Protein is king. From chicken breast to steak to eggs to protein powder, there are a lot of great options for getting in your daily protein. Here are my favorite, tried and true, protein powder reviews:
It is important to eat enough protein whether you are looking to gain muscle, lose fat, or both. You see, protein is essential for building muscle which is great, but it is also just as important for maintaining muscle when you are trying to lose fat. Another huge benefit of protein is that it helps you stay fuller longer which can be a huge help when battling overeating or trying to lose a few pounds.
The best way to get your protein is through whole foods - think meat, dairy, and eggs. There is also a good amount of protein in some nuts, seeds, grains, and vegetables, although these are not as high in protein quality or quantity typically as meat, dairy, and eggs. However, it can be hard to get the daily amount of protein you need from whole foods. High-protein diets, which are ideal for losing fat and/or gaining muscle typically recommend about .8-1g of protein per pound of body weight. This can be a lot. For this reason, protein powder can be a great option to supplement your meals and snacks with additional protein.
But which protein powders are best? There are so many options and it can be hard to narrow down to just one. While I haven't tried all protein powders known to man, I have tried quite a few.
For the full rundown on protein powder - A Beginner's Guide to Protein Powder.
Okay, let's go through some of the high-achievers.
Naked Whey Protein Powder
Naked Nutrition Protein Powder is one of my newly found favorites.
One of the biggest problems with protein powders is the ingredient lists. Because whey protein is a byproduct of cheese production it doesn't necessarily have a sweet, creamy taste. However, when we make protein shakes we expect them to taste like milkshakes - all while having no added sugars, fat, or anything else besides low calories and high protein.
This creates a problem. What do companies put in the powder to make it taste delicious without it being sugar or fats or added calories? It tends to be artificial sweeteners and a long list of other ingredients.
This is why I love this brand. They have an unflavored version that is simply one ingredient - whey protein concentrate. They also have vanilla and chocolate. Full disclosure, I've only tried vanilla and the taste was pretty good. The vanilla adds organic coconut sugar and organic natural flavors - still really good for a protein powder to have only three ingredients.
Legion Casein+ Protein Powder
Legion is known for its high-quality protein powder, and their casein is no exception.
Casein protein powder is a little bit different than whey. It has a longer digestion time, whereas whey protein is quickly digested. You may be wondering why this matters and for most people, it is not a huge difference. However, when I was looking to gain muscle, I would use casein before bed. Basically, because casein is slow digesting, your body will be getting protein-powered fuel while you sleep.
The one downside is that they use stevia to sweeten their protein powder. There are certainly worse options, but I'd prefer to see a little bit of sugar if it has to be sweetened.
I am a big fan of the chocolate flavor, although some people may not find it super sweet. I found it goes great in a smoothie before bed.
Vega Sport Premium Protein Powder
Do you and dairy tend to not be best friends? If so, Vega\'s line of Protein Powders is a great plant-based protein powder I've enjoyed.
Whether you have been plant-based for years or simply want to try an alternative to dairy this can be a great option. With protein from peas, alfalfa, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds, you are sure to get a nice protein boost for the day.
I personally have only tried the vanilla and enjoyed the flavor. However, some people say it has a little bit of a chalky texture.
As far as ingredients, this powder certainly has more than the other two, but they aren't all bad. This one uses stevia as well, but it does also have tart cherry powder, black pepper, and turmeric - don't worry you don't taste them. All three of these ingredients combine to help fight inflammation.
Wrap Up
There you go! You've got the rundown on some of my personal favorite protein powders. There are a ton of options out there, so be sure to read the ingredient labels to make sure you are getting high-quality protein.
Whether you are calculating your protein needs or looking for some protein-packed recipes, we've got you covered!
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