Let’s talk protein powders..

Do you really need them?

The truth is, you can get post workout protein through a meal, this will always be superior to a protein shake.

However, because post workout fuel is just as important as pre workout fuel, a protein shake may just be more convenient if you want to fuel within a 30 minute window. Ingesting protein post exercise is crucial for muscle repair, training adaptations and lean muscle development which in turn will positively affect body composition.

There are some quite nasty ones on the market (I am not going to name and shame) but you want to stay clear of the ones who use a tonne of artificial sweeteners. The most common used in protein powders are sucralose and acesulfame potassium. These can cause havoc on your gut and a healthy gut is crucial for hormonal health.

So, if you’re wanting to use protein powders, you want to keep it as clean as possible. It is unlikely that you will find one with absolutely no sweeteners, but the better ones use plant sweeteners which are potentially slightly less harmful.

Some examples of cleaner protein powders are:

• FORM

• Dr Mercola

• The Organic Protein co. 

• Garden of Life