How to Choose the Best Protein Powder ~ 5 Questions to Ask

Hello My Dear Readers!

Today I want to share with you some easy check marks you can apply to pick the right protein powder for you. This is a question a get a lot from my clients and friends and with good reason! There are so many brands and types of protein powders and really, who has time to inspect and research them all?!?

I love recommending protein powders to most of my clients because a high quality and clean protein powder can benefit you on so many levels. It’s a convenient way to fuel your body in the morning when you don’t have a lot of time to make a breakfast, it’s a perfect snack option because it’s convenient, and it’s a great way to replenish after a workout when your body need the protein for energy and repair. Protein has satiety promoting properties, supports muscle growth, helps maintain steady blood glucose levels, and is essential for the synthesizing of hormones, enzymes and antibodies.

Sure that big giant tub of “organic” protein powder from Costco might look appealing at first. But dig in a little further, past the clever marketing, and read the ingredient label. What’s more, where and how is the protein processed?

Here are 5 Key Questions you should ask before consuming a protein powder:

1. What is it sweetened with?

Artificial sweeteners, like sucralose, or low grade processed sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, will cause inflammation and are hard for the body to digest. Look for a natural sweetener such as whole leaf stevia.

2. Does it contain artificial additives (flavours, colours)?

There can be many unnecessary additives, like Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Carrageenan and Sodium Chloride, that can contribute to digestive issues like bloating and abdominal cramps in a sensitive individual. The less additives, the easier the protein is to digest and assimilate.

3. How is the product processed?

Is it a high quality pure 100% micro filtration? (Applies to whey protein). This type of processing is much more easily digested and utilized by the body than a protein blend from concentrate. Legume protein isolates contain protease inhibitors, lecitins, tannins, saponins and phytates. These can negatively affect protein digestibility and can block absorption of minerals. Sprouted and fermented plant based protein blends are much more easily digestible by the body and don’t cause abdominal bloating.

4. Is it GMO free and where is it sourced from?

We as consumers really need to be aware of where the raw materials are sourced from and how the product is processed. Many protein powders, both vegan and whey, contain soy as an emulsifier. Make sure the source is non-GMO, as soy is on the list as one of the highest genetically modified crops. You also want to make sure that your whey comes from grass-fed cows that are free of hormones. Has the company taken the steps to ensure the quality of their product and considered the carbon foot print?

5. Is it easily digestible?

Each of us should consider our own biochemical individuality, meaning that we have different requirements for macro and micro nutrients, when it comes to choosing our foods. Whether you choose a whey protein or a vegan blend, you always want to make sure that the product that you use is well suited for you. What makes for an easily digestible protein powder? Firstly, you need quality ingredients – the less time your body has to spend breaking food down, the easier it is to digest and assimilate. Cleaner product and less fillers = easy breakdown and usability.

There are also options for advanced digestive support with the addition of digestive enzymes to whey protein powders, sprouting, and fermentation. The fermentation process actually makes the protein more bio-available, easily digestible and absorbable by the body. It’s like someone has done the hard work for you! It has the added benefit of feeding the healthy bacteria in the gut and improving overall gut health.

I’m loving the Vegan Fermented Protein Blend from Genuine Health in my smoothies and smoothie bowls these days and I’m seeing a real difference in my digestion and even skin health. And compared to other vegan blends, this one is by far the best tasting. The natural vanilla flavour is my fave:)

Here is a recipe for my latest smoothie bowl:

Feel Good in Your Skin Smoothie Bowl

This delicious smoothie bowl has anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, brain-boosting and cleansing properties and will leave you in a fully content, ready to take on your day kind of mood:)

1 cup pineapple (fresh or frozen)
1/2 banana
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
1 package of Sambazon Acai Smoothie Packs ~ unsweetened (in the freezer section of health food stores)
1 scoop Genuine Health Vegan Fermented Protein Powder (vanilla flavour)
1 tsp chlorella powder
1 tsp fresh ginger root (about 2 cm) sliced
1/3 – 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk beverage
1 Tbsp chia or ground flaxseeds
1/8 tsp cardamon