It is not uncommon to need a protein powder to supplement your meal prep- regardless of what your goal is, be it fat loss, muscle gain, or a healthy lifestyle, here are the differences:
Whey protein is derived from milk and contains a wide range of amino acids that absorb quickly, aiding in recovery and lean muscle development.
Our Favorite: Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey
Where To Buy: Ultimate Sport Nutrition (mention you’re a client of The Meal Prep Company for a discount!), GNC, bodybuilding.com, amazon.com
Hydrolyzed whey isolate is still derived from milk but is extracted through a different process that allows more of the amino acids to stay bonded and nearly eliminates residual lactose, fat, and carbs.
Our Favorite: Dymatize Iso-100
Where To Buy: Ultimate Sport Nutrition (mention you’re a client of The Meal Prep Company for a discount!), GNC, bodybuilding.com, amazon.com
Egg white protein powder is a lactose-free alternative to whey that is low in carbs and abundant in vitamins A, B, D, and E.
Our Favorite: Jay Robb
Where To Buy: The Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, jayrobb.com
Vegan proteins are popular for post-workout recovery as well as meal replacements because a lot of manufacturers add raw fruit and veggie blends as well as vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. Since they contain no dairy byproducts, these proteins are bloat-free for people who don’t digest dairy well.
Our Favorite: Garden of Life Raw Meal
Where To Buy: The Vitamin Shoppe, GNC, amazon.com
More than half of the typical American diet is made up of added fats, sugars, and refined grains- consistent protein consumption has a myriad of benefits, including but not limited to;
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Increased Muscle Mass
Exercise causes tiny tears in the muscle fibers, so consuming a post-workout protein shake before you dig into your meal prep will ensure muscle fibers are repaired rapidly, and can become larger. The amino acids are also super-helpful for reducing soreness!
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Fat Loss without Feeling Hungry
The body’s preferred source of energy is carbohydrates because they are a quick burning fuel that spikes glucose levels, which is great to support a workout. High levels of protein must be consumed to get the body to use stored fat as its primary energy source.
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Blood Sugar Stabilization
The body relies on the hormone insulin to break down protein, fat, and carbs to produce energy, but the amount of insulin required to process carbohydrates is much higher than the required amount for protein or fat. This is taxing, but when the body stops expecting to ride the glucose rollercoaster, more balanced moods and energy levels are to be expected. Our low-carb (vegetables only) and paleo (sweet potatoes and yams only) meal prep plans are best for individuals seeking blood sugar stabilization.
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Mood Improvement and Brain Function
Some of us are no strangers to the phenomenon sweeping the nation known as “hanger” (a combination of hungry and angry)- not only does waiting too long to eat or not consuming enough protein in general put us in a bad mood, it affects how your brain makes and transports dopamine and serotonin. Additionally, the brain needs the amino acids from complete proteins to maintain healthy motor skills, coordination, and learning ability.
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Slowing of the Aging Process
Glutathione is considered the Godfather of all antioxidants, sort of the Don Corleone of detox, if you will. Antioxidants scoop up and get rid of nasty free-radicals that harm the immune system and can cause a host of other issues like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, cataracts, and heart problems. Thankfully, the incredible human body produces Glutathione on its own- but it can only be produced by intaking an optimal amount of protein.
Your Meal Prep Company consultant will recommend the best protein supplement for your lifestyle, body composition, and goals as well as guide you in how to track and achieve your daily macros that are calculated specifically for you. If you’re ready to make your diet one of your success factors, follow the link to book your in-person meal prep consultation today.