All year round, but particularly in summer, we are obsessed with drinking protein shakes. But are all shakes created equal? We think not. That’s why there’s a movement out there called—wait for it—Shakeology. Ready to learn about the art and science of the protein shake? Read on.
There are so many shakes out in the marketplace, it’s no wonder you’re dizzy with options. Looking to supplement your diets with protein shakes to keep off the fat? Keep it high quality and keep it simple. Here’s everything you need to know.
WHY DRINK PROTEIN SHAKES?
I drink a shake a day because my nutrition is not stellar all the time. Let’s face it. I’m never going to put all the optimal foods into a blender and zing it up to give me enough fruits and veggies for my daily servings. Plus, have you ever tasted a delicious kale, broccoli, spinach and yogurt shake? I haven’t. Properly made shakes also are lower in calorie, limited in sugars and will give you the energy and protein along with the nutrients you need every day.
Shakes are important because we don’t eat properly. Although people fear it, there is absolutely nothing wrong with supplementing your diet. In fact, if you know you are not good at balancing proteins, carbs and fats, why not help yourself by supplementing with a shake? Just as my morning latte is part of my daily ritual, so is my protein shake, and it’s no surprise that it’s healthier than my beloved caffeine.
QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT YOUR SHAKE
When you’re making or buying a protein shake, you’ll want to ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want one that’s just a scoop of protein dropped in your blender with some added milk or water and some ice? Or are you into adding your garden to the mix? Thats up to you.
- Do you want to make it or just buy one that has everything you need without the prep and clean up involved in making your own from scratch?
- Which type of protein shake do you want: Whey or Vegan?
- GMO or non-GMO – what’s the difference to you?
WHEY PROTEIN SHAKES
What is whey and why is it good for me? Whey is the leftover dairy product derived when producing cheese products. The fat is removed and it is processed for us. Served up in a simple powder form, whey is a fantastic source of healthy protein. Easily digested by your system, it helps with muscle creation and is a great appetite suppressant or alternative for that 3pm low. These days, you’ll find whey in just about every flavour to suit your taste, from natural to vanilla, chocolate to key lime pie.
So which whey protein should you choose? First off, forget the packaging and focus on the ingredients. You want high quality whey, such as New Zealand whey or whey isolate. Basically, better protein costs more. And if it’s going into your body, it’s worth the investment.
VEGAN SHAKES
What is vegan? Essentially, vegan is non-animal. If you don’t eat animal protein, this is the option for you. It’s also a great choice if you’re dairy free – whether that’s due to lactose intolerance or dietary restrictions on diary products that include rennet, an animal by-product in many cheeses. A vegan shake can include products you’ve likely heard of, such as hemp, soy, pea, and egg white protein. Resembling any other protein powder, it comes in a whack of delicious flavours. It’s also a great supplement to your diet, helping to support muscle growth and serving as that nutritious mid-day snack you know you’ll crave. Diet Note: If you’re keeping a vegan diet or avoiding whey, stick with pea protein or egg white portent powders. Too much soy-based protein is not great if you have a history of estrogen-related illness or if you are pre or peri-menopausal.
THE GMO FACTOR
How pure do you want your protein shake to be? To find out, check whether the ingredients are GMO, or Genetically Modified Organism. Genetically modified food is produced by genetically changing or modifying the organism at the molecular level. We don’t know the effects of GMO products yet but do know that GMO products decrease the nutrient value in food. That means an apple a day is not what it used to mean.
If you’re drinking your shake as a meal replacement, then you need all the dense nutrition you can get. In that case, you want to go for whole food, non-GMO shakes. These shakes come at a cost of about $5. They are cheaper than any meal you’ll eat and are packed with the nutrition you want. If you’re looking for what’s going to work for your body, do your homework. Ask around. But remember, good nutrition costs money and you’re worth it. You’re insides will thank you. Your outsides will thank you. Your results will thank you.
