Written By: Nutrition Coach Mairead
As usual, I’m here to answer your nutrition questions that come up frequently! Protein powder is a hot topic and something that people wonder about a ton, hopefully this email can answer some of those questions!
Before we get started, it’s important to remember that anything in our blog posts are meant to be general recommendations. If you have a unique situation or unique dietary needs, getting personalized nutrition advice can be the best way to go.
Do I need a protein powder?
Unless your protein needs are exceptionally high from very intense or high volume training, most people don’t need a protein powder necessarily. Protein powders can be super convenient but can also be expensive. There’s no reason that a protein powder is going to be a better source of protein than “real” food options – meat, fish, poultry, dairy, legumes, nuts and seeds, and other plant-based proteins.
Choosing a whole food option could even be providing you with more nutrients than your protein powder because it does include other vitamins, minerals, fats, or fibre, depending on your source.
When should I use a protein powder?
Protein powder can be a really convenient option for post-workout recovery because you can take it anywhere (chicken breast can be less portable). Pair it with a source of carbs, like a banana, to jump-start your recovery if you’re a few hours from having a meal!
What kind of protein powder should I get?
If you are someone who eats and tolerates dairy, whey protein is a great complete protein – meaning it has all the essential amino acids that your body can’t make on it’s own. If you don’t do dairy for whatever reason, try choosing a soy protein or a protein powder made of a combination of plant-proteins that will give you that complete protein
There is no one brand of protein powder that is perfect – everyone has different needs and things they want in a protein powder.
There are an endless number of different flavours out there, powders made with regular or sugar-free sweeteners, ones that are fortified with other things – it’s a matter of looking at what YOU want in a protein powder or talking about it with a dietitian and then finding one you like. Trying samples can be a great way to find out if you even like it before you commit to a big container.
Questions about whether you need a protein powder or how it should fit in your nutrition plan? Let’s chat!
