Protein Buying Guide

Vegetarians, body-builders, and even carboholics, you have come to the right place.  Though you can chow down all of the bread  and pasta  you want, we all know that a healthy diet incorporates quite a few servings of substantial protein  daily, as it helps to build muscle and won't give you those crash hunger cravings.  Whether your diet  or workout regiment  requires a few solid meals of protein or a lot of protein boosts  throughout the day, we are here to help you understand which products are best for your needs.

Why Protein?

There are many benefits to a healthy consumption of protein. 

• It helps build muscle.  An increased consumption of protein right after a workout  has been known to aid the recovery of muscles.   
• It balances blood sugar levels. Unlike carbs, protein keeps your sugar levels  stable, which means you don't crash later on in the day.
• It helps control weight loss. With protein controlling your hunger and giving you greater energy, you are less inclined to snack and overeat.  

How Much Protein? 

Sometimes too much protein can do more harm than good.  If you add protein without increasing your daily calories and exercise,  you may be putting your body's systems under unnecessary stress.   

• The average person should not have a diet that consists of more than 30% protein daily.
• Body-builders typically consume about 150 grams of protein daily.
• Athletes will generally take in about 25 grams each day during a training period.
• Please be sure to check with your doctor before adding any additional proteins into your diet.

Which Protein Is Right For You? 

It is important to find a supplement that offers the right amounts of protein, carbs, fat, and sugars to meet your fitness goals. 

• To lose fat: You will need a low-carb, low-calorie product.
• To gain muscle: You will need a high-protein, high-calorie powder that is low in sugar and fat.
• To supplement a meal: For meal replacement, a powder with medium carbs and medium calories will suffice.

Types of Protein

Protein powders  tend to pack a substantial amount of nutrition into a single serving.   Here are a few different kinds of proteins packed with antioxidants  and worthy of looking into. 

Egg Protein  Athletes have been turning to eggs  as a source of protein for ages, as often they would consume cooked or raw eggs during training. This powder offers the same calorie-to-protein ratio as whey, but will be more expensive.  This is the perfect protein for people with milk-related allergies.	Soy Protein  Derived from soy beans,  this complete protein is highly digestible.  Soy is very low in fat, cholesterol, and lactose; it is ideal for vegetarians.  This is another great option for the lactose intolerant.	Whey Protein  Whey powders are the protein standard, as they provide a high-quality powder  at a lower cost than others. It provides the highest value of amino acids, which results in the best muscle growth and retention. Whey is a milk product, derived from the process of turning milk  into cheese.

 

Related Guides

• You will also want to check out our guides on Nitric Oxide, Sports Nutrition, and Weight Training for even more information about how nutritional supplements  can increase performance.
• Those looking for a healthier lifestyle will want to see our guides on Vitamins, Weight Loss, and Vegetarian and Vegan Eating. 

 External Links

• About.com: A guide to low-carb diets.
• BodyBuildingForYou.com: Compare protein supplements and other muscle-building products. 
• MensHealth.co.uk: Men's Health Magazine discusses how much is too much protein. 
• VegSoc.org: The Vegetarian Society breaks down different kinds of proteins and their benefits.