Picking the Best Protein Shake

Protein comes from the lean tissue of animals. It also comes from the meaty flesh of nuts and seeds, as well as animal products such as milk and eggs. In the not so distant past, if you wanted extra protein for muscle repair you had to eat extra meats, nuts, seeds, milk, and eggs. These provided plenty of amino acids, and in many cases a complete array, but they also carried extra fat, and with milk, extra carbohydrates. Supplement companies came to the rescue and started developing protein products.

The Best Protein Shakes

The move started with liver tablets, then amino acid tablets and protein shakes. Today, you can find protein in almost any form on the market. Protein shakes are by far the most popular form of protein supplement. They are convenient, easy to use, and provide large amounts of protein. Most protein powders come in an assortment of flavors. Chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry are the common offerings, but some have exotic flavors like Banana Cream, Mint Chocolate Chip, or Peanut Butter Caramel. While flavor is not the only factor in choosing a protein shake, it sure does make it easy to take on a regular basis.

On that same note is consistency, and what it mixes well with. Some shakes only mix well with milk, while others will mix with water, or even juice. The consistency after mixing can range from a chalky, gravelly mix to a smooth, almost milkshake-like, texture. This is often due to the ingredients in the shake. Part of that has to do with how it is mixed, also. Many protein shakes boast claims of easily mixing with a shaker or spoon. However, most shakes mix best in a blender, to ensure even mixture and all the clumps are dissolved.

Protein Drink Content

One of the most important factors in a protein shake, many argue the most important, is the actual protein content. This can be broken down into two parts; the type of protein and the amount. Many protein products on the market today have some sort of “proprietary blend”, or other big name for their special formulation of proteins. Whey is a popular protein, as well as other milk based proteins. Egg proteins are getting better, also. They have always been a great protein source, however, in the past the ability to mix it without a blender has been an issue, but, thanks to new technologies, it is much easier to mix now. Soy protein is the protein of choice for the vegetarian bodybuilder. All three proteins can be easily digested and used by the body, and they all provide a complete array of amino acids. The type of protein really comes down to personal choice. Some people swear by egg proteins over all the others, while others might feel they get better results from whey or soy.

Amount of protein, especially when compared to other macronutrients, is an area that can make or break a protein powder. A protein powder with a low protein content, per serving, that is loaded with sugar, for flavoring, is not a good choice. Some complex carbohydrates, a little good fat, and loads of protein is a good choice. Mega protein in each scoop may be unnecessary, and expensive. An average of between 18 and 35 grams of protein is good. Any less than that and you might as well just drink a tall glass of milk (it would be cheaper.) Any more than that and the body will have a hard time processing it all. A person looking to lose weight should limit the total calories, thereby limiting the fats and carbohydrates. A person looking to gain weight should find a product with plenty of complex (not sugar) carbohydrates, healthy fats, and total proteins.

The Best Protein Shakes

Protein Drink	Regular Price	Discount Price	Servings	Buy
Optimum 100% Whey Protein	$74.95	$42.99	77	Buy Now
Nitro Tech Hardcore	$79.99	$49.99	64	Buy Now
Muscle Milk	$82.95	$49.95	30	Buy Now
Isopure Protein	$67.99	$38.99	21	Buy Now

Picking the Best Protein Shake

So, the right protein shake depends on several factors. Taste and consistency is important, but not the most important factor. Protein content is vital, too little and it’s a waste of money, too much and the body ends up flushing some of that expensive protein out without using it. Some shakes come in ready-to-drink formats, which add to the ease of use and portability of the protein. The best way to decide which protein shake is right for you is to try it, evaluating the taste and texture, and once you find one you enjoy, give it a month or two and see if it works for muscle repair and building. The right protein shake is one that you can drink on a regular basis and one that provides a complete set of essential amino acids to the hardworking muscles.