DO YOU KNOW YOUR PROTEINS

Protein – Whey, Egg, Casein, Blends and Plant Based

Hi all today we're talking proteins, and I came across this great article written by Natalie Jill fitness Professional and I just had to share it with you all, happy reading guys...

I know it can be very confusing when it comes to protein powders. There are so many types, brands, and prices. How do you know what you REALLY need and what will work for you? Hopefully this page will clear up some of the protein powder confusion.

I personally use several different proteins supplements depending on the time of day and how hard I am training. I primarily use whey and egg proteins and sometimes a blend protein. I do however have a lot of vegan clients so I also have experimented with Plant Based Proteins and have a few brands that I suggest.

TYPES of proteins

Whey protein is a very high quality protein which is also absorbed VERY quickly. It is great first thing in the morning, before & after workout, or when you need to bump up the protein content of a meal. Ideally, I suggest drinking a 1/2 of a scoop of whey pre and post workout with a simple piece of fruit such as an apple. This gives your muscles the ideal nutrients to get through tough workouts and help your body repair itself afterwards. Another huge benefit of whey is it helps to blunt your hunger which is terrific – ESPECIALLY useful when you get those food cravings!
Egg and Casein proteins are slower absorbing proteins that can be taken anytime, but they are especially good before bed where the slow digesting proteins will help your body repair itself while you sleep! They are also to use as part of a MEAL or as a MEAL REPLACEMENT. Egg protein is the ideal one to cook with and add into baked goods.
Blends – Egg and casein are often combined with whey protein into what are called ‘blend’ proteins. These proteins mix fast and slow digesting proteins so you get more of a ‘time release’ effect.
Plant based proteins like soy, bean or hemp are typically suggested for vegans or those with allergies. Unfortunately, these do not taste as great. I suggest mixing these with almond milk or in a smoothie with some juice or berries to help with the taste. I have a plant based suggestion on here as well that is 100% vegan, gluten free and allergen free if this is of interest to you.

I PERSONALLY use Gluten Free varieties of whey, Egg and Plant based proteins. I no longer use pure Soy proteins and I seldom use rice or casein protein powders. Here are my recommendations for Whey, EGG, and plant based proteins:

NOTE: Clicking items below WILL take you to suggested products sites where if you order, all purchases, returns, and support for those products are provided by the individual retailers below.

Egg Protein

For egg protein, my absolute favorite and the one I use is MuscleNog. I like egg protein because unlike whey protein, you can COOK with it. Add some extra protein to your pancakes, brownies, and other treats (for more recipe ideas CLICK HERE). Egg protein is tasty and really helps to satisfy you. MuscleNog mixes easily, tastes great, and is all natural! It comes in 2 flavors – Chocolate & Vanilla. To read more click here on MuscleNog
Before you do, know that you can save TEN BUCKS on every container by just using the code: “NATALIEJILL” (all one word) when you check out. I use it daily and love it! Give it a try…CLICK HERE to order.

Whey Protein Options

Two of my favorite whey proteins are Myofusion Probiotic from Gaspari Nutriton and Dymatize Elite Whey protein. Dymatize has some GREAT flavors…try the Berry Blast! HERE is a great place to get it from (been ordering from them for almost 10 years). You can get a large tub very inexpensively! Literally TEN lbs of tasty protein for about $75! My favorite is the Berry Blast (SO good in smoothies!) or the vanilla mixed thick with some almond extract. YUM!



Another favorite option for Whey that is Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Hormone Free, and Soy Free with an additional bonus of being High in Fiber is the Betty Lou’s Low Glycemic Designer Protein shakes! These come in individual packets (perfect for the office, your gym bag and travel) as well as in tubs. As an extra bonus just by mentioning “Natalie Jill” at checkout you will save 10% on your order! For more information on Betty Lou’s Protein powder and shakes look HERE.
Remember, whey Protein is perfect for pre and post workout because it is a fast-absorbing protein.

Casein Protein

Casein is s-l-o-w digesting protein and can be used anytime, but I love it in the evening or at night before bed. My favorite flavor is the vanilla, and I mix it with JUST a little water and make pudding out of it. Sometimes I add a splash of almond extract and it is YUMMY! I get the casein from the same place I get the whey and the prices are awesome. Get your casein HERE.

Plant Based Protein

If you are looking for a totally pure plant based protein here is one I have recently discovered. It is Non-GMO, it is 100% gluten free, 100% hypoallergenic, 100% plant based, there are NO animal products used, it is VEGAN, easy to digest , has no dairy, fish, shellfish, fish, peanuts , treenuts or egg! And is a great source of BCAA, Glutamine and Arganine. Click HERE to learn more

BLENDS

Blends are typically a combination of different protein sources that makes the protein powder slower to digest and longer lasting. These are ideal for meal replacements. My personal favorite is Myofusion Probiotic Series by GASPARI for these reasons: Incredible Taste, Mixes Easily. It Features Whey Protein Concentrate, Brown Rice Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Isolate, Casein Milk Protein Isolate, Egg Albumin, and fast acting Whey Protein Hydrolysate. It has over 9 grams of essential Amino Acids (EAAs) to support recovery. It is Gluten and Aspartame free! To learn more about Myofusion Probiotic series look HERE