ShareBest Protein Powder
Protein.
It’s the staple and hero of every fat loss diet. While carbs and fats spent a lifetime in banishment, protein has risen to popularity and reigns supreme.
Before we get started, there’s nothing magical about protein powder, other than the fact most people don’t consume enough protein in their regular diet.
You probably know a thing or two about protein powder, and that it makes the perfect post workout blender shake. Of course, that’s assuming you know how to operate the blender…
But what protein powder is best? If you walk into your local GNC without a clue what you’re looking for, this brilliant idea could turn into a disaster.
I’ve been there. And made every mistake in the book.
Let’s just say I wasted a lot of money on foul tasting junk and the side effects… well, we won’t go there. This is a G-rated show. Let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty.
Fortunately, there has been a ton of progress in product development and today protein drinks taste more like a delicious dessert, than one of grandma’s foul tasting baking experiments gone horribly wrong.
Don’t be afraid or confused about protein powder. It’s not that complicated.
This guide will help you dodge a disaster and keep you out of trouble when picking up a quality protein powder.
3 Reasons Why You Need Protein Powder
1. You don’t have time to cook a steak post workout
Or cook anything for that matter. I’m lucky to find time to take a shower and freshen up, let alone cook up a delicious, protein rich meal post workout.
Protein supplements are not only for bodybuilders and meatheads.
A quick shake is convenient and simple, and whey protein is the fasted absorbed into your body. You can even blend it up with your favorite berries or nuts for a little added awesomeness.
Want to see something hilarious?
Here’s a quick video with a renowned master chef KV creating the ultimate protein shake…
Click here to try BioTrust today for FREE!
2. Lose Fat, Reduce Hunger, Preserve Muscle
From increased muscle gains to reduced hunger, adding more protein to your diet is a winner.
Research shows adding whey protein supplements (as opposed to other isocaloric beverages) when reducing your caloric intake can help you lose significantly more body fat while better preserving muscle. Awesome!
3. More Protein = Added Heath Benefits
Research has shown supplementing with whey protein can help you fight cancer, improve your immune system and better cope with stress.
Mind you, all of these health benefits are made completely redundant if you choose a poor quality protein. Keep on reading so you don’t make any mistakes.
How to Choose the Best Protein Powder
Before you dive in and get rocking with protein powder, check out this simple how to guide.
1. Choose you adventure
There’s a gazillion different types of protein powders on the market. First, you need decide on your goal: do you want fat loss or gain muscle mass?
The main difference being the products promoting muscle mass gains contain loads of carbs, and a regular feeding schedule.
The right protein powder for fat loss and getting lean has high percentage of calories coming from protein (duh!) – very few carbs and no added sugars.
2. Get the basics right
You want to choose a protein powder that is cold-pressed, derived from pasture fed cows and free of GMO’s, chemicals and sugars.
Unless you have a dietary restriction, go with whey protein base. Research shows your body is able to faster absorb whey protein post workout compared to others (like soy, brown rice, hemp), so that’s great news for your muscles.
How Much Protein Do You Need for Fat Loss?
It’s one of the most frequently asked questions. How much do I need?
For fat loss – you only really need 0.5 grams per pound of LBM (lean body mass ie. muscle). Which equates to around 60-90g per day for most folks. That may sound like a remarkably low number compared to what you might hear from other fitpros on the interwebz. But this is the minimal amount you need.
Bumping it up to one gram per pound of LBM won’t do you any harm.
Fortunately, all the hype about “overloading with protein can cause kidney failure” is just that, hype. Sure, don’t stuff yourself silly and you’re good to go.
The next question is, how much can I safely consume in one sitting? As a ballpark figure, aim for 20-30g per serving. That’s not to say you can’t have more if you’re hungry. There’s a ton of debatable research out there with conflicting ideas about how much protein your body can absorb at once.
Listen, I won’t bore you with the geeky science facts today. There is no drawback to eating more than 30 grams and absolutely no reason to create an imaginary cut off point – particularly if you’re a guy who loves to eat protein.
3. Check the ingredients list
A LOT of protein powders are full of shit ingredients, ones you can’t even pronounce. Do you think it’s a good idea to put that in your body?
Ah no.
Put it back on the shelf, even if the price is right. You will pay for it later, in time spent in the bathroom.
The thing is, these ingredients are not real, it’s all fake. And you poor body is saying, “what the hell is this stuff and what are we supposed to do with it?”
Not only will fake ingredients make your taste buds hate you, it will do all kinds of crazy things to your stomach and digestive system.
If your goal is fat loss, make sure you choose a low carb. I recommend <10g carbs, with no added sugars.
Recommended Protein Powder
KV Approved:
- BioTrust Low Carb <= Try a container for free
Seriously, this is so delicious it tastes like ice cream. My clients fell in love with it too!
- Nutra Bio Natural Grass Fed Whey Isolate (vanilla is my go-to)
- Whey Factors
Vegan And Vegetarian Best Protein Powder
I realize not everyone shares my love of animal products. That’s cool. You can still get a hit of protein from grains and beans. Heck, there’s even vegan protein powder these days! I’ve tried both of these products, and while it’s not the same taste as whey protein (it has a slightly chalky taste), it definitely works in a blender drink. Just disguise it with berries, kale and flaxseeds.
KV Recommends:
- Nutra Leaf (vanilla or chocolate)
- Vega Sports
When to Drink Protein Shakes
The window of opportunity post workout is longer than you think. Strength training acutely enhances insulin sensitivity for at least 24 hours. Glycogen restoration is all too easy to achieve and may not be as critical as once thought by researchers.
The “post workout window” lasts at least 24 hours.
Sure it’s great to get your shake down within a one hour window, but it’s unnecessary to be stressing about the time and guzzling your post-workout shake while you’re still finishing your workout.
Ok there. you have it. You’re all ready to get your protein shake on.
What is your all-time favorite protein shake recipe? Please let me know in the comments box below so we can all give it a shot!
Have an awesome day!
Your Coach and Friend,
KV
