Should You Be Using Protein Powder?

If you’ve ever wondered about using protein powder to build muscle, you don’t NEED it, but I personally enjoy including it in my diet.  

Supplements  and their potential benefits are one of the most frequently discussed topics in the fitness world. When it comes to protein powder, there are so many different types and flavors, it can be a little overwhelming! 

As a personal trainer, I recommend checking with your healthcare professional regarding whether you require a protein supplement. I want to share with you how I use protein powders, and the options available if you want to try using them yourself. 

How I use protein powders to supplement my diet

I supplement my diet with protein powder because I actually enjoy the taste and love creating protein shakes and smoothies. Also, as someone who doesn’t love to cook and eats meat sparingly, I LOVE the convenience of it.

Typically, I prefer whey proteins as I include dairy in my regular diet and I think they taste best. I keep a few different types of protein powder in my pantry to use in different recipes — such as these chocolate coconut protein bites, which make a delicious post-workout snack!

However, please note that I use supplements to improve upon an already healthy diet. I do not use supplements as the foundation for my health. They should be used to help improve your nutrient intake, not to fix it. 

While you should always use whole foods as your primary source of macronutrients, if you think you might not be getting enough protein, or you are looking for ways to meet your protein requirements during a busy lifestyle, protein powder may be one way to achieve that. 

Choosing a protein powder for yourself

There are numerous types of protein powder supplements and each has its own pros and cons. Protein powders derived from milk include whey protein and casein protein — whey protein can be in isolate or concentrate form, or a blend. 

There are also some vegan protein powder options available, most of which are based with pea protein. Other protein powder sources include rice, egg, hemp and soy proteins. 

The protein powder that is best for you is the one that works for your body, dietary needs and preferences — there is no one-size-fits-all.

I have tried tons of different types of protein and typically my personal preference is 100% whey isolates. These are easiest for my body to digest and have excellent protein to carb and fat ratios. 

Do I need to use protein powder to get results from my strength training?

When you are already eating a healthy diet, you don’t need to include any supplements to meet your daily nutrition goals. You can definitely get results from your PWR training without using protein powder — just be sure to include plenty of healthy protein sources in your meals and snacks!

Protein supplements should enhance an already healthy diet

First and foremost, I think it is important to remember that dietary needs vary widely depending on your individual body, your health and fitness goals, and your dietary intolerances and preferences. Everybody is different, and your own dietary needs may change over time, just as your training and your lifestyle will too! 

I’ve certainly found that as I’ve embarked on my own health and fitness journey, it’s been the accumulative small changes that have made the biggest difference to my wellbeing. 

What you decide to eat is an individual choice, and supplementing should be just that — a supplement to your healthy balanced diet, if needed. 

Xx

Kels