Are Protein Powders safe?

When I begin the process of developing a meal plan for my clients, one of the things I recommend is a supplement called Whey Gourmet. Whey Gourmet is a protein powder that you can mix with either water or milk. You can also add fruit, flax oil, yogurt and many other ingredients to make a healthy shake.
The reason I recommend this particular brand is because of the taste. There are literally dozens of different protein powders in the stores but I haven't seen too many that can compare with this one when it comes to taste. It is also easier to mix in a shaker although it is better to put it in a blender with some ice.
Whey protein is a derivative of cow's milk and it contains high concentrations of essential and non-essential amino acids. They can replace up to 2 meals/snacks per day. Many of my clients have reported a decrease in cravings for sugars since they have started with these shakes. Unlike eating chicken, fish, beef or other protein sources, our bodies do not have to work as hard to break down protein shakes and therefore they can have an immediate impact on keeping cravings down as well as blood sugars stable (especially if mixed with some berries)
There are three main forms of Whey Protein:
Concentrates: These have higher amounts of fat, carbohydrates, lactose and cholesterol
Isolates: These have significantly lower amounts of fat,carbs and lactose
Hydrolysates: These are pre-digested which means they are easily absorbed but are also more expensive.
As runners our muscles are constantly being broken down and we must ensure that we are putting high quality protein back in order to repair and strengthen our muscles. Protein shakes, especially if taken with fruit immediately after running, can play a big part in helping with the recovery period. How much protein needed is based on several factors such as age, weight, body fat%, and exercise frequency.
Many of my clients have been amazed when I tell them that they were not eating enough protein to repair or even maintain their muscle tissues. Almost immediately when they began to eat the right amount of protein they noticed an increase in energy and a decrease in body fat. If we do not eat enough protein to sustain our day to day activities including exercising then our bodies have no choice but to break down our muscles to provide the body with energy.
If you are interested in getting an analysis of your current diet to determine if you are getting enough protein, carbohydrates, fats and calories, contact me and let's get started!