How To Choose the Right Protein powder for Your Smoothies

 Overview 

Protein powders are literally the powdered form of protein.

Protein is one of the macromolecules present in every cell of the body that contributes to the bone, muscle and skin health. Our body needs it to produce hormones, enzymes and other important chemicals that maintain our body system at large. Some protein sources include peas, soybeans, whey, casein protein and egg protein.

Protein powders may involve ingredients which can include sweeteners and flavorings like strawberry, salted caramel, and chocolate to make them more palatable. They can also be combined, usually with milk, unsweetened almond milk, and water depending on the kind of taste you desire.

They are a great option for a snack to help boost the amount of protein you get in a day. They help you stay full and can even be used before workouts as a snack. 

Moving onto the main reason we're all here, How do you choose the ideal protein powder for your smoothies?

Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:

a. Your Goal.

The first thing you want to consider is your goal. Are you looking to lose weight, build muscle or just improve your overall health? This will help you narrow down your choices and find a protein powder that’s right for you.

For instance, If you’re looking to lose weight, you’ll want an active protein powder ingredient that's low in calories and fat, say around 100 calories per serving is either low-fat or fat-free, and that will just do. Protein powder that fall into this category are almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and watermelon seeds.

If you’re looking to build muscle, you’ll want a protein powder with a high protein content. Look for a powder that has at least 20 grams of protein per serving. A major protein source in this category is Whey protein as it is plant-based and can be taken by some of us that are vegan ; others include peas, flax seeds and chia seeds.

For those who are looking to gain weight, mostly because of illnesses that reduces appetite, powders that are high in protein, carbohydrates, and fat content should be taken. You want to make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need 

b. How much taste matters to you 

Some people don't mind how tasty their protein powder is, however, if the taste of your smoothie matters a whole lot to you, this point is for you. You want to choose a protein powder that you’re likely to consume consistently and enjoying the taste might ensure that. The best-tasting protein powder option varies from person to person. Some factors you want to be mindful of when deciding on a protein powder are:

c. Mixability 

Mesh count refers to how fine a protein powder is, which can impact how easily it will mix by hand in a shaker bottle. You won’t be able to see this information on the label, but sometimes you can tell by looking at the powder or touching it.

d. Texture

Plant-based protein powders tend to have a grittier or chalkier texture, which means they often taste better when blended using an electric blender (rather than a shaker cup). Blending with a creamier liquid, such as plant milk, or adding higher-fat items like yogurt and nut butters to your shake can also help smooth out a chalky protein powder. Highly-processed powders, such as isolates and hydrolysates, are more likely to have a smoother texture.

e. Your allergies or dietary restrictions.

Another thing to consider when choosing your protein powder is if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. For instance, If you’re lactose intolerant, you’ll want to avoid protein powders that contain whey or casein. There are many dairy-free protein powders and they typically contain pea protein, egg whites or plant-based protein sources. Therefore, you want to be sure to check this out before you make your choice.

e. Your Preferred flavor 

There are many different protein powder flavors, you therefore need to find one that tempts your taste buds, from chocolate to strawberry to caramel and your favourites. However some people are sensitive to the taste of some artificial flavors and non-nutritive sweeteners. If that describes you, you might need to look for a protein powder that's made with nutritive sweeteners or natural flavors. Unflavored protein powder may also be a good option if you don’t like artificial flavors, or simply prefer the flavor of whole foods.

f. Your preferred protein source.

Last but not the least is your preferred protein source. If what you want is an animal-based protein powder such as protein powder made from egg whites, or you would prefer a vegan protein powder such as whey protein powder. There's always a good option that is widely available when deciding upon the right protein source for you.

FINAL THOUGHTS.

Protein powders are a great way to add protein to your diet. It’s also a convenient way of making sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet. 

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