What to Know Before Trying Protein Powder

Protein powders have long been touted as an excellent way to recover after exercise and to build muscles, but do they really work? You may be wondering if they’re worth the hype or if they’re just something else to spend money on as you try to get healthier. No matter where you are on your health journey, though, protein powder can be beneficial. Take the time to learn more about how they work, what they can do, and how they can help to see if this is a good option for you. 

How Protein Powder Works

Protein powders enable you to take in more protein in your diet, which can help with recovery and muscle-building. It comes in a variety of forms, which can make it easier for you to take it when you exercise. It is best for those who do intense exercises, are trying to build or maintain muscles, are trying to lose weight, or are trying to heal from injuries. It’s important to find the right protein powder to take to make sure you can reach these goals, but they all do have the extra protein needed to help. Try one of the options available from the champ, Chris Bumstead, 5x Mr. Olympia to learn more. 

How to Take Protein Powder

Protein powder can be taken with a liquid as a drink or added to your food, depending on your preferences. Most people mix the protein powder with water or milk to make it easy to drink, though it can go in a shake, too. It can also be blended into coffee, added to pancake mix, used in protein bars, or baked into muffins. When you try out a new protein powder, there may be recommendations for how to take it. Try out different methods to find out what works best for you and what helps you get the nutrition you need. 

Timing it With Workouts

It is a good idea to make sure you’re taking protein powder at the right time to make sure it’s effective. While you’ll eat protein throughout the day as a part of a healthy diet, you may need extra after a workout. It’s best to take protein powder within about half an hour of doing a workout. Between 15 minutes and one hour after exercising is considered the anabolic window. During the exercise, you may have burned the protein you normally eat during the day, so you’ll want to replace it after the workout during this period to get the most benefits from it. Though there are some dissenting opinions on whether this period exists or how important it is, there is no downside to taking protein after a workout to help replenish what is stored in the body. 

Benefits of Taking Protein Powder

There are numerous benefits to taking protein powder, no matter what you hope to achieve. Some of the benefits include the following. 

• Easy to Consume: It is easy to take protein powder, whether you prefer it as a drink or add it to some of the food you may have for a post-workout snack. Find the way you prefer to use it and take advantage of the convenience whenever you exercise. 
• Meet Protein Requirements: Protein powder can make it easier for you to meet protein goals to live a healthier lifestyle. It can be an easy way to add protein to your diet if you’re not getting enough right now. 
• Cheaper than Alternatives: Meats, nuts, and other types of protein can be expensive. Pound for pound, protein powder is often a more economical choice. While it’s still beneficial to eat meat, nuts, and other types of protein according to your diet, this can be a great way to make sure you’re getting enough without spending too much money.
• May Include Additional Nutrients: Many of the protein powders on the market today have other nutrients in them. This makes it easier for you to meet all nutrient goals if you’re trying to eat healthier. Look at the ingredients to determine what nutrients are included in any protein powders you try. 

How to Choose the Right One

While there are numerous protein supplements available today, they may not all be the right option for you. Instead, take the time to learn more about what’s available to find one that meets your needs. Some of the things to consider when you’re comparing them include the following. 

• Ingredients: Always read through the ingredients to know what you’re consuming. It is a good idea to do this with anything you eat, but it’s especially important for supplements. 
• Dietary Restrictions: If you have any dietary restrictions, whether personal or medical, make sure it is safe to take the supplement. Reading the ingredients can help with this, but it may also be a good idea to speak with a physician if you have any concerns. 
• Taste: Different protein powders have different tastes. It’s important to find one you like so you’re more likely to take it after an exercise. Try out different types to find one you enjoy and that works well with the way you want to take it. 

Cautions Before Taking a Supplement

While supplements like protein powder are generally safe to use, it is important to be cautious before starting anything new. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about possible interactions with the medications you take or health problems. Most people will be able to take supplements without issue, but there can be side effects. If you notice any side effects, discontinue use to see if they clear up. If so, it might be a good idea to try something different. 

Protein supplements may be a game-changer when it comes to your health and what you get out of the exercises. If you’re looking for a way to make sure you’re getting the right nutrients to help you be healthy or you want to gain muscles faster, try a protein powder. Check out the options available today to learn more and find the right one for you.