Let’s Talk: Protein Powder

I’m happy to say that I think I rocked my first exam yesterday.

I am also happy to say that I was exceptionally productive for the entire day yesterday. After my exam I was able to focus on studying for todays exam and take fewer breaks than I usually do.

I think it’s all of this healthy fat that I’m eating these days I have been going through avocados like it’s nobody’s business, emptying almond butter containers like there is no tomorrow, and guzzling walnut oil like it’s my day job

In all seriousness, though, the recent increase of healthy fat in my diet is doing wonders. Especially in regards to my brain power and mood

The only thing that I let disrupt my productiveness yesterday was Ellen

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Everyone needs a little Ellen in their life, don’t you think? She was so funny yesterday, too! Did anyone see yesterdays episode? She started off by saying that a new study has concluded that the key to a healthy life is good nutrition and an active life style. Obviously, this comment caught my attention, so I continued listening to miss Ellen… She then followed up by saying the University of “DUH” conducted this study

Haha, oh Ellen. <3

I am thrilled that you seemed to enjoy yesterday’s post! Thanks for all of the great feedback as always
I always appreciate your comments! <3

Today’s post will kind of be branching off of yesterdays post in terms of not following the leader and doing what’s best for YOU!

Today, I would like to talk about protein powders. A reader has requested that I speak about this topic and I thought it was a great request, so I agreed to writing about it! Rather than stating what protein powders are; however, my reader was more interested in how the protein within a protein powder differs from the protein found in meat and if they are necessary to implement in a diet that is lacking in protein.

Throughout this post I will be referring to whey protein powder as it is the most common type of protein powder used; however, if you want to learn more about casein protein powder watch my vlog here.

The whey protein found within a protein powder is of high biological value which means that the nitrogen is absorbed very well by the body for tissue formation. Having said that, there are other sources of protein that are of high biological value as well such as animal meat and eggs. Vegetable proteins can also be an excellent source of protein; however, two sources of vegetable proteins usually have to be paired together in order to achieve a complete protein. An example of this would be to pair legumes with grains.

Here is a chart to illustrate the different biological values of a variety of protein sources

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Even though whey protein is of high biological value, I personally choose whole foods more often. Now, after writing that, I know I am going to receive comments pointing out that I eat casein protein powder every night, but, as I said in my video, I found that the casein protein powder is one of the only things that actually holds me over until the next morning which is why I have that as my bedtime snack, but throughout the day if I do not workout I typically do not have protein powder throughout the day, other than my bedtime snack, of course. Occasionally, I will make protein pancakes, but lately I have been focusing on having the majority of my protein intake come from sources other than protein powder

On a work out day, I will use 1 scoop of protein powder in my post workout shake, but the past two days (Sunday and Monday) were my rest days and I did not have any protein powder throughout the day except at bedtime because I much rather have chicken, pork, fish, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc.

Many people will choose to have protein powder for convenience sake, but personally I find hauling around a protein shake inconvenient. I much rather chop up some chicken, throw it in a plastic bag with a small ice pack or frozen juice box and not have to worry about spillage!

The one time I did find protein powder to be of convenience; however, was when I spent a weekend in Toronto. I knew my friend and I wouldn’t have time to go grocery shopping, so to make sure I would be getting a source of protein in my breakfast I made protein oats each morning instead of having my usual eggs.

So, if you are looking to increase the amount of protein you consume throughout the day I personally believe that you can do so without adding protein powder into your diet. I didn’t start using protein powder until I started weight training. The reason I have it post workout is because a post workout shake containing protein powder is easily digested and will get to my muscles quick when they need fuel the most! But, like I said, on rest days I will definitely opt for another source of protein.

In conclusion, I think protein powders are good to use, clearly since I use them myself, but on rest days I actually enjoy having less of it in my diet So, if you are looking to increase your protein intake don’t feel as though you need to purchase protein powder just because everyone seems to use protein powder. Try increasing the portion of your chicken at dinner, throw a few more shrimp on your salad, or my new favourite – add a whole egg into your morning omelette

Gosh, I look forward to my yolk every morning now. You have no idea the joy it brings to my heart

I’m off to Starbucks to study now, though! Two more exams to go!

Do you use protein powder? 

What is your favourite brand of protein powder? My favourite brand of whey protein powder is About Time I like that it is flavoured with Stevia and it tastes great, too! You can read reviews that I have written on the About Time protein powders on my Review page!

Do you keep track of how much protein you consume within a day? 

Keep smiling friends!

Love,
Meg
xoxo

Tagged as: Ellen Degeneres, meat, protein, protein powder