Most of the men we see around us long to have a body a la Russell Crowe in the film Gladiator, even if they do not let it show on their faces. It is just like women wish to have the figure of Kareena Kapoor, which also demands a very difficult toning and body training. Luckily for men, apart from exercise and the right kind of diet, there is another helpful item that the market is stocked chock-a-block with – the protein powders. They help build muscle mass and increase the resistance of the body to the strenuous exercise regime that building muscle demands. Different kinds of protein powders are available in the market, which makes it difficult for people to choose the one that suits them. Find out information on how to choose the protein powder.
Choosing The Right Protein Powder
Here’s what to know when choosing a protein powder for your needs:
Look At Yourself
Most people tend to think that only by taking protein powder they will be able to keep excess weight at bay – and that diet and the right amount of exercise have nothing to do with it. They are sadly mistaken, because if someone has a poor diet and does not exercise enough, only supplementing with protein powder is merely going to add more weight to the frame – and not in the way, one would like. Thus, before looking into sports nutrition, make sure your regular diet is healthy and that you're relatively fit.
Research The Options
Researching the options available to one in the market does not just mean a Google search on the best brands, which is what most are likely to do! It also means asking a certified trainer about which protein powder would suit your needs best. You could also ask people who have been using protein powders for the same information. The only issue is that the market is flooded with hundreds of protein powders, most of which will not suit your needs. If you are a first time user, you might want to go for a protein powder, which is made up of high quality protein and is free of additional supplements and is also low in fats and sugars.
Choose Protein Type
There are basically four types of proteins which protein powders are made of – whey proteins, egg protein, soy protein, and casein protein. Out of the four, whey protein, which is isolated from milk, is most popular. Most whey protein is very low in lactose, but if you are lactose intolerant, there are other options for you. Egg protein is 100 percent lactose free, as is soy protein; and there are more expensive varieties of whey protein, which are 100 percent lactose free as well.
Flavors
Remember that protein powders are more like medicines rather than a tasty milk flavouring mix. Regardless of what the sports nutrition companies tell you, a good protein powder that is devoid of sweeteners and flavoring will taste milk gone bad rather than like a gourmet dessert. Safe flavors to try out include vanilla and chocolate. Make sure you're happy with your choice so that you're not stuck with two months’ supply of junk that wouldn’t go down your throat to save your life!
Consistency
Make sure to drink your protein shakes on a regular schedule to ensure that your body is fully fueled and ready to go. If you forget to take them, or wait more than an hour after your workouts, they won't do you much good.