Protein is an essential part of my diet, on and off season. And one way I get it in is a protein “shake”. That used to be whey protein until my last competition prep when I gave it up.
Actually, my coach switched me to pea protein for the 2018 competition season. It doesn’t taste as good as all the flavors of whey protein but it does the body good. Or at least my body.
A person trying to build muscle requires more protein than the average person. Someone trying to build muscle requires more, around 1 gram per pound. Professional bodybuilders can take even 2 grams per pound. I am currently taking in 1 gram per pound.
There are a number of protein sources including chicken, fish, beef, turkey, eggs and protein powder.
Benefit of whey protein
Taking whey protein supplements can help you consume the amount of protein that you need to achieve your goal of building muscle mass.
The protein structure found in whey makes it a perfect fast digesting protein. This means it is not meant to give you a full sensation when you take it, rather, whey wants to digest quickly and get to the muscles where it is needed as fast as possible.
Other considerations of whey protein
Intestinal Irritation
This is probably related to the lactose intolerance, even though some that are not intolerant still experience side effects like diarrhea and gas.
Bloating
For me, I became bloated and gassy. I didn’t even realize it until I made the switch to pea protein. I’ve read that it’s very common to develop increased intestinal gas during a whey protein cycle. I am not sure how extended my stomach got but I could hear the gas bubbles.
The good news is that it only takes a short time for whey protein shakes to “wear off” and you go back to normal.
Other options: Plant protein
I started out with Plnt’s Pea Protein. Let me say this from the start, pea protein is not the tastiest protein in the world but it does works for me. I tried Plnt’s Plant Protein and now using Vega Sport Premium Plant Protein.
I have found that plant protein does not cause gas or bloating. It is amazing what your body tells you when you are listening to it.
Here are reasons to opt for plant protein powders:
- Easily digestible and shouldn’t cause bloating, an upset stomach or gas
- Lower in cholesterol and sodium than animal protein sources
- Less likely to contain unnecessary ingredients
- Anti-inflammatory
I prefer to eat my protein
I prefer to eat my protein. I am not a fan of protein drinks, but use them because sometimes it is necessary. My preferred protein sources are chicken, fish, turkey and eggs.
When you eat six meals a day you have to be creative. Or at least I try to be creative with my meals. It might be the same protein sources but it has to be cooked differently.
The goal is to keep the foods in rotation so it does not become stale. It’s the only way to reach my goals without going insane or cheating on my meal plan.
What’s your favorite source of protein?
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