- Protein shakes are becoming more and more commonplace among active people. Once reserved for only the bodybuilder types and high level athletes they are now reaching across fitness levels and can be seen in the hands of beginners and pros alike
- With busy schedules getting busier and with job responsibilities, commutes, kids and extracurricular activities it is becoming harder and harder to maintain healthy eating habits. Look around most city streets in America and you’ll find a fast food restaurant on every corner
- Protein drinks provide many benefits such as increased health, disease prevention, decreased amount of time preparing food and less money spent eating out
- Proper protein consumption can help you take your workout program to the next level
One of the great things about protein shakes is that they increase your ability to workout longer and at a greater intensity. Protein is a great energy source to be taken before you workout and an even better muscle building and repair tool to be taken within twenty to thirty minutes post workout. If you’ve reached a plateau in your workout program many times it’s the nutritional aspect that needs to be tweaked. Not having enough fuel makes working out less fun and less effective. Most Americans follow the “three square meals a day rule” which leaves long gaps in between eating causing energy lulls. Whipping up a protein shake in between meals will give your body the supercharge of protein, vitamins and nutrients it needs to work out hard and break through the plateau.
The beauty of protein supplements is that the company has done all the nutritional homework for you. In the old days people use to have to whip up homemade concoctions of egg whites and all kinds of weird ingredients just hoping they were drinking something healthy. Today’s shakes come prepackaged with all of the protein, vitamins, amino acids and minerals your body needs and in the right quantities. Often times the hardest things to do is to find the scooper because it’s buried under a mountain of protein. Quality protein supplements will deliver at least 20 grams of protein per serving. Calories should be about 110-140 calories per serving and the carbohydrates should be less than 10 grams. Be sure to check labels and make sure the supplement isn’t filled with worthless additives. Manufactures of inferior brands will add in wasteful ingredients to bring the price down. Shop for a good deal but know that the best proteins are not always the most expensive and vice versa.
The type of protein is important to take into consideration as well. Whey and casein protein, which are derived from cow’s milk have been shown to be the most effective. Whey should be taken pre and post workout because of its rapid absorption rate. Casein is best taken at night before bed because it provides a time released amino acid stream lasting several hours. If you’re lactose intolerant look for a whey protein isolate as there is little to no lactose. Finding a drink that suits your taste buds is also extremely important. The days of shakes tasting like sweaty gym socks are long gone. Flavors range anywhere from traditional chocolate and vanilla to piña colada and orange crème. Get something you like will help you stick with it. Switch up flavors often to help you from getting bored.
