Are you trying to add muscle for your summer beach body? Or maybe trying to lean up? Or maybe you just want to start eating healthier? Regardless of the reason – protein powders can help with all of the above. Protein is vital for your bodies basic abilities: cell production, muscle growth, and fuel. I was able to lose 15 pounds (in about 6 months) myself by upping my protein and downing total calories throughout the day. There are many protein powders out there; we picked the top 5.
Note: remember not to ingest too much protein (as this can potentially lead to weight gain). Most experts recommend no more than 1 gram per pound of body weight per day for active individuals. Most people can get away with .5 gram per pound. If you are supplementing your diet with protein, ensure to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day.
Designer Whey Protein
Designer has been on the block for a number of years, but they keep on delivering high quality whey protein for good prices. 20 grams of protein per serving for only 110 calories and only 2 grams of sugar: it’s pretty tough to beat those nutrition stats.
Designer whey also includes branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in their formula (BCAA assists with muscle growth and metabolism. It includes L-Leucine, L-Glutamine, Taurine & L-Phenylalanine BCAAs. Designer whey is made in the USA without any artificial growth hormones.
Also Designer why includes B-vitamins, which help convert protein to useable energy. I often make a shake with almond milk, Designer whey, and frozen blueberries for a quick breakfast or post workout snack. This stuff is so good you can also mix it in oatmeal with a little milk (oatmeal is a top food for nutrition as it is a good carb and burns slow all day long).
Get the look: Designer Whey
Orgain Simple Plant Protein
Orgain really adheres to their slogan of “clean and simple”. All organic plant based (Vegan) protein that gives you 20 grams of protein per serving and only 150 calories. The world is slowly moving to plant based products due to stress that the dairy and meat industry puts on the planet. Essentially plant based products can feed more people than dairy/meat products.
You can literally read the ingredient list on the back and understand what each one is: “organic pea protein, organic coconut sugar” just to name a few. It’s actually pretty surprising a plant based protein can match the actual protein grams when compared to whey protein- but Orgain Simple Plant Protein makes it happen.
The taste of this protein is pretty darn good – I like it better than most whey powders actually. You don’t feel like it’s fake and can actually taste the seeds they put in it (chia seeds, pumpkin seeds).
Get the look: Orgain Simple Plant Protein
Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder
Muscle Milk has been around for a while; you may see their quick shakes in convenience stores. Their Genuine Protein Powder is no joke; 32 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, and 280 calories per serving. This is one of the highest protein counts we’ve seen for a single serve powder.
Muscle Milk also provides other nutrients in their powders including: amino acids, vitamins A, C, and D, and a generous serving of fiber. Mixing a quick shake after a workout really feels good; there is something to be said about 32 grams of protein for a single serve; add in some peanut butter and you’re looking close to 40 grams of protein. No wonder it’s one of the top protein powder sellers on Amazon.
Get the look: Muscle Milk Genuine Protein Powder
Plant Fusion Complete Protein
We put another plant based (Vegan) protein on here; namely because it’s really tasty and packed with not only protein but also other superfoods. Plant Fusion Complete Protein contains 21 grams of protein per serving including plant based superfoods such as peas, artichokes, and algae. It really feels good to have a shake after a workout knowing you’re eating completely plant based protein.
Given the natural flavors and sweeteners used, Plant Fusion is consistently ranked as a top tasting protein too. Whole food ingredients give it a natural taste and texture that frankly you can’t get with many other protein powders. If you are on a plant based diet, ensure to give this one a try.
Get the look: Plant Fusion Complete Protein
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
Last but certainly not least is Optimum Nutrition’s Whey Protein; it’s the top selling protein powder on Amazon as of this writing for a reason – they’ve been making high quality protein supplements for over 30 years. 24 grams of protein with only 120 calories per serving; if you are trying to lean up this should be your go to protein.
Other proteins sometimes have trouble mixing well especially without blenders (think of shaker bottles or even just with a spoon in a cup) – not this one; it blends very easily. Also 6 flavors; you can easily buy two different ones to “keep it fresh”. Heck – one Double Rich Chocolate in the morning and one Chocolate Peanut Butter gets the job done for me!
Get the look: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey Protein
