The Best Protein Powder For Women And What You Need to Look Out For
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Introduction
In this article, we are excited to talk about one of our favorite topics – protein powders! Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or just looking to lead a healthier lifestyle, protein powders can be a great addition to your diet. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this article to help you understand the main reasons people use protein powders, the benefits they provide, and how to choose the right one for your needs. We’ll be reviewing some of the best protein powders on the market, so you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed choice. So, let’s dive in and learn all about the wonderful world of protein powders!
Belgian Chocolate Diet Whey Protein Powder
Looking for a high-quality protein powder to help you build lean muscle or lose unwanted body fat? Look no further than PhD Nutrition Diet Whey High Protein Lean Matrix in Belgian Chocolate flavor. This 2kg bag contains 80 servings of a complete and premium whey protein that is rich in essential amino acids and branched-chain amino acids. This protein powder is low in carbs and calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a lean mass gainer.
This protein powder contains a blend of whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate, as well as flaxseed powder, CLA, L-carnitine, green tea extract, and reduced-fat cocoa powder. It is also low in sugar and fat and is suitable for vegetarians.
One of the most impressive things about this protein powder is its taste. The Belgian Chocolate flavor is rich and decadent, without being overly sweet or artificial-tasting. It blends easily with water or almond milk and has a smooth and creamy texture that is very satisfying.
Protein content per serving: 17 grams
Pros:
- High protein content helps maintain and grow muscle mass
- Low in sugar and carbs
- Suitable for vegetarians
- Rich, decadent flavor
- Smooth, creamy texture
- Contains a blend of whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate
- Contains flaxseed powder, CLA, L-carnitine, and green tea extract
Cons:
- Contains soy and dairy, so not suitable for those with allergies or intolerances
- May be more expensive than some other protein powders on the market
Overall, if you're looking for a high-quality protein powder that tastes great and is effective at helping you reach your fitness goals, PhD Nutrition Diet Whey High Protein Lean Matrix in Belgian Chocolate flavor is an excellent choice. Just be sure to check the ingredients list if you have any allergies or intolerances.
Why use protein powder?
Our last article, “From Flab to Fab: Protein, The Nutrient You Need for Rapid Weight Loss”, we discussed in detail the benefits of eating protein for weight loss and muscle building, and we gave tips on how to incorporate more protein into your diet, along with a suggested week-long meal plan.
Below we list the main reasons why people use protein powders:
- Muscle building: MedicalNewsToday tell us that protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, making it an essential macronutrient for those looking to support their muscle-building goals. But for a lot of women, muscle building is more about having good muscle tone and not allowing our muscles to waste as we age, rather than the goal being to have a muscular physique.
- Less hunger: Protein powder is known to be satiating, meaning you feel full, and so it can help reduce appetite, making it very useful for those looking to manage their weight.
- Athletic performance: By providing the body with the necessary amino acids to repair and rebuild muscle tissue, protein powder can help you take your athletic performance to the next level.
- Immune support: According to WebMD.com, protein contains amino acids and these are very important for a healthy immune system.
- Convenience: Life is busy, and preparing high-protein meals throughout the day isn’t always realistic. That’s where protein powder comes in – it’s an easy way to increase protein intake without sacrificing time or energy.
- Vegetarian or vegan diet: Plant-based protein sources can be limited and may not provide all the essential amino acids, but protein powder can help supplement your protein intake and ensure you’re meeting your daily requirements.
- Health issues: Some medical conditions may require higher protein intakes, but consuming enough protein can be challenging. That’s where protein powder comes in – it’s an easy way to ensure that adequate protein is being consumed, especially for those with malabsorption, certain allergies, or who have undergone bariatric surgery.
- Aging: Supplementing with protein powder can help maintain muscle mass and prevent age-related muscle loss. It’s a convenient way to supplement your diet and ensure you’re getting the nutrients your body needs.
Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein
Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey Protein is a fast-absorbing protein powder that helps build muscles and support recovery. With whey protein isolate as the main ingredient, this protein powder is low in sugar and fat, making it ideal for those who want to stay healthy and fit.
The product contains naturally-occurring BCAAs and glutamine, which help enhance muscle growth and repair. The Gold Standard Whey Protein comes in various flavors and sizes, making it a versatile option for those who want to enjoy it anytime, anywhere. The product is best enjoyed first thing in the morning or during the 30 minutes just before or immediately after training.
Protein content per serving: 24 grams
Pros:
- A lot of people like the various flavours, especially chocolate and mint chocolate!
- The Gold Standard Whey Protein is the world's #1 selling sports protein powder brand for over 20 years.
- The whey protein isolate as the main ingredient helps build and repair muscles efficiently and quickly.
- The product contains naturally-occurring BCAAs and glutamine that help enhance muscle growth and repair.
- Low quantities of sugar and fat make the product healthy and ideal for those who want to stay fit.
Cons:
- Some users reported not feeling full after one serving and some said the mixture can be a bit lumpy.
- People's tastes vary so you might have to try a few varieties to find the favour you most like.
What to look for when deciding on a protein powder
- Protein source: the type of protein used in the powder, such as whey, casein, soy, pea, rice, or hemp. This is especially important for vegans and vegetarians as whey, for example, comes from cow’s milk.
- Protein concentration: the amount of protein per serving, usually measured in grams.
- Calories and carbohydrates: you’ll also want to know how many carbs and calories there are in a serving as you may be using it as part of a macronutrient program or you could be on calorie deficit weight loss plan
- Amino acid profile: the types and amounts of essential and non-essential amino acids in the protein powder.
- Additives: any additional ingredients in the protein powder, such as sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives.
- Digestibility: how easily the protein is digested and absorbed by the body, which is important because some people may experience digestive issues such as bloating, gas, or stomach discomfort after consuming certain protein powders.
- Price: the cost can vary widely depending on the brand and quality. Good brands are generally expensive and we would recommend going with a reputable producer.
- Allergen information: whether the protein powder contains any common allergens, like dairy, soy, or gluten, which may be important for people with food sensitivities.
Generally speaking, people are looking for a powder with a high protein content, low carbs, great taste and texture, and that is reasonably priced.
How to take protein powder
The ways you can use protein powder are endless! Check out some of our favourite ways to use it:
- Shakes and smoothies: Mix your protein powder with your fave fruits and veggies for a yummy and nutritious shake or smoothie.
- Pancakes: Add protein powder to your pancake or muffin batter for a protein-packed breakfast.
- Oatmeal: Mix protein powder into your oatmeal for a protein boost that will keep you full until lunchtime.
- Energy balls: Make your own energy balls with protein powder, nuts, and seeds for a tasty snack that will give you the energy you need to power through your day.
- Yoghurt: Mix protein powder with yogurt and top with fruit and granola for a quick and easy breakfast or snack.
- Coffee: Mix protein powder into your coffee for a delicious and satisfying way to start your day.
- Soups and stews: Add protein powder to soups and stews for a filling and nutritious meal.
There you have it! Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast on-the-go or a tasty snack, protein powder has got you covered.
Protein pancake receipe
In this video, we walk you though all the steps involved in making pancakes with protein powder and adding toppings to get a healthy and delicious snack!
The ingredients are protein powder, 4 eggs, baking powder and milk, plus olive oil to fry. You might prefer to use a pancake maker. Here we use a frying pan.
Finally, when the pancake is golden brown, we top with blueberries (but any berries or chopped fruit will do), peanut butter and honey. We always look for good quality peanut butter and honey. For us that means, no additives to the peanut butter, just 100% peanut butter, and we go for raw and unblended honey, which means that it hasn’t been pasteurised or mixed with other honeys.
BLESSED Plant Based Protein Powder
Looking for a plant-based protein powder that is not only delicious but also helps in weight management? Blessed Plant Based Protein Powder is the perfect solution for you. It is 100% naturally sweetened with stevia and natural flavor technology, which makes it deliciously smooth and enjoyable to drink, even with just water.
This protein powder is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free and produced with 100% sustainable raw ingredients, making it a healthy option for your body and the environment.
Blessed Protein Powder is made with raw activated pea protein isolate, which contains 23g of protein per scoop and all the essential amino acids. The protein powder helps to support weight loss due to its low GI (Glycaemic Index) and low carbohydrates levels. It also assists your body to control appetite and cravings through high satiety, meaning you will feel fuller for longer.
The protein powder is perfect for those looking to promote muscle growth and energy production. It also helps to improve digestion and assist micronutrient requirements. This unique blend of protein assists with recovery, increases performance, and enhances endurance.
Protein content per serving: 23 grams
Pros:
- Delicious and natural flavors
- Vegan-friendly, gluten-free, soy-free, and dairy-free
- 100% sustainable raw ingredients
- All essential amino acids
- Helps to improve digestion and assist micronutrient requirements
Cons:
- Some people don't like the taste
Overall, Blessed Plant Based Protein Powder is a great choice for those looking for a healthy and delicious protein powder. It is perfect for vegans or those with dairy, soy, or gluten intolerances. The low GI and low carbohydrate levels make it an excellent option for those looking to manage their weight, while the high satiety will help control appetite and cravings.
Conclusion
Choosing the best protein powder for women can be a daunting task as there are so many options available in store and online. Factors such as protein source, nutritional content, additives, and taste preferences need to be taken into account.
Remember that if your goal is to tone up or build muscle, resistance training is a must. You start putting your plan together by reading our article Strong Bones, Stronger You: The Incredible Link Between Resistance Training and Bone Density
Whey protein, soy protein, and collagen peptides are popular choices among women, and it is important to choose a product that suits your individual needs and goals.
And we always like to remind you that it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before making any big lifestyle changes such as incorporating protein powder into your diet, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or allergies.
And, at the end of the day, a balanced diet consisting of whole foods should be your main focus, with protein powder used as a supplement.
Finding the right protein powder for your body is like finding the perfect pair of shoes – it may take some time, but once you find the one that fits just right, it will make all the difference in the world. So don’t give up on your search, and keep experimenting until you find the protein powder that makes you feel strong, confident, and ready to take on the world!