Here’s a little fitness secret that the gym doesn’t always tell you: muscle is built in the kitchen. Sure, you can spend hours in the weight room or sweat in front of the mirror, but if your diet isn’t on point, you won’t get the results you want. All that hard work is for nothing.
I’m sorry, but that’s the reality.
As you work towards your fitness goals, take a closer look at the fuel you’re ingesting (i.e., the food you eat every day). While we definitely don’t recommend counting every gram of intake and expenditure, even something relatively simple like increasing your protein intake can improve your results. You’ll definitely see the difference.
Increasing your protein intake helps keep your muscles healthy and build muscle mass. You could eat a lot of meat and stuff yourself with meat at every meal, but that’s expensive and boring (not to mention bad for the environment!) The most effective and affordable way to add protein to your diet is with something called whey protein powder. Here’s a quick guide on what you need to know.
What is Whey Protein Powder?
Whey protein is a by-product of the cheese-making process. Whey is the watery milk that separates from the curds during cheese-making. It’s admittedly unappetizing, but more on that later. Whey protein is usually sold in powder form, packaged in flexible sachets or plastic containers. It can be mixed with liquid to create a milkshake or smoothie-like drink that can be consumed as part of your daily routine or before or after a workout.
What are the benefits of whey protein powder?
While the health benefits of whey protein powder are debated, there is evidence that adding a protein powder to your training routine can improve strength, muscle mass, and recovery. Other potential benefits include weight gain, improved healing, and allergy relief.
Is Whey Protein Powder Safe?
Be sure to consult with a medical professional before significantly increasing your protein intake. There is some risk for people with certain medical conditions, so it’s best to play it safe before investing. Once you’ve done that, there’s nothing stopping you from mixing and building muscle to your full potential.
Do whey protein powders come in different flavors?
Sure, “a by-product of cheese making” might sound a bit gross, but supplement companies are adding flavors and sweeteners to their powders, minimizing calories and carbs, making them palatable and providing muscle-building benefits. Flavors include chocolate, banana, vanilla, and strawberry. What’s not to like?
What is the best protein powder?
To help you choose the best product for your specific goals, we researched all of the top protein powders, comparing brands, prices, reviews, and more, then compiled all of this information into a handy list so you can make an informed decision.
These are the best protein powders of 2024.
