Protein
Blend: Cytosport Muscle Milk, BSN Syntha-6
