Supplementing With Protein Powder

By Team eLifestyle Fitness and Lifestyle Expert Robb Armstrong

Last week we explained how adding lean muscle to your body was the major key to weight loss.

In this week’s Fit Tip we tell you how supplementing with protein powder can help boost the return on your fitness efforts. What’s more, we’ll shake things up with a nutritious protein drink recipe to kick-start your day.

It’s "Whey" Convenient

Nowadays, finding healthy ways to supplement the nutrition you may be missing over the course of your busy day has become the norm. In earlier times supplementing with protein powders blended into drinks was something reserved primarily for bodybuilders. The reason is that in order to satisfy higher protein requirements for muscle building it was difficult to obtain all the protein needed through whole food.

Today however, protein powders have come along way both in their acceptance among those with healthy active lifestyles, as well as in taste and quality. There are many types of protein powders on the market with the best source coming in the form of whey –- better yet, whey isolate.

When do you need to supplement with protein powder?

• When you don’t get a sufficient amount of protein in your diet over the course of your day.
• When you’re short on time to prepare your meals but realize the need to follow a nutritious diet daily.
  
• When you need a great source of protein with minimal calories.
• To help you avoid skipping breakfast and provide a healthy, energetic boost to your day.

Did you know?

There is a misunderstanding regarding the use of protein powders. Some of our clients (with the majority of concern being from woman) think that it will “bulk” them up, when in fact a serving of protein powder is equal to a serving of fish, egg whites, chicken or red meat, which obviously doesn’t have any bulking effect whatsoever. Generally speaking, bulking is caused mainly by excess calories from a non-structured diet.

More importantly, you need protein in your diet on a daily basis just to repair the lean muscle you already have, which is directly related to the efficiency of your metabolism. It’s also unknown to most that whey protein is actually the highest grade of protein you can consume!

Kick-start your day with the easy Berry Blast Breakfast Shake

In a blender, mix:

• 16oz water, low fat or soy milk (depending on your taste requirements)
• 20g (1 scoop) whey protein isolate. (2 scoops for more advanced athletes)
• 1 tbls honey (source of antioxidants and 17.5g of carbs – glucose and fructose)
• ½ cup frozen or fresh berries (17g carbs – glucose and fructose)

*Drink soon after waking for best results.

Remember; your morning supplement and dietary habits can make or break your muscle building, body shaping and fat burning goals!

Enjoy!

Note: Check back every week for more helpful health and fitness tips from eLifestyle's Fit Tips by Robb!