Best Protein For Muscle Building

Date:

Share post:

What Is The Rda For Protein Intake

What Are The BEST Protein Sources to Build Muscle? (Eat These!)

Owing to its potential importance in the body, the recommended dietary allowance for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.

This amount represents the basic requirement of protein that your body demands its daily functioning.

To find out your protein requirement, you can multiply your weight in pounds with 0.36 as well.

Here we have a list of high-protein snacks that you can easily incorporate into your life.

Steak And Bean Burrito Bowl

Serves: 4Nutrition: 450 calories, 13 g fat , 563 mg sodium, 42 g carbs , 41 g protein

What better way to eat some of our favorite protein-packed foodsblack beans and grass-fed beefthan in a burrito bowl. This tortilla-less dish is not only delicious but also budget friendly. Even though grass-fed beef can be pricey, this recipe doesn’t only rely on the beef. That way, you can save money and be just as satisfied by the ample amount of veggies it’s served with.

Get the recipe from Gimme Delicious.

The Best Protein Sources For Weight Loss

Unlock the muscle-building power of protein bioavailability with the best protein sources for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

If you missed my recent post on The Truth About Protein and Weight Loss, then be sure to check it out below or download the podcast episode for later. We cover why protein is so important to the body, how much protein you should actually be eating in a day, and what any of it has to do with weight loss, or I should say fat loss.

One of the key takeaways, however, is that by replacing excess body fat with lean muscle tissue you lose inches, whittle your waist, and ultimately reduce disease risk.

The nutritional key to this fitness goal? Protein. More specifically, protein sources with high bioavailability for skeletal muscle synthesis, a fancy term for muscle breakdown and repair.

If you remember from the previous article, bioavailability is the overall percentage of 9 essential amino acids available to the body after the protein-rich food has been digested. Prioritizing protein with higher bioavailability will best power muscle build, blood sugar regulation, and cellular repair.

What many people dont realize is that animal-based protein has a much higher bioavailability than plant-based protein. Can you still get enough protein as a vegetarian? Yes, but it takes a lot more intentionality and work.

Read Also: Why Do People Drink Protein Shakes

Shrimp Sausage & Lentil Jambalaya

Serves: 4Nutrition: 471 calories, 17 g fat , 895 mg sodium, 40 g carbs , 38 g protein

This creole jambalaya dish is the perfect meal to fill you up and slim you down. That’s because thanks to a simple flat belly tweak that substitutes rice for lentils, it’s bursting with satiating fiber and protein. We love the leftovers because once cooled, the starches in the lentils go through a process called retrogradation in which they turn “resistant.” Resistant starches avoid digestion, instead, they help to improve digestion, boost fat burn, and fend off belly-fat-inducing inflammation.

Get the recipe from Cotter Crunch.

How To Choose The Best Protein Powder For Women

NitroTech Power 100% Whey Protein Powder with Whey Isolate, Ultimate ...

Protein powders are not regulated, so its important to source products from reputable suppliers, like the ones in this guide. Yasi Ansari, a registered dietitian, recommends looking for a product that has been third-party tested, for example by NSF or Informed Choice.

She adds: There are a lot of products out there that contain protein powder but also have added artificial sugars and sugar alcohols. Sometimes these can cause gastrointestinal discomfort gas, cramping, loose stools. If youre taking a protein supplement, look out for these symptoms.

Sophie Medlin also says she looks for a product with as few ingredients as possible. I am a big fan of whey protein isolate for my patients because it is lactose-free and usually doesnt have any other ingredients, but contains the right blend of amino acids for muscle building, she says.

When it comes to the best vegan protein powder, she recommends looking for a blend of protein sources to make sure that all amino acids are covered. Again, I would prefer for this to contain as few colorings and flavorings as possible, but this is much trickier in a vegan protein product because the protein sources can have strong, unpalatable flavors, she says.

Recommended Reading: High Protein Breakfast Low Calorie

What Are The Best Foods To Eat For Muscle Gain

In addition to protein powder, there are a few other key nutrients that are important for muscle gain.

Creatine is a compound that’s found in meat and fish, and it’s often taken in supplement form to help with muscle gain. Creatine helps to increase ATP production, which is important for energy during workouts.

BCAAs are another important nutrient for muscle gain. BCAAs are a type of amino acid that’s found in protein-rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy. BCAAs can help to stimulate muscle growth and prevent muscle breakdown.

Getting enough protein, creatine, and BCAAs is important for muscle gain, but it’s also important to eat a well-rounded diet that includes plenty of other nutrients like carbs and healthy fats.

One Of The Most Popular Forms Is Soy Protein

Soy protein contains all nine essential amino acids and has been shown to increase muscle mass and decrease body fat when combined with resistance training.

Soy also increases insulin sensitivity which helps regulate blood sugar levels, one key factor in helping prevent diabetes! Plus, soy products are naturally cholesterol-free, low in saturated fats, high in fiber, rich in vitamins A & C as well as calcium.

Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Protein Shake For Weight Loss

What Are The Differences Between Whey Protein Powders

There are three big ones.

Whey protein concentrate : “As its name suggests, the protein in here is concentrated. WPC maintains more nutrients than other types of whey because of the processing methods,” says Monica Auslander Moreno, M.S., R.D., nutrition consultant for RSP Nutrition.

Whey protein isolate: “It’s quicker to digest than WPC it also is usually removed of all carbohydrate and therefore the lactose, making it suitable for many folks with lactose intolerance. Since most of the fat has been removed, so are a lot of the fat-soluble vitamins,” says Auslander Moreno. Still, check the label if you have trouble with lactose.

Whey protein hydrolysate: “This process breaks down the little building blocks of proteins, called peptides, and into an almost “pre-digested” state for quickest absorption . It also can sometimes taste bitter because of processing methods,” says Auslander Moreno.

The Benefits Of Protein Powder For Women

5 BEST Protein Powders For Weight Loss AND Muscle Building in 2020

Women need protein for so many reasons. It helps to:

  • Reduce appetite and hunger levels
  • Increase muscle mass and bone strength
  • Reduce cravings and desire for late-night snacking
  • Boost metabolism and increase fat burning
  • Maintain weight loss
  • Support hair, skin and nails
  • Build and repairs cells in the body

When it comes to weight loss in particular, one study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that overweight women who increased their protein take from 15% to 30% of their calories ate 441 fewer calories each day without intentionally restricting anything. So if youre looking to shed a few pounds without restricting yourself, investing in the best protein powder for women could be a good idea.

Also Check: Best Protein Drink For Elderly

Whole Foods Vs Protein Powder

You can meet your bodys daily protein requirements whether you drink shakes or eat only whole foods. However, they dont offer equal nutrition.

What you may find surprising is that shakes generally contain fewer nutrients than whole foods. For that reason, shakes may help you lose weight, but whole foods can offer a bigger nutritional punch.

How Much Protein Is Too Much

Doctors generally agree that healthy adults can safely tolerate a long-term protein intake of up to 2 g per kg of body weight per day without any side effects. However, some groups of people, such as healthy, well-trained athletes, may tolerate up to 3.5 g per kg of body weight.

Most research suggests that eating more than 2 g of protein per kg of body weight per day can cause health issues over time.

You May Like: Protein Bars Cookies And Cream

The Best Protein Powder For Men And Women Over 50

You are probably familiar with the old saying, age is just a number. That may be true in many instances. However, there are key differences between young and senior lifters and bodybuilders to consider when planning your protein intake to support muscle growth. The best protein powder for men and women over 50 looking to build muscle is not necessarily the same as the best for young lifters.

This article explains why protein is essential if you want optimal results from your efforts in the gym and what to look for in protein supplements.

What Does Protein Powder Do

Protein Powders...

Protein powder typically contains one or more protein sources, along with added flavors and nutrients. Commonly, they contain milk protein isolate, casein, whey protein isolate, and/or egg protein.

In some cases, it even contains plant-based proteins such as pea protein, hemp, or soy protein.

Theyre also often combined with essential amino acids that help your body to quickly digest and use the protein. Further, it provides an extra source of carbohydrates, which are fundamental in boosting energy and muscle growth.

Its recommended that women get around 46g of protein daily, and men get around 56g of protein daily. However, its not always possible to get healthy protein eating meat, nuts, or other sources.

This is why protein powder supplements are so useful. They are meant to help individuals meet their necessary daily protein intake required to tone muscles. Theyre often marketed for their ability to:

  • Help muscles recover post-workout
  • Improve muscle strength and size
  • Boost energy levels during and after performance
  • Boost mental focus abilities
  • Assist in weight loss

It works by providing a necessary amount of protein to the body. In turn, this fuels the production of essential hormones, enzymes, and other substances.

In terms of weight loss, protein powder assists in curbing hunger by making you feel more full. This is partly why its effective in terms of metabolic function.

Recommended Reading: High C Reactive Protein Means

Best High Protein Snacks

March 4, 2022, 8:12 am2.1k Views

Some of the best high-protein snacks, smoothies, and fruits are presented here. Proteins help in strengthening muscles, weight loss, and wound healing.

So, we all know that our body is made of three major components that are known as protein, fat, and carbohydrates. These components are called macronutrients as they contribute a huge part to our wellbeing.

Here, we focus on a single macronutrient, that is protein, this has amino acids as its building blocks and they are joined by peptide bonds.

Protein has its value as it has the most profound uses in our body. Our hairs, nails, muscles, and even bones have protein.

Protein helps with the formation of tissues in the body which makes protein a building block in our body.

Protein Rich Diet for Vegetarians

What Foods Build Muscle Mass Fast

Eggs are a good food to help build muscle mass fast. Whole eggs are better than egg whites.

One study showed that the post-workout muscle building response in participants eating whole eggs was 40% greater than the muscle response of participants consuming an equivalent amount of protein from egg whites .

You May Like: Low Fat High Protein Diet

Body Fortress Energy Protein

SHOP ENERGY PROTEIN

This Body Fortress Super Advanced Energy protein powder goes a step beyond the regular Body Fortress whey protein powder.

This mocha cappuccino flavored energy protein targets lean muscle mass, as well as energy boosts and mental focus.

Features of Body Fortress Energy Protein

This muscle-building and energy-boosting protein powder supplement features 100% whey protein and real coffee as the main ingredients. Its a powder that easily mixes or blends into your favorite beverage.

Benefits of Body Fortress Energy Protein

One benefit of this protein powder is that its advantageous beyond the scope of your workouts. The energy-boosting properties may even help you eliminate the need for a morning cup of coffee.

Furthermore, you get 24-hour protein coverage to supplement your diet. Another perk is that its high in BCAAs that are essential to rapid protein absorption to quickly build lean muscles.

Pros:

  • Replaces your daily caffeine content in a healthier format

Cons:

  • One serving doesnt contain as much protein compared to other protein powders
  • Slightly higher in calories compared to other protein powders

Best For A Range Of Flavors: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey

5 BEST Protein Powders 2021 For Muscle Building and Weight Loss!
  • Price: from around $38
  • Protein source: whey protein isolate
  • Available flavors: 18

Optimum Nutrition specializes in protein supplements. The Gold Standard 100% Whey protein powder is one of its best-selling products.

This products main ingredient is whey protein isolate. Because this powder also contains whey protein concentrate, there are 24 grams of protein in a single serving.

People can easily mix the powder with liquid by using a shaker or spoon. The company recommends mixing 1 scoop into 68 ounces of cold water or milk, for example.

Advantages and disadvantages

This supplement offers a wide variety of flavor choices. The company also offers free delivery on orders over $75.

However, it is important to note that ingredients and nutritional information will vary depending on the flavor. A person should carefully consider which best fits their needs and ensure the flavor does not contain any ingredients they wish to avoid.

The nutritional facts for each serving of 1 scoop, or 29 g, of the unflavored powder are:

  • Protein source: 70% whey protein isolate and 30% milk protein isolate
  • Available flavors: 3

BiPro specializes in protein supplements and has a wide range of protein powders. The BiPro BOLD is one of its best-reviewed products.

BiPro Bold is free of lactose, gluten, and hormones. It is also Orthodox Union Kosher certified. Its main ingredient is whey protein isolate, and each serving contains 23 g of protein.

Advantages and disadvantages

Don’t Miss: Quest S Mores Protein Bar

Who Shouldnt Buy Swolverine Whey Isolate Protein Powder

  • Anyone who prefers a protein powder thats a bit more stacked, and includes creatine or the addition of other muscle building ingredients may want to look elsewhere.
  • Folks who want an unflavored protein option this formula comes in four great flavors, but unflavored is not one of those options.

Swolverine made a whey isolate that contains a high dose of protein and included electrolytes to help your recovery, and ensure youre ready for your next workout to optimize your mass goals.

The Best Whey Protein Powder For Building Muscle

Whey is one of the two proteins found in cow’s milk, the other is Casein.

Whey is by far the most popular protein powder and supplement, especially amongst bodybuilders and is often considered the most effective for muscle growth and recovery. It is very easily absorbed and therefore can be quickly utilized by the body, making it the ideal choice first thing in the morning and immediately following a strength training workout when your body is most depleted and craving nutrients to fuel muscle growth and recovery.

My top whey protein powder pick is Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Isolate.

Transparent Labs 100% Grass-Fed Whey Protein isolate contains an 88% protein-by-weight ratio making it one of the industry leaders. Its also free from artificial sweeteners, food dyes, gluten and preservatives.

Note:If you are lactose intolerant, whey protein may not be suitable for you. If in doubt, use this supplement sparingly and build up your serving size and consumption accordingly.

Related article: Collagen vs. Whey: Which Is Better for Building Muscle?

Don’t Miss: How To Measure Protein Intake

How Much Protein Do I Need To Build Muscle

The amount of protein you need to build muscle is related to a few factors. The International Society for Sports Nutrition recommends a daily range of 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for muscle growth.

What does that mean? Let’s run through an example of a 150-pound person.

First convert the weight in lbs. to kg. by dividing the weight by 2.2.

  • 150 lbs. / 2.2 = 68 kg.

Now that we have the weight in kg., we can multiply it by the protein recommendation of 1.4 to 2.0 grams. Let’s start with a minimum of 1.4 g.

  • 68 kg. body weight x 1.4 g. protein = 95 g. protein per day

Therefore, this individual should take in a minimum of 95 grams of protein each day to build and maintain. We could then figure out that the maximum amount of protein recommended for this 150-pound person is 136 grams per day . So their recommended protein range is 95 to 136 grams of protein per day.

Purely Inspired Organic All

Best Gnc Protein To Build Muscle

If you’re looking for a protein powder that can provide optimum nutrition in addition to helping you gain weight, this all-in-one meal replacement is the perfect protein option to add to your daily diet.

It’s made from plant protein with added nutrients from whole fruits and veggies, plus 1 billion CFU of probiotics and omega-3s.

For speedier weight gain, you can opt for 2 scoops per serving, which has 270 calories and 40g of protein.

Try it in decadent chocolate or french vanilla here.

Recommended Reading: Is Quinoa High In Protein

How Much Protein Do I Need In A Day To Gain Muscle

The exact amount of protein you will need in a day will depend on your age, lifestyle, weight, and body goals.

The daily recommended amount is 0.8 grams of protein per kg of body weight or 0.36 grams per pound.

However, this is the bare minimum to avoid deficiency. You may actually need higher amounts of protein if youre very active as compared to a sedentary person.

Plus, balance your protein intake with carbs and fat to maintain a healthy body. Over-reliance on protein while cutting out all the other food groups is not the right way and can actually backfire.

As a general estimate, divide your diet into 40% protein, 40% carbs, and 20% healthy fats.

Related articles

How To Make Protein Cookies

Protein Cookie Recipes That Taste Better Than Grandma's Originals ...

Protein Sources Other Than Meat

Great Protein Alternatives If You Can't Find Meat At The Grocery...

Best Protein Smoothies For Weight Loss

Do Drinking Smoothies Really Burn Fat ...

Best Protein Sources For Building Muscle

How Food Helps Build Muscle ...