Many bodybuilders like you are in search of the best protein powder. Protein is essential for building muscle, repairing damaged muscle, and maintaining your physique. Dietary protein comes in the form of meats and animal protein, but the unavoidable accompaniment is their higher saturated fat and cholesterol content.
Among the most popular workout and bodybuilding supplements is protein powder. Protein powder is convenient and quick to consume. All you need for preparation is water and a shaker cup. You can keep a source of protein powder handy at all times, so you can quickly make yourself a shake before or after an exercise session. Aminoacids provided by protein shakes are the building blocks for muscle and will help you bulk up rapidly.
Which is the best protein powder? It depends on many factors.
1. When Will You Take Protein Powder?
If you want to take protein powder just after finishing your workout, a form that is quickly and easily digested will be your best choice. There are protein concentrates that are absorbed reasonably fast, protein isolates for quick absorption, and casein which takes a longer time to digest. Whey isolate protein is the best protein powder for post-workout supplements.
On the other hand, if you will be consuming protein concentrate throughout the day, a regular casein protein powder is a better option. The aminoacid release will be sustained over a longer period. You’ll also feel less hungry and won’t indulge too much on carbs or unhealthy fatty food.
2. How Will You Mix Your Protein Supplement?
Some bodybuilders mix protein powder with water, juice or milk. Others include it in meals. Depending on how you plan to take your protein, your choice of the best protein powder will vary. There are many different flavors, so select one that goes well with your plan.
Check out some of the supplement reviews to make sure that the form of protein you intend ordering will mix well with water (or milk). Some formulations dissolve better and more easily than others.
Taste may not be a major factor influencing your decision. But unless you get used to the flavor, you may find it harder to stick with your dietary requirement. Just like your workouts, the more fun things are, the more likely you are to do it daily – and eventually make it a healthy habit.
3. How Much Can You Spend On Bodybuilding Supplements?
Dietary supplements can be expensive, especially when you plan to take them regularly for a long period of time. Most bodybuilders do not have hundreds of dollars to spare on supplements. Quality protein powders are often affordable, but you’ll have to do some research before you buy one.
By ordering in larger quantities, you can benefit from discounted pricing. Plain whey protein powder supplements tend to be cheaper than isolates or casein. Better known brands are costlier. Additives further increase the price. Making do without these frills and extras can help keep your expenses manageable.
4. Why Are You Taking Protein Powder?
The best protein powder is one that takes you closer to your goals. Perhaps you want to build muscle. Or maybe your primary aim is to lose fat. For the latter, you’ll prefer a protein powder that has fewer calories and is 100% protein.
The average pure protein powder formulation provides 100 calories per serving scoop. You can meet your daily dietary requirements from this without adding extra calories to your total intake. But this matters less when you’re working out to build your body and bulk up your muscle mass. A few extra calories won’t matter there, because you’ll just burn them off by exercising harder!
5. When Will You Take The Protein Powder?
If you will start off your day with a protein shake, then make it one with some fat so that it will keep you sated for longer. For immediate pre- and post-workout use, a pure protein powder is better as it is more quickly digested and delivers aminoacids to muscle at the time it is most required.
6. What Other Nutritional Needs Do You Have?
If you’re on a weight gain plan or have other special needs, then your best protein powder might be one that includes other ingredients like vitamins, minerals or other additives. Strict vegetarians cannot take whey protein because it is of animal origin. Egg or soy protein powder is best for them.
Lactose intolerance also limits your use of whey protein. Men shy away from soy protein because of its uncertain impact on the male system. All these factors play a role when choosing your best protein powder.
Protein powder shakes are convenient, nutritional and better digested. They can be extremely beneficial for meeting your daily protein requirement. The challenge is in picking the best protein powder that matches your needs, will contribute to your muscle gain, and not strain your finances.
In general, prefer a brand that has been on the market for long enough and has good reviews by others who have used the supplement. Natural and pure powders are better than semi-synthetic alternatives. Read the nutritional label on the box to see if many preservatives or extra ingredients are included. Too many of them are unnecessary, even harmful.
Finally, don’t get misled by hype and marketing. Look at all advertising claims with a fair degree of skepticism. Understand that while an ingredient may be listed on the box or brochure, it may be present in tiny quantities that are not adequate or useful. Focus on getting good value for your money, even if this means going with products from a generic company that doesn’t sell with exaggerated claims or promise the world!
And in the final analysis, don’t forget that it is a workout routine or muscle building program that will help you bulk up – not just swallowing protein shakes or taking more supplements.