Vital Performance Protein Powder
Vital Performance Protein Powder is a great, budget-friendly choice for those looking to bulk up on lactose-free milk protein isolate.
Its an ideal protein powder for both post-workout muscle recovery and anytime nutrition to boost muscle gains. You can purchase this protein powder in one of four flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and coffee.
Features of Vital Performance Protein Powder:
This protein powder contains bovine collagen peptides derived from pasture-raised, grass-fed bovine hide. It has the same casein: whey ratio that milk has .
Furthermore, Vital Performance Protein Powder is rich in amino acids, which help support protein digestion and synthesis in muscles.
Benefits of Vital Performance Protein Powder:
One huge benefit of this protein powder is the amino acid content, which facilitates better muscle gains. The bovine collagen content goes beyond the powers of regular protein powders by providing healthy bone, joint, and tendon support.
Additionally, you can boost your leucine content by taking extra daily protein powder.
Pros:
- More protein per serving compared to other protein powders
Cons:
- Not allergen-free
- Higher sugar content compared to other protein powders
- Small product
Which Protein Powder Is Best For Muscle Gain
The most effective post-workout protein powders are ones that are easily digested and contain all nine essential amino acids , as well as adequate amounts of leucine a BCAA thats important for muscle building .
According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 13 grams of leucine is adequate for promoting muscle gain .
Whey protein is a popular option because it is easily digested and is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine EAAs. It can be found in hydrolyzed, isolate, and concentrate forms, all of which appear to be equally effective in supporting muscle building .
For those who prefer a plant-based option, soy protein has been found to be just as effective as whey protein is for building muscle .
Other plant-based protein powders can also be effective, but its important to choose one that is made of a blend of plant-based protein sources to ensure it offers all the EAAs needed to promote muscle gain .
Casein protein powder is another option that is a slower digesting protein and has been found to be beneficial for muscle gain if consumed before bed because it stimulates muscle protein synthesis overnight (
23 ).
Some research suggests that an overall increase in calories and protein is important for muscle gain as well. Therefore, protein powders consumed at any time not just post-workout can still be beneficial .
Best Protein Powder For Weight Loss: What The Experts Say
Registered Dietitian,Jasmine Carbon says, âProtein powders are an easy way to fortify your meals with amino acids which are essential for muscle growth and muscle maintenance.
âSince these amino acids arenât wrapped around tissue or plant fibers, they can be quicker to digest and utilized by the body much quicker making protein powders an ideal pre or post-gym ingredient. They also have the added benefit of satiety meaning that a higher protein meal should leave you feeling fuller for longer. And feeling fuller means youâre less likely to reach for those high sugar, salt, and fat convenience foods.â
Jasmine Carbon, a nutritionist and registered senior specialist dietitian, is the founder of professional nutrition service Carbon Nutrition & Dietetics . With years of clinical experience in the NHS and health education fields, sheâs well-placed to give us the lowdown on the best protein powders for weight loss.
Carbon says: âIf weight loss is the aim, I would recommend opting for the sugar-free varieties. That way youâre getting the benefits of the additional protein without the unnecessary additional calories.â
âIf you are dairy intolerant or allergic you should avoid protein powders with whey, casein/sodium caseinate, galactose, or lactose in the ingredients list. Similarly if you are gluten intolerant or have coeliac disease then â you guessed it â avoid gluten if thatâs in the ingredients list.
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Choose Something You Actually Enjoy
Lets all admit that taste preference is a legitimate factor: The more delicious a particular powder is, the more likely you are to choose it over less healthy snacks. Galloway suggests finding protein powders in a variety of flavors. This keeps my post-workout routine from getting boring and helps me stay on track with my goals, she says.
If you want to avoid the chance of a chunky texture, theres always the option to reach for a pre-blended protein drink, like the Premier Protein Shakes, which are sold in over a dozen flavors.
Garden Of Life Meal Vanilla Powder
Image courtesy Garden of Life
Sip on this nutritious juice. A 1-cup serving of Live Raw contains 22 grams of clean, organic plant protein with 44 superfoods, such as grass juices, fruits and vegetables, and fiber to keep you full for hours.
This muscle-building, energy-boosting meal substitute has all you need to help you gain muscle and increase your endurance. It is free of the eight most common allergens.
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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 Long Does Protein Powder Last For
In terms of using protein powder, the effects may last for 24 hours, or they might just last a half-day. Depending on the product youre using, it will have different intensity/effects.
But when it comes to shelf life, most protein powders last between 10 and 20 months.
Those with little to no added preservatives or artificial substances probably wont last as long as those with additives. If you use expired protein powders, you run the risk of bacterial growth.
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Raspberry Cheesecake Supreme Shake
Alright, I know were going heavy on the desserts, but can you really resist a shake that tastes like a freaking strawberry cheesecake? Because we cant.
While you can substitute the almond milk in this, it definitely adds to the creaminess. If you want to mix it up, you can incorporate chocolate instead of vanilla protein powder to make it daring.
This shake isnt necessarily the most vitamin-packed, but it does contain a ridiculous amount of antioxidants, which is seriously amazing.
Its sweeter and heavier than other shakes, but after hitting all those squats in the gym and doing leg day , dont you deserve a shake thats actually tasty and helps your body? We thought so.
Naked Whey Protein Powder At A Glance
- Available flavors: unflavored, chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry
- Pros: free of added sugar, easy to mix, third-party certified, certified gluten-free
- Considerations: not suitable for those who prefer organic or dairy-free products
- Nutrition stats per 2-scoop serving :
- Calories: 120
Price: $$
SFH Pure Whey Protein is noted for its amazing taste, ease of absorption, and ingredient content.
Sourced from grass-fed, free-range cows in New Zealand, this minimally processed whey concentrate doesnt contain soy, gluten, or artificial ingredients.
Because its low in carbs and free of added sugar, it may be a good choice for people on a low carb or ketogenic diet who are looking for an easy way to boost their protein intake.
Its also certified by NSF International, a third-party organization that sets strict standards for the quality, strength, and purity of supplements.
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Who Shouldnt Buy Transparent Labs Mrp
- Those who like a robust list of flavor options – this product only offers basic Chocolate and Vanilla options.
- If you are on a budget and not tied to a meal replacement powder you may want to consider other options on the market this protein has a higher price tag of $2.00 per serving.
This meal replacement powder is a great pre-bedtime drink due to its casein content, which may lead to better adaptations during your night of sleep. But even if you dont take it at bedtime, this casein meal replacement can help you reach your macro goals throughout the day, offering an ideal protein and carb content to complement your work in the gym.
Myprotein Clear Whey Isolate: The Best Protein Powder For Hot Days
Price: £27 | Buy now from Myprotein
After a hot and sweaty workout, sometimes the last thing you want is a thick, milky shake. Nonetheless, protein powders that create light drinks arent something you regularly come across. Thats why Myproteins Clear Whey Isolate stands out. It comes in five summery flavours, including rainbow candy and mojito, and mixes well to create a genuinely refreshing post-workout treat.
The nutritional content of the shake is more than up to scratch, too, with 20g of protein per 25g serving, sourced from hydrolysed whey isolate to ensure a smooth, easy-to-absorb mix. Despite the sweet flavours in the range, each serving contains just 0.2g of sugar, supplemented by artificial sweeteners including sucralose.
Key specs Serving size: 25g Protein per serving: 20g Protein type: Hydrolysed whey isolate and casein
Price: £20 | Buy now from Myprotein
This mass gainer powder is great value at 25 servings per bag, or £1 per serving. Each one is packed full of nutrients, containing 31.4g of protein, 50g of carbs and 388 calories in total just what your body needs after putting work in at the gym. The protein is a mix of whey and casein, so your aching muscles get an instant hit from the whey plus a steady supply of protein from the casein in the hours afterwards. The carbs in the powder are also mixed to provide a short-term boost, which comes from the maltodextrin, plus slow-release energy from the ground oats.
Price: £33 | Buy now from Maximuscle
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How Much Protein Do You Need Per Day
If you’re wondering how much protein is ideal per day, the American College of Sports Medicine recommends 0.5 to o.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. If you weigh 150 pounds, that’s 75 to 120 grams of protein per day.
For more strength gains, divide your total daily protein into three or four servings a day with at least 20-25 grams per serving. Eating more than 25 grams of protein in one sitting will not further enhance muscle protein synthesis and may only contribute to adding body fat.
Here’s an example: Breakfast with 25 grams protein a protein powder after a workout with 20 grams. Lunch and dinner will provide 25 grams each . Then, you can have a pre-bed protein powder with another 20 grams protein. That totals 115 grams of protein.
And for more, check out 20 Ways to Get 20 Grams of Protein at Every Meal.
The Benefits Of Taking Protein Powder
If you are not already taking a whey protein powder, you may not be familiar with its full range of benefits. In this next section, well explain how taking a whey protein supplement can help you build stronger muscles, reduce your recovery time, and burn fat faster than if you were to just diet and exercise.
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What Were Looking For
Protein source: Every nutritionist we spoke to told us that the first and main decision is whether you want an animal- or plant-based protein powder, which they say comes down to dietary preference. If youre going animal-based, powders with whey protein are generally what they recommend for the most digestible fast-acting powder to help with muscle building and weight loss. There are two types of whey protein whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate and the experts say the best kind is whey protein isolate, because it is strained in a way that gives it a lower lactose content than whey protein concentrate.
For vegans, vegetarians, lactose-intolerant folks, and anyone else who doesnt eat animal products, plant-based protein powders are the way to go. As the nutritionists told us, powder made with pea protein is generally seen as the most effective plant-based alternative to whey. And they say a pea protein isolate, like a whey protein isolate, is even better, because it has the highest amount of protein per scoop. While they warn that some people may experience issues like stomachaches with plant-based powders, all of the ones in this story are easy to digest, according to the folks who recommend them.
The 10 Best Protein Powders To Build Muscle In 2022
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Protein powders have become a staple in the nutritional regimens of competitive athletes and recreational gym-goers alike.
These products serve as a convenient and high quality source of protein. Yet, with seemingly endless options to choose from, you may wonder which is best for building muscle.
Keep reading for our picks of the 10 best protein powders for muscle gain.
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Best Tasting Protein Powder With Water
If youve found this article, then you know the catch-22 of protein powder shakes: milk is too high in fat and carbs for cutting, while most powders with water taste like chalk.
Because of that, our fitness experts set out to research the best tasting protein powders with water so that we won’t have to force ourselves to down our morning shakes.
These protein powders are said to be good quality products, and in a way, the flavors are surprisingly good and sweet enough as well.
If youre trying to cut fat and carbs, or if youve got a sensitive stomach, heres a list of our top recommended protein powders that taste good with just water .
Who Shouldnt Buy Swolverine Whey Isolate Protein
- Although we think the flavors are delicious, some may opt for a brand that has a wider variety of flavor choices.
- Those on a budget can find a cheaper protein on the market, and may want to consider looking at a whey concentrate or other formula, as isolates tend to be more expensive.
This protein stands out for its high protein content and added enzymes aimed at better digestion and absorption, all of which may lead to more effective muscle gain.
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Best Customized Whey Protein
Gainful offers a unique approach to protein powder by offering personalized blends that are formulated specifically to the person ordering it, based on their fitness goals, diet restrictions, and other vital factors.
Pros: The custom is able to serve a wider range of users, doesn’t just rely on whey protein but pea, brown rice, and organic oat, as well, has a team of registered dietitians formulating the blends
Cons: Not the most economical in terms of amount and cost
Editor’s note: Other slides in this guide have nutritional information listed, but considering the fact Gainful is a customized blend, there’s no standard set of data to be profiled here. We recommend visiting the site to take its quiz for yourself to see your unique blend.
One of the more unique protein powder options is Gainful, a brand that formulates personalized blends based on your specific needs. This could include weight and fitness goals, the amount you’re active each week, or if you have any dietary restrictions. It even lets you choose options dedicated to getting better sleep or improving gut health.
It’s an interesting approach that succeeds in making the protein you order seem one-of-one. That is, not only does Gainful say it’s formulating a specific blend of protein for you, but when you get it and see what exactly is in it , it feels exclusive.
Muscle Building Foods Complement Training
You can incorporate all of the high protein foods listed above, but without the proper training program, you arent going to see a size difference.
Check out my article on exercises to build muscle if you need a training program to get you started.
References
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Iconic Protein Powder Vanilla Bean Single Serve
If you are new to using protein powders, the iconic protein powder is a good way to break the yoke. This single-serve product is perfect for newbies, and you can trust the product because it has a 70% 5-star rating. What about the other 30%? Well, just a few modifications from the company are all they require. However, this does not affect the benefit your body would derive from this product.
It easily becomes peoples favorite, and satisfied customers have passed comments such as tastes like melted chocolate ice cream when mixed with unsweetened vanilla almond milk, this is one of the best vanilla protein powder. No artificial additives, so it is great for diabetic patient and people that want to reduce their sugar level.
- It can be mixed with different types of products
- Ideal for new users of protein powder
- Brand: Iconic protein
- Type: casein protein