Do You Need To Consume Protein Powders Afterall?

Protein powders are a popular supplement, often touted as a "must-have" for anyone looking to improve their health or fitness. But is this really the case? 

Debunking myths

Let's start with the myth that protein powder can cause weight gain. The truth is, protein powder is simply a source of protein, and consuming too much protein - from any source - without balancing it with other nutrients will lead to weight gain. However, protein powder itself is not inherently fattening, and when consumed as part of a balanced diet, it can actually help with weight loss by curbing cravings and increasing satiety.

Next, let's talk about the myth that protein powder must be taken immediately after a workout to be effective. This is not necessarily true. While there may be some benefits to consuming protein after a workout, such as aiding in muscle repair, protein can still be effective if consumed at other times throughout the day. The important thing is to get enough protein overall, rather than focusing on specific timing. Another common myth is that protein powder will make you bulky or muscle-bound. The truth is, protein powder alone will not lead to muscle gain - it must be combined with resistance training and a healthy diet. In fact, protein powder can actually be beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Protein powder can be a great way to meet protein needs for those with dietary restrictions, vegetarians and vegans, and people who are trying to lose weight. It can also be a convenient way to get enough protein on busy days, or to help with muscle recovery after an illness or injury.

Types of protein powders

There are many different types of protein powders available. The most common types are whey protein, soy protein, and plant based protein. Whey protein is derived from dairy, so it's not suitable for vegans or people with a dairy allergy or intolerance. Soy protein is a good option for people who don't consume dairy, but some people are sensitive to soy. Pea protein is a great option for vegans and those with food allergies, as it's not derived from any common allergens.

If you're not looking for a vegan protein powder, there are many options available that are derived from animal sources. Whey protein is one of the most popular, but there are also options like egg white protein, beef protein, and collagen protein. There are also some protein powders that are a blend of different types of protein, such as whey and casein. Whey protein is derived from milk and is one of the most common protein powders on the market. It's a "fast-digesting" protein, which means that it's quickly absorbed by the body. Casein protein is also derived from milk, but it's a "slow-digesting" protein. That means it takes longer to absorb, which can be beneficial for people who want to feel full for longer.

The truth is that most people in the United States get more protein than they actually need. The recommended daily intake of protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For a person who weighs 150 pounds, that's about 55 grams of protein per day. It's actually quite easy to get this much protein on a regular nutrition diet plan.

Plant based proteins and meeting protein requirements

A complete protein in plant-based foods is called a "complementary protein." This means that by eating a combination of different plant proteins, you can get all the essential amino acids your body needs. For example, rice and beans are a complementary protein because rice is low in the amino acid lysine, but beans are high in lysine. Together, they provide all the amino acids your body needs. Other complementary proteins include peanut butter and whole wheat bread, or oatmeal and nuts. However, It's not true that you have to eat complementary proteins at the same meal to get all the essential amino acids. Your body can combine the amino acids from different plant proteins over the course of the day to get the ones you need.

The more important consideration is the bioavailability of protein. Bioavailability refers to how well your body can absorb and use the protein. Generally, animal proteins are more bioavailable than plant proteins, but there are exceptions. Soy, quinoa, buckwheat, and hemp seeds are considered plant proteins with high bioavailability. In addition, spirulina, chia seeds, and amaranth are also plant proteins with high bioavailability. Although, if a protein has a lower bioavailability, it can still be part of a healthy diet.

If you're new to plant-based proteins, it might be helpful to start with foods that are familiar to you. For example, you could try adding quinoa to a salad, or sprinkling hemp seeds on top of a bowl of oatmeal. Plant proteins can be very versatile, so you can experiment and find what works best for you.

Protein powder and weight loss

When it comes to protein powder and weight loss, the verdict is in: protein can be part of a healthy diet, but it's not a magic bullet. Whole foods like fruits, veggies, and whole grains are still the main players. Protein powder should be considered a supplement to a healthy diet, not a replacement for it.

Other considerations

There are a few other things to consider when choosing a protein powder. 

-Choose a protein powder that is third-party tested for safety and purity. This means that the protein powder has been independently tested for heavy metals, pesticides, and other contaminants. 

-Pay attention to the serving size and to not over-consume protein powder. Consuming too much protein can put a strain on the kidneys and liver. Protein powders give digestive issues like bloating or gas for some people. You can also get plenty of protein from whole foods like beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. 

-Check the ingredients list for added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Many protein powders are flavored, and some use natural sweeteners like stevia, while others use artificial sweeteners like sucralose. It's up to personal preference which type of sweetener you prefer. 

-The amino acid profile of the protein powder. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and different types of protein powder have different amounts of essential amino acids.

-The type of protein you choose will depend on your goals and needs. Whey protein is a good choice for people who want a quick source of protein, such as after a workout. Casein protein is a good choice for people who want a slow-digesting protein that can help with muscle recovery overnight. 

So, do you need to take protein powder?

Tracking your protein intake for a week or two can give you a good idea of how much protein you're getting from your diet. You can then use this information to determine if you need to increase your intake, and if so, by how much. If you find that you're not getting enough protein from food alone, you can then consider adding a protein powder to your diet. Tracking your protein intake is a simple and effective way to ensure that you're meeting your body's needs. If you haven't tracked your diet before, don't worry - it's easier than you might think! All you need to do is keep a food diary for a week or two. Write down everything you eat, and then look up the protein content of each food. You can use a calorie-tracking app or website to make the process even easier. Once you have a good idea of your current protein intake, you can make adjustments as needed.

It's always a good idea to first try to meet your protein needs through whole foods. Some examples of high-protein foods include eggs, lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds. However, if you find that you're still not getting enough protein from your diet, protein powder can be a convenient and easy way to increase your intake. It's important to note that you don't need to consume large amounts of protein powder to reap the benefits - just a small scoop or two per day can make a difference.

If you want to hit your macros and lose weight in a holistic manner, our 3-week program is for you! We'll show you how to meet your nutrition goals with simple meals, no protein powders required. Our 3-week program is grounded in evidence-based nutrition advice and designed for sustainable results.