There’s a difference between getting in shape and getting in the best shape of your life.
To accomplish the former, you’ll have to address your diet and get it right while also exercising with regularity. Stick to your diet and exercise plan long enough, and you should be able to shed those unwanted pounds and become fit.
If you want to go beyond that and truly reinvent your physique and transform it into a well-oiled machine, simply eating better and exercising will not be enough.
You have to supplement your diet and exercise plans, so to speak.
This is where protein powder can come in. With the help of protein powder, you can more effectively take control of your nutrition and put emphasis on bulking up.
Instead of just getting in shape, you can finally feature the type of form you’ve always wanted.
Of course, going from point A to point B with regards to building up your body is easier said than done even if you are enlisting the help of protein powder. That’s because not all protein powders are created equal.
You will still have to find the one that best fits your needs in order for you to bulk up effectively.
In this article, we will talk about some of the best protein powders that are currently available, and hopefully, at least one of them will stand out as the product you’re looking for.
Top 5: Protein Powders Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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9.8 | ||
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Bang for your buck. That’s what you’re getting if you decide to purchase the ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate from Dymatize.
We’re not even necessarily talking about pricing here. Although, for a 5-pound container, this Dymatize offering is fairly priced.
What we’re really focusing on though is the amount of protein you’re getting in each serving. Obviously, you’re using these supplements because you want to significantly hike up your protein intake.
On a serving by serving basis, you can make the case that the ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate, packs the most protein. To be more specific, you’re ingesting about 25 grams of protein with each 30-gram serving – the recommended amount – of this Dymatize powder.
Along with making the 5-pound canister last longer because the recommended servings are on the lighter side, you can also introduce more protein into your body with each glass of this Dymatize powder you consume.
To go along with that, you’re keeping your cholesterol in check because each serving only contains around 10mg.
The positives don’t end there because consuming this protein powder on a regular basis will also not wreak havoc on your fat or sugar levels. This product contains zero grams of fat, while you’re ingesting less than a gram of sugar whenever you fix yourself up a serving.
It’s somewhat surprising to learn just how low the sugar content of this protein powder is considering how strong the flavors are. You’re given 12 flavors to choose from and while they’re not identical representations of their labels, they are still more than pleasing to the palate.
The Orange Dreamsicle variant is particularly memorable.
Take the time to prepare your protein shake or whichever drink you’re mixing this powder into at home though. If you’re just using a glass, your drink could come out lumpy and unpleasant.
Beyond that minor quibble though, there’s not much else to dislike about this protein powder from Dymatize.
Pros
Cons
As you become familiar with using supplements and protein powders to sculpt your body, you will also develop a deeper understanding of how important it is to use natural and organic products. The body is supposed to be a temple, and allowing substandard products to enter it is not ideal.
The Grass Fed When Protein from Levels is a shining example of what many of us want to see in our consumables. The whey protein used in the making of this product comes from pasture-raised dairy cows that are fed a wide array of grasses.
The manufacturers also made it a point to avoid using artificial flavoring agents, sweeteners, and other products that contain GMOs. It’s a more wholesome product and someone looking to improve their nutrition will find great value in it.
It’s also worth pointing out that the people from Levels used pure cold-pressed cacao in this protein powder. That has helped enhance the flavor of this protein powder, but it does come at a bit of a price.
This protein powder does come with a few more milligrams of cholesterol and just a touch more fat.
The extra bits of cholesterol and fat are not going to drastically affect you, but they can make a difference over a longer period of time. For bodybuilders monitoring their fat and cholesterol intake, considering alternatives may be a better idea.
If you’re just focused on getting good protein into your body from a more natural source, this should probably have a spot in your kitchen.
Pros
Cons
One of the more challenging aspects of using protein powder on a regular basis is simply keeping it in a state where you can still enjoy it. If you have a long drive to the gym, your protein shake or protein powder-infused drink may start to get lumpy from the wait.
That kind of issue is not one you’ll have to struggle with if you choose to get the Gold Standard Whey Protein Powder from Optimum Nutrition.
Optimum Nutrition’s whey protein offering is instantized. If you’re not familiar with that term, what it means is that the protein powder has been formulated in such a way that it will not easily clump together even if it has not been mixed well or if it has been left to sit for an extended period of time.
Following your long drive to the gym, you can just give your shake a quick mix and it should be smooth and delicious again.
Speaking of flavor, though there are a few options for you to choose from here, you may want to stick to double chocolate. It’s not just because double chocolate is delicious – it is – but it’s more about an ingredient you won’t find in the double chocolate variant that is present in the other choices.
The ingredient in question is sucralose. It’s an artificial sweetener and people who don’t use it often may see their blood sugar and insulin levels suddenly spike if they consume it, per Healthline.
Stick to the double chocolate flavor if you don’t want to deal with sucralose.
For the purposes of building lean muscle and improving your muscle tone, this Optimum Nutrition product will work wonders. Just steer clear of the non-double chocolate flavors and you should be fine.
Pros
Cons
Though the amount of protein you’re getting in a single serving of MusclePharm’s Combat Protein Powder is on par with what you’ll see in most rival products, the content itself is a bit different.
Instead of featuring one specific type of protein source, the folks from MusclePharm have decided to feature their own unique blend. Included inside their Combat formula are three different types of whey protein – concentrate, hydrolysate, and isolate – along with egg albumin and micellar casein.
Utilizing various types of protein is not just for show. Because your body will digest those proteins at different rates, they will be able to fuel you for much longer.
If you’re on the market for a protein powder that can keep up with you during your marathon training sessions, MusclePharm’s Combat is a pretty good choice.
This particular product is also gluten-free, so a wider range of people should be able to regularly consume it with no issue.
The issue with this protein powder is its sugar content. Compared to many other options on the market, it is noticeably sweeter. Some of the flavors do manage to convey the sweetness better, but overall, the product does come off a touch too sweet.
It frankly doesn’t help that there’s also this difficult-to-describe aftertaste that accompanies the product. It’s not bad per se, but it’s not pleasant either.
Still, the flavor is workable and if you are willing to stick with it, you’re getting a protein powder that can power you through your workout.
Pros
Cons
In an attempt to do one better than the product listed above, the folks from BSN have included six types of protein in their product. The Syntha-6 Ultra-Premium Protein Matrix features calcium caseinate, micellar casein, egg albumin, milk protein isolate, whey protein concentrate, and whey protein isolate.
Similar to the proteins present in MusclePharm’s offering, the ones present in Syntha-6 will also enable people to exercise longer. The milk protein isolate included will help with that while also contributing to the faster development of lean muscle.
There are some things you need to know about this product’s nutritional facts though.
In a 47-gram scoop – the recommended serving size per BSN – you can find as much as six grams of total fat, including two grams of saturated fat. On top of that, there can also be as much as two grams of added sugar per serving depending on the flavor you choose.
Those two grams of added sugar are sucralose.
You’ll be able to find healthier alternatives to this protein powder, if that is what you’re looking for.
On a more positive note, the flavor variants of this protein powder taste pretty good. Downing a glass of you protein shake will not be a chore if you decide to get this supplement.
Pros
Cons
best protein powder
If you’re unfamiliar with protein powders, it’s easy to think that they’re all one and the same. As you’ve seen though, even the protein powders that contain many of the same ingredients can differ enough from one another that you may soon develop a favorite.
For us, our favorite is the ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate from Dymatize.
You don’t really want to see lumps in your protein shake, but in this case, they’re a small price to pay for a premium product.
Considering how much protein this product offers and how healthy it is, more people can use this powder with no issue.
For the people out there who are still waiting for the perfect protein powder to emerge, the closest thing to it could very well be the ISO 100 Whey Protein Powder Isolate from Dymatize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we conclude, we’ll try to answer some of the common queries people have about protein powders.
When Is the Best Time to Consume a Protein Shake or Any Other Beverage That Contains Protein Powder?
Manufacturers will usually include recommended consumption times for their products. Some will say that their protein powders can be consumed before a workout or right after one while others will state that they can be enjoyed at any time throughout the day.
The reality is that there is no perfect time to have a protein powder-infused beverage, but if you already have enough protein in your diet, you can use it as a kind of replacement meal instead. That way, you’re still getting your extra protein without piling on the calories.
How Much Protein Should I Be Getting from a Serving of My Protein Powder?
Recommended serving sizes can vary from one manufacturer to another, but usually, a single serving of protein powder should contain somewhere around 22 to 25 grams of protein.
Do I Need to Watch out for Any Suspect Ingredients in My Protein Powder?
For the most part, the nutritional facts will tell you everything you need. Saturated fat is not really something you want to see in a supplement. Added sugars also typically indicate the presence of sucralose.
If you have any allergies to soy and/or gluten, you should also check to see if the product contains those ingredients.
10 reasons to increase your protein intake
The healthy benefits of carbohydrates and fats tend to be controversial. However, a higher percentage of researchers have conclusively agreed that proteins are essential. Numerous studies suggest that a diet with high levels of proteins is of great value.
There are various sources of protein. The aspect is critical as there are people who are allergic to plant or animal proteins. Such cases call for an alternative uptake that replaces the allergic source. In other words, victims allergic to animal protein are advice on taking plant proteins as an alternative.
Numerous studies have linked protein with several benefits. The article will, therefore, explore some of the reasons as to why you should increase your protein intake.
Take a look at some of the reasons you should increase your protein intake.
1. Reduces Hunger Levels and Appetite
The three macro-nutrients affect the functioning of one's system. Studies have revealed that protein are the most filling nutrient you will ever have. In other words, you will need a small portion of protein to be full.
The aspect is linked to the fact that increased uptake of protein reduces the level of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Also, protein increase the level of peptide YY hence enhancing a filling sensation.
Such effects on one's appetite are helpful. Recent studies have identified that the art of increasing the level of protein intake from 15 % to 30 % caused overweight women to reduce the art of taking calories with more than 441 calories a day.
Also, if you need to reduce your belly fat without morning jogs, replace some of your fats and carbs with protein. The adjustments cut one belly as fewer fats will be ingested, and fewer hunger pangs will be experienced.
2. Increases Muscle Strength and Mass
The primary building blocks of muscles is protein. Therefore, the art of increasing the intake of protein plays a critical role in maintains the muscles' mass, let alone promoting their growth in terms of strength.
If you need to increase your muscle strength without much training, make some effort to increase the level of protein in your diet. Also, if you are physically fit and longs for muscles, as you exercise, increase your protein intake for better results.
Clinical studies have identified that increasing dietary protein plays a critical role in preventing muscle loss in case of a weight loss. In other words, if you are infected by a disease that causes a reduction in terms of weight, your muscles will remain intact as healing is enhanced.
3. Benefits to Your Bones
In the recent past, there was an ongoing myth that perpetuates the idea that animal protein is bad for bones. The idea was based on the fact that the uptake of proteins increases the level of acid in the body. The aspects cause calcium to be leached from bones in the bid of neutralizing the acidity.
However, recent studies have identified that protein have some significant benefits for bone's health. The aspect is linked to the fact that people who eat a lot of protein tend to maintain their bone mass and are at a lower risk of developing fractures and osteoporosis.
The art of increasing the daily intake of protein is beneficial to women of post-menopause age in the bid of lowering the risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, eating a lot of protein and staying active is the right way of preventing such cases from happening.
4. Reduces Late-Night Snacking as well as Cravings
Food cravings are quite different from normal hunger. In other words, desires are more of a mental issue. You might be full, but since your brains is looking for a reward, you will not be at peace. However, the best remedy for such a situation is protein.
There are cases where one may lose control over cravings. In such situations, the best remedy to overcome them is by preventing their occurrence. Increase your protein intake and avoid hunger pangs associated with cravings.
Recent studies in overweight men identified that the art of increasing the protein intake by 25% reduced calories cravings by 60% and overnight snacking by half. The aspect indicates that you can reduce your appetite and night snacking by increasing the level at which you take protein.
Scientists have been linking such adjustment to the art of improving the functions of dopamine. In other words, protein increase the effectiveness of dopamine in managing addictions and cravings.
5. Increase Fat Burning hence boosting one's Metabolism
The art of taking a meal is essential in boosting your Metabolism. The aspect is linked to the fact that your body digests the calorie in food and uses the nutrients in food in what is known as the thermic effect.
It is worth noting that not all foods are the same. However, protein have a much high thermic effect than carbs and fats. Therefore increasing your protein intake means increasing the number of calories burn.
The art of increasing one's daily uptake of protein can amount to more than 80 calories being burned in a day. Researchers have identified that there are high-protein groups that can help one burn 260 calories in a day. Such burning is equivalent to an hour of moderate exercise per day.
6. Lowering One's Blood Pressure
In the recent past, conditions such as hypertension and diabetes have been a menace in medicine. High blood pressure has been associated with other conditions such as strokes and other chronic kidneys diseases.
Interestingly, increased uptake of protein has been associated with the art of lowering blood pressure. Recent clinical trials have identified that increased absorption of proteins lowers systolic blood pressure by more than 1.76 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure by more than 1.15 mm Hg.
Fats have been associated with the art of increasing an individual's blood pressure. Luckily, the art of increasing the uptake of protein helps in burning some of these fats hence lowering the risk of developing hypertension.
Also, there are three types of cholesterols in one's system. The "bad cholesterol" LDL has been associated with the art of increasing one's blood pressure. Luckily, the art of increasing the daily uptake of proteins plays a critical role in reducing the level of such cholesterol in the blood.
7. Maintaining One's Weight
Research studies have shown that an increase in protein uptake does well in boosting the body's Metabolism. The aspect is critical as it leads to an automatic reduction in calories intakes as well as night snacking.
A lot of people who increase their dietary intake of protein tend to lose weight instantly. Research studies have found that women who sourced at least 30% of their calories from protein lose more than 5 kg in 12 weeks.
“Such efforts required no restriction on their diet.” as per experts.
Also, when one is subjected to the art of restricting the intake of calories, protein play some vital roles in lowering the level of fats in the body. In other words, if you want to shed off some weight, your physician may recommend the art of replacing some fats and carbs with protein.
The aspect is linked to the fact that recent studies have shown that women on a restricted diet tend to lose more than 50% of their body fats on normal protein intake. The aspect means that such women lowered the absorption of fats and carbs only. Although they maintained their daily intake of proteins, they were able to shed off fats.
Also, an increase in the daily intake has been associated with the art maintaining one weight. Studies have shown that increasing protein intake by 15 or 18 percent can reduce weight gain by more than 50%.
Therefore, if you want to shed some weight and maintain your posture, consider increasing your dietary intake of protein.
8. Effects on the kidneys
There are some allegations that a high protein intake might harm an individual's kidneys. Proved studies have shown that a reduction in protein intake benefits people with existing kidney disorders. The aspect should not be taken lightly as kidney issues can be fatal.
Although high protein intake may affect individuals with kidney issues, it does not affect healthy kidneys. In other, if your organs are intact, there is no need to worry about increasing or reducing your dietary intake of protein.
Also, numerous studies have underscored the fact that high protein diets have effects on people without kidney issues. However, it is wise to have a kidney function test before changing your dietary intake of protein.
The aspect is linked to the fact that there are individuals who have ended up with kidney issues on taking more proteins ignorant of the state of their organs. In other words, kidney function tests are helpful as one to identify whether proteins might increase the complications associated with the organ.
9. Body's Repair after Injury
Protein plays a critical role in repairing one body's cells after an injury. The aspect is linked to the fact that most of these proteins act as the primary building blocks of cells, tissue, and organs.
Several studies have identified that the art of increasing the daily uptake of proteins speeds up the recovering process after an injury. People who take less protein in a day tend to develop complications when it comes to the art of wound healing.
People who engage in vigorous games such as hockey requires a lot of protein to sustain their bodies. In most cases, once an injury is developed, lots of proteins might be needed to enhance healing.
10. Helps one to keep Fit even after aging
Aging is associated with the art of weakening one's muscles. In most cases, people with fatty bodies tend to emaciate more than lean individuals. However, the uptake of protein in such stages plays a critical role in reducing the art of muscle wasting.
The most detrimental case, while aging, is known as sarcopenia. The condition is the primary cause of bone fractures and frailty. Also, the state had been associated with reducing the life expectancy of aged individuals.
Luckily, the art of increasing the uptake of protein has been associated with the effect of reducing the deterioration of muscles among the elderly. Such results are critical in the sense that they lower the risks of developing sarcopenia.
Staying physically fit may require a combination of crucial activities such as lifting weights or rather doing some sought of exercises aimed at increasing the strength in muscles. However, you need some more proteins than carbs and fat as you age.
In most cases, aging individuals are exposed to lifestyle diseases such as hypertension. The art of being an inactive and increased accumulation of fats within the system may be lead to the development of such conditions.
Luckily, taking in a lot of protein helps in burning some of these fats and reduces the chances of developing such disorders on aging.
However, you need to consider the functioning of the kidneys before subjecting yourself to a diet with an increased protein level.
In a nutshell, although a higher protein intake has been associated with some health benefits, it is not necessary for everyone. In other words, some people are allergic to any kind of protein.
Also, the body does not require a lot of calories from protein to prevent deficiency. Most people are physically fit by taking around 15% of their total calories from proteins. Therefore, you need to sober up before deciding on the amount of protein to ingest daily.
Before you decide whether you will take in more protein or not, a kidney function test is essential. The aspect is linked to the fact that high proteins tend to harm individuals with existing kidney issues.
The art of increasing the dietary intake of protein has been offering remarkable results if you have gained some weight and need some shedding. Also, if you are working on improving your body mass as well as the strength in muscles, you need to increase the rate at which you take protein. The aspect relates to the fact that protein forms the primary building block of these muscles and tissues.
Final Verdict
Hopefully, all the information listed above has let you know exactly what kind of protein powder you need. With the right supplement in hand and solid diet and exercise plans in mind, you will soon be able to achieve that body you’ve always wanted.
