Protein powder is a popular supplement that can help to build muscle and recover from injuries quickly. Because of this, it’s common to see it at the gym, and many fitness buffs use it as a meal replacement to help them skip fatty and unhealthy breakfasts or prevent the allure of snacking throughout the day.

It’s safe to say that there’s a protein powder for everybody. However, before you select one, you need to know which type will suit you best.

What Are You Looking For?

Knowing what you are looking for in a protein powder should be the first thing you determine when searching for the right brand. The good news is that there are so many protein powder options out there, you’re sure to find something to suit you.

If you want to build muscle, a protein powder based around bulking is ideal. For this, you need to consider the branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) ratio, which are the building blocks of protein. The perfect balance is leucine, isoleucine, valine, with two parts leucine to every one part valine. If you’re looking for a meal replacement, make sure to stay away from anything artificial sugars such as stevia.

Consider Your Diet

Some protein powders rely on animal protein to give you the oomph you need to feel good. But if you’re on a meat-free diet, this isn’t suitable for you. Thankfully, protein powder companies have recognised the need for this, which is why you can buy vegan CBD protein powder online. You can also look for soy and pea options, ensuring you can maintain a cruelty-free diet.

Safety Considerations

While protein powders are generally safe, they can come with certain side effects. This will usually depend on the person. Some powders can cause gas, indigestion, and bloating, which, while not especially dangerous, can be uncomfortable and impact your routine.

You should also look for quality assurance certificates on the label that confirms the ingredients are what they say they are, and there is nothing hidden inside. This can put your mind at ease, and also eliminate the risk of ingesting a banned substance, especially if you’re an athlete.

When Will You Use It?

Most people will use protein powders before or after a workout to help with performance and also speed up muscle recovery. However, this is not the only reason.

You can also use it as a breakfast replacement. This won’t just fill you up (and keep you off from grabbing a McMuffin on the way to work), it will also rebuild the muscle protein that you have lost during the night, which could be as much as 15 grams, depending on your build. You can also counteract this by having a protein shake before bed, although you may find it a little tricky to sleep on a full stomach.

Gains

There are many reasons people use protein powder, and this is what makes it such a popular supplement for many people. As with anything related to fitness, you need to make sure you find the right one for you to achieve your desired results. As not any protein powder will do, at least not if you’re serious about nutrition and fitness, it’s vital that you consider what you want from a protein powder and why.