Most supplement companies claim to have the best protein powder for lean muscle growth and weight management, but is that really all you want from your protein powder?
B
eyond supporting your fitness goals, choosing a protein powder ultimately comes down to your personal priorities and values. How to choose protein powder for lean muscle?
“Which protein powder should I use?” – If this question has been on your mind, the answer depends on whether you only want to increase your protein intake to grow some muscle or curb your appetite, or you want to take a holistic approach to your health and fitness.
If you're interested in the latter, then this article on choosing a protein powder is for you, especially if you want to make building lean muscle easier by:
- Feeling nourished and energised
- Supporting your immune function
- Balancing your hormones
- Saying goodbye to bloating
- Improving your gut health
- Recovering quickly post-workout
- Feeling fuller for longer
- Enjoying an anti-inflammatory diet
- Using organic and ethically sourced products
- Looking forward to using your protein powder
1
Opt for plant-based protein
Both casein and whey are dairy-based proteins that are commonly used in protein powders. As they are byproducts of cheese production, they are a cheap and readily available option for supplement companies. However, casein and whey contain a milk sugar called lactose, which can cause poor digestion, headaches, breakouts and low energy in most adult humans.
By comparison, most plant-based protein powders have a much lower risk of food intolerance, making them easier to digest for optimum nutrient absorption. A blend of yellow pea protein, and brown rice protein, Tropeaka Lean Protein is extra gentle on the digestive system because it’s naturally free from soy, dairy and gluten.
Not only is this hypoallergenic blend a complete protein source that provides the full range of amino acids needed for tissue repair and muscle recovery, but Lean Protein is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The wide range of micronutrients, including omegas 3, 6, 9 and fibre, means you can enjoy many health benefits (beyond beating the bloat) when you make the switch.
For optimum protein absorption, choose a plant-based protein powder that contains digestive enzymes
2
Prioritise good gut health
Protein is digested in the mouth, stomach, and small intestine before it’s released into the bloodstream as amino acids that the body can use. As such, getting the full benefit of using a protein powder requires that it’s easily digested and absorbed by the body. In other words, it's crucial to prioritise your gut health when choosing a protein powder.
For optimum protein absorption, choose a plant-based protein powder that contains digestive enzymes to further reduce the chance of digestive upset and bloating, ensuring you feel your best and get the most out of your protein powder.
3
Avoid artificial sweeteners
In an effort to keep calories low without sacrificing taste, some protein powder manufacturers use artificial sweeteners in their products. While it sounds like a positive for those trying to reach or maintain a healthy weight, artificial sweeteners may disrupt the delicate balance of gut bacteria, which can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health in the long-term.
In addition to aiding the digestion of food, the good bacteria in your gut help ward off disease, regulate your weight, and maintain the health of your heart and brain. Like refined sugars and industrial trans fats, artificial sweeteners feed the harmful bacteria that hinder digestion and immune function, increase inflammation throughout the body, prevent nutrient absorption, and make us crave junk food.
When choosing a protein powder, always read the label carefully to make sure there’s nothing artificial. Nothing tastes better than nature, so look for a protein powder made with naturally sweet superfoods and a tasty blend of herbs and spices
4
Look for delicious natural flavours
A versatile protein powder with a variety of delicious, natural flavours makes a great addition to smoothies and smoothie bowls - but that’s not all. Naturally flavoured protein powders can also be used in baking, healthy desserts, porridge, yoghurts, coffee and granolas - you name it! If you’re craving some inspiration, check out the Tropeaka recipe blog.
When it comes to improving your health and fitness, consistency is key, and the better a supplement tastes, the more likely you are to use it every day and get the most out of it. How does 100% all-natural chocolate, vanilla and salted caramel sound?
Select one with low-moderate carbs rather than no carbs at all
5
Low carb, not no carb
Despite the recent keto craze, research shows that high-quality carbohydrates are super important when it comes to improving your athletic performance, building lean muscle, and holistically supporting your health and fitness with balanced macronutrients.
Since protein has many different roles within the body, from muscle building and tissue repairs to transporting other nutrients and making hormones, the body will use carbohydrates for energy whenever they are available. Choosing a protein powder with some carbs is your best bet for replenishing your glycogen stores, aiding muscle repair, and feeling energised before and after a workout.
If you’re wondering how to choose protein powder for more energy and lean muscle development, select one with low-moderate carbs rather than no carbs at all. Better yet, add your plant-based protein powder to a smoothie made with frozen bananas and oats!
6
Look for added superfoods
There’s so much more to health and fitness than getting enough protein. Choosing a protein powder made with nutrient-dense superfoods means you’re also getting an abundance of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. Getting enough of these nutrients is essential for balanced hormones, reducing inflammation, and feeling your best with every step towards your fitness goals.
The nutrients in superfoods can improve your endurance, increase your energy, strengthen your immune system, balance your hormones, boost your mood and more! Instead of choosing a protein powder with artificial sweeteners, dextrins, thickeners, and other nasties, opt for an all-natural blend of plant-based protein and superfoods.
Which protein powder should I use?
If you’re ready to choose the very best protein powder for healthy weight management, lean muscle development, and fast recovery, as well as overall health and wellbeing, look no further than the Tropeaka Lean Protein range.
While you may be interested in Lean Protein Powder for building lean muscle and supporting your exercise recovery, this organic plant-based blend is also the best choice for your overall health and wellbeing. And since it comes in three delicious natural flavours, Lean Protein is a health supplement you can look forward to using each day!
