Whether you’re a gym bro, bodybuilding champion, or weekend warrior, protein powders and shakes are likely part of your training arsenal. And if they’re not, they’re on your radar. With so many different protein supplements out there, it can get overwhelming, but no sweat! There’s no time like the present to get to grips with the best protein powder for you to level up your workouts and hit more PBs!
Dive in to discover everything from why we need protein, to different types of protein available, and what proteins you should use to smash your fitness goals, whether that’s hitting a new lifting PB or sprinting past your quickest running time.
WHY DO I NEED PROTEIN?
It’s not just people who lift weights that need protein. It plays an important role in supporting the build and repair of muscles, cells, and tissues and making new ones so it’s super important in growth and development. It also helps to fuel your energy and carry oxygen throughout the body, helping to make antibodies that fight off infections to keep your immune system in check.
It’s particularly important for people with active lifestyles because protein is so important for muscle recovery and repair. If your muscles don’t have enough protein to repair properly, it could have a knock-on effect on your training. It means your muscles won’t be able to keep up with your pace because they’re sore or tired. Protein can maximize your training regime to achieve more muscle growth and strength!
Thanks to the vast number of protein supplements available out there, we now have protein that can not only support muscle gains, but also weight gain, weight loss, as well as a protein specifically for vegetarian and vegan diets, so whatever your goal, you can discover the best protein powder for you.
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO I NEED EACH DAY?
Those who lift weights regularly, or those who are training for a sport, should be consuming 1.2-1.7 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day to keep their muscle recovery and repair ticking over. A less active person would need less protein, at about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight.
You can get protein from the food you eat, but if you don’t consume enough, you can top it up with protein shakes.
WHICH PROTEIN SHOULD I USE?
Whey protein, made from cow’s milk, is perhaps the most commonly used protein. There are also vegetarian proteins, vegan proteins, and dairy-free proteins, usually created from soya, pea, casein, brown rice, hemp, or egg protein.
HERMOSA SCULPT VEGAN
Hermosa brings sophistication to the protein game with its natural and sustainable pea and hemp protein. The brand has become synonymous with the mega fitness brand, Barry’s Bootcamp. If you want to be in with the it-crowd, make like this celebrity haunt and reach for a smooth post-workout vegan protein shake from Hermosa.
Hermosa works hard to make their delectable, classic flavors non-grainy and most importantly, delicious, so you’ll actually look forward to them! Each shake contains 20g of plant-based protein brimming with essential amino acids for building, toning, and repairing muscle, and supporting weight loss.
Their blends are also ethically sourced, non-GMO, and gluten-free. They also bring sexy back with their sleek black bottles that would look effortlessly cool on your kitchen counter! Style and substance? We won’t say no!
MOTION NUTRITION CREAMY CACAO WHEY PROTEIN
Combining antioxidant-rich raw cacao with whey protein, Motion Nutrition’s Creamy Cacao delivers a creamy, nutrient-dense shake that packs a punch with a multitude of micronutrients and immunity-boosters. With 20g of protein per serving and 5 grams of BCAAs, it would make the ideal post-workout protein shake to replenish what you’ve lost and speed up muscle growth and recovery.
Organic whey is the most bioavailable source of tryptophan, the incredible amino acid that helps our brains produce more serotonin (happy hormones) and melatonin to keep our mood and sleep cycle in check. As well as protecting your body with anti-aging properties, superfood raw cacao is also a natural mood-booster and bursting with iron and magnesium for a healthy heart and brain. For enhanced muscle recovery, a brighter mood, and deeper sleep, reach for rich and sweet Motion Nutrition’s Creamy Cacao Whey Protein Shake.
PLANT SUPPLEMENTS VEGAN CBD PROTEIN
Created by experts in sports and nutrition, Plant Supplements know how important recovery is to making gains and staying healthy. Their vegan protein blend combines protein and CBD that work together to boost muscle recovery, reduce pain and replenish lost energy after a grueling workout.
This sugar-free blend contains a massive 27g of protein to reduce muscle damage, improve performance and enhance muscle protein synthesis. The additional CBD works to reduce inflammation, provide pain relief and regulate blood sugar levels with natural ingredients – ideal for tired, sore, aching muscles when you’ve put your body through its paces.
Protein also helps to keep you fuller for longer, so it can keep you going before your next meal. A protein tip? Enjoy your delicious protein shake as soon as possible after you’ve finished your workout, ideally within 20-30 minutes. This works to optimize your muscle repair and recovery! Prepare your shake before you leave and keep it cold with Plant Supplements Insulated Protein Shaker.
BIO-SYNERGY WHEY HEY
Probably the world’s first protein powder that’s made with all-natural ingredients, Bio-Synergy's Whey Hey Protein is renowned with athletes for its effectiveness in supporting sports and fitness goals. They regularly win awards for being the best in the business!
Using the latest filtration process in a state-of-the-art facility, Whey Hey features an impressive 21.4g of protein per serving, along with a complete supply of amino acids including BCAAs and glutamine. Glutamine can support recovery, support gut health, and boost your immune system for better training and wellbeing!
Their high-quality whey protein powerhouse is available in tasty flavors to suit everyone, from decadent Coconut, to Brazilian coffee, refreshing Watermelon, and a cult-favorite, Peanut Butter.
GET SHREDDED, SMASH PB'S, RECOVER FASTER
Whether you’re looking to make more gains, build lean muscle, put on size, or lose weight, a post-workout protein shake could be your secret weapon to get bigger, go for harder for longer, and maximize recovery to optimize your performance!
