The Fair Fight: Whey Protein Powder or Plant-Based Alternatives
Exercise and proper nutrition are a must if you wish to lead a healthy life and have a good looking physique. Regular workouts will bring more energy into your life, make your skin glow and maintain your overall well-being. So, there is not one bad reason why you shouldn’t begin your workout journey today.
Let’s say you don’t feel motivated or energized enough, or you have already been working out, however, you haven’t seen any progress in a while. This is where gym supplements come into play. You can get weight gainers or quality endurance supplements, but it’s no secret that protein powders are the best option for making the most out of your workouts.
Nowadays, there are many different kinds of proteins that you can implement in your diet, but the most popular kinds are whey and plant-based ones. They are both of different compositions, but both can offer the needed nutrients that will help you achieve your goal. So, whether you want to build muscle or you are wondering which is better for weight loss whey protein or plant protein – worry not – we got you!
The Infamous Whey Protein
Undeniably, the most widely known protein variety is whey. If you want to give your body a boost and help the recovery of your muscles and build them faster, choose a top-quality weigh protein powder.
Firstly, let’s clear up what a whey protein powder is. It’s a combination of essential amino acids or proteins which were extracted from whey, which is the part that is isolated from the milk during a simple cheesemaking process. Then the isolate goes under a ton of other processing steps to finally turn out as a powder product. Afterwards, you can include it in your diet in different ways. You can make shakes, protein pancakes, or you can even use the powder as a coffee or dessert topping.
Now, there are three main types of whey protein powders. The first kind is whey concentrate which is the most basic kind. It undergoes very little processing and it consists of fats, vitamins and up to 80% protein. The second type is the isolate. It is a protein that is left with fewer fats, carbohydrates or other substances, with the main ingredient being good quality protein. It is also lactose-free, so it is great for people who avoid consuming dairy. It’s the best choice but it is also the most expensive variety. Lastly, hydrolyzed whey proteins can go up to 90% of amino acid content, with the difference here being that they will be pre-digested. This means that it is a great option for people who have digestive issues and want the protein to be absorbed fast.
Overall, whatever kind you choose, you will not regret it. Just remember to use it consistently and don’t miss out on your workouts in order to achieve your dream body.
Plant-Based Proteins
The other worthy opponent is the all-natural plant protein. The name gives away that the main source of protein is mother nature’s precious plants. It’s the healthiest and most eco-friendly protein product which makes it the best choice for vegan gym-goers. The best thing about this protein is that it doesn’t only offer amino acids, instead, it is packed up with other essential nutrients like fibre which is extremely important for digestive health, vitamin B12 and iron which will help keep your nerve and blood cells healthy, vitamin D and zinc to ensure a strong immune system and calcium for that extra bone strength.
When choosing a plant protein, it’s important to know the main types and their benefits.
Soy Protein
It is made of soybean flakes that have been previously washed and stripped from their sugars. It’s a complete type of protein, which means it contains all the amino acids your body needs and cannot produce itself. It will aid in weight loss, lower your risk of cancer, especially protein cancer in men. And the taste? No, it doesn’t taste like soy. There are many tasty varieties out there.
Pea Protein
The protein here is isolated from yellow peas. It is the ultimate vegan and hypoallergenic variety. It is great for muscle fuelling, weight loss and overall body health. It is also a rich source of iron which will make your blood thicker and make you more energized. It can also help regulate blood pressure.
Hemp Protein
This is a controversial kind because this protein is extracted from the cannabis plant. However, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t safe or that it isn’t healthy. In fact, this protein is rich in omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids which are super important for brain health. It is also beneficial for the heart as it can help reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart diseases. This variety is also packed with iron and fibre.
Brown Rice Protein
This is another good source of protein that is very affordable. It is known to be easily digestible, great for fat loss and muscle growth and is super tasty.
Summary
In conclusion, both plant and weigh protein powder make excellent choices as ultimate gym companions. You can go green and choose the healthy plant variety or go with the fast muscle-building whey protein. Either way, it’s all a matter of preferences and what your main goal is. Just know that proteins are only supplements that are meant to help you out in your journey and your overall progress will be a result of your hard training. So, remember to stay consistent and don’t give up!