My first answer is always: Fresh is Best.

There is no powder that is better than fresh whole foods.  That’s a fact.

The Supplement industry has exploded and working in Fitness for over a decade I have tried a lot of them and I stop using them after a while because nothing is better than fresh and whole unprocessed foods.

At one time I was consuming protein shakes regularly (Sometimes Twice a Day)  and these protein drinks were not of the best quality.

Since that time I have done more research on what makes a good protein supplement and which ones I will use and which ones I will not use.

Now I tell people who want to use Protein Supplements to use a High Quality Protein Supplement.  For me this means:

  • Whey Protein
  • Pea Protein
  • No Artificial Sweeteners: Aspartame, Sucralose (Splenda), Saccharine
  • No Soy (This includes Soy Lecithin)
  • No Heavy Metals (Lead, mercury, Arsenic, etc…YES these are in some protein powders)
  • No Artificial flavorings
  • Digestive Aids if at all possible (Prebiotics and Probiotics)

This wipes out a large segment of the market of Protein Powders.

Do you need a protein powder?

It depends.

If you’re looking for the convenience, to increase protein intake, and to replenish nutrients after a workout, then I say “Go for it”.

Protein smoothies can be perfect for the older adult who needs to get more protein in earlier in the day.

Protein smoothies working people on the go who do not have time to prepare an elaborate breakfast in the morning.

Protein smoothies also work well for people looking to lose body fat because they can put sugar cravings in check and also prevent incessant snacking.  (I drink my health food shake because otherwise I will be inhaling raisins)

I add fruit to my shakes because it makes it taste better and because carbs like fruits are best consumed alongside protein in order to digest more slowly.

Which protein powder is right for you?

Lactose Intolerant?

Stick with a Whey Protein Isolate because in this form the protein has been separated from the fat, cholesterol, and lactose, so the end product is a purer protein.

Leucine!

Whey protein Isolate is also high in Leucine which is known as the “king of amino acids” and the amino acid you need for recovery.

Vegetarian or Vegan?

I prefer Vega One (pictured here).  It’s pea based protein and is easier on the digestive system (no gas)  I am not a fan of soy so I do not recommend soy protein

Magic Shakes

There are no such things as Magic Shakes that will cause you to lose body fat because they contain magic fat loss beans.

What happens is that people often lose weight while on these shakes because they drink them in place of real food.

These are nutritional SUPPLEMENTS and not supposed to REPLACE REAL FOOD.

The only real exception I make with that is breakfast because for some people it’s advisable to drink a shake in the morning because it’s easier on their digestive systems.

If you do that, then you need to make sure to add carbohydrate (fruit) and Fats (Coconut Oil is the best choice although Nut Butter is okay too)

When it comes down to the supplement business, remember it is a business.  Do your own research and find out what works best for YOUR goals and your body.