So there are a few things about protein powder that you need to know. Do you need one? Should I use it everyday? What should I look for in a protein powder?
When I initially started lifting weights and training at the gym, I didn’t want to use a protein powder because I genuinely thought it was only for guys and for people who wanted to build lots of muscle. I now know that this isn’t true.
Do You Need A Protein Powder?
Protein is SUPER important and EVERYBODY needs protein in their diet. The recommended protein intake (that I have learned in my nutrition course – different to Australia’s guidelines) is 1.4 to 2 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight.
If you are a sedentary person you would be at the lower end of this; if you are an active person you would be at the higher end. And if you are extremely active, you could even have as much as 2.4 g/kg body weight. So for someone like myself who weighs about 54kgs and is very active, I would stick to around 108g of protein (54 x 2).
So with all of that being said, do you actually need a protein powder? The answer is – if you can get your recommended daily intake of protein from your food, then NO you do not need a protein powder. The reason that so many people take protein powders is because they find it difficult to get the recommended amount of protein from food, especially for those who don’t eat certain foods such as vegans / vegetarians, dairy intolerant, coeliacs, etc.
108g of protein for me would look like:
- ½ cup chicken breast – 22g protein
- 150g steak – 35g protein
- 2 whole eggs – 12g protein
- 2 egg whites – 8g protein
- ¼ cup nuts – 5g protein
- 1 scoop of protein powder – 26g protein
Without the protein powder, I would find it quite difficult to eat the required amount of protein. Obviously fruit, vegetables, seeds, lentils, grains, dairy etc do also contain small amounts of protein too.
There will be some days that you eat lots protein and others when you don’t. I usually have 1 scoop of protein powder in my smoothies every morning, but there are some days that I don’t. If I do notice that I haven’t had much protein that day, or I haven’t eaten some form of protein for lunch or dinner, I will generally have a scoop of protein mixed with almond milk. You don’t need to use it everyday, it really just depends on your diet.
For females or for anyone who just wants to be healthy and stay lean, I would suggest the following. Look for a protein powder that has:
- At least 24g of protein per serve
- Less than 2g of carbs per serve
- Less than 2g of fat per serve
- Less than 150 calories per serve
If you are someone who is looking to bulk up or put on lots of muscle, you would be looking for something that has more carbs, more protein and more calories.
If you are dairy intolerant, I would look for a vegan source of protein such as brown rice or pea protein. If you are not dairy intolerant, then a whey protein isolate or blend protein powder would suit you great. Others prefer protein powders that don’t contain preservatives and there are many of these available too! But it is really a personal preference.
Note: a hydrolyzed whey protein absorbs into your muscles quickly so is great for post workout. A whey protein blend will generally absorb slower and is better at keeping you full for longer.
At the moment, I am using Proper Protein Whey Protein (Revitalize), which has 107 calories, 0.6g carbs, 25.2g protein and 0.2g of fat per serve and contains minimal preservatives. This brand does have vegan proteins available too.
If you have any questions about protein powders, feel free to ask me and I will try to help! xx
It’s FREE
Hey Rachael! What are some good protein powder brands in Australia that I could get from Woolies/Coles? I can’t find the protein powder you linked in the article but would love some alternatives. I’m about to start your program as a mesomorph. Thanks xx
Hey lovely,
Rachael usually recommends plant based protein powders as they don’t have any dairy which can cause some unpleasant side effects.
Of course, you can use whey powder if you prefer and aren’t lactose intolerant.
Here are some of the best protein powders she would recommend:
Vega Clean Protein
Livwell protein blend
PranaOn Plant Protein
I am not sure which ones out of these can you find in the store you mentioned, but I’m pretty sure they can bet ordered online. :)
If you still need Rachael’s thoughts on that store you have mentioned, let me know and I’ll ask her! :)
Love,
Ana
Hello what’s the best protein for a morning smoothie and to help loose weight but to buy in the UK
Hi lovely <3,
Thanks for reaching out!:)
Here are some of the protein powders that you can find in the UK:
1.Whey protein by Protein World
2.Whey Isolate by MyProtein- very high in protein and low in fat
3.Vegan Blend by MyProtein
4.Vivo Life by Perform (another vegan option)
For more options, you can check this page out. :)
Hope this helps! <3
Love,
Sara
Is protein powder safe to consume if I’m under age 18?
Hi lovely,
Yes, protein powder is safe for girls under 18 too! :) xx
Love,
Diana
Hi,
I have done your programme a few months back and stopped and want to start doing it again as I need to tone up. I don’t want to get muscly but obviously want to tone, especially focusing on my legs as I have cellulite on my thighs. My stomach tones very fast. While I’m doing your programme, I want to start taking a protein to help! Do you know what protein is best for toning? I don’t want to lose any weight! Thanks, Claire!
Hi lovely,
I’m glad to hear you’re restarting the program! :)
We usually recommend plant based protein powders, but you can use whey powders as well if you prefer, just make sure it doesn’t have too much sugar. These are some of the best protein powders out there:
https://myvega.com/products/vega-clean-protein
https://livwellnutrition.com/collections/protein-blend
https://pranaon.com/shop/power-plant-protein/
Wishing you all the best! xx
Love,
Diana
Hi, I am looking for a natural, good tasting protein powder. I am based in Durban, and can’t seem to find a tasty but ‘healthy’ (no added color ants and flavourants or anything extra our bodies don’t need) Was wondering if you could help suggest one?
I currently use biogen diet lean protein powder, what are your thoughts on this product?
Thanks Shannon x
Hi Shannon, my best suggestion would be to buy one online that ships to Durban. I’m not too sure about what ranges you have there. Also I find that whey proteins taste better than vegan ones, but definitely understand the attraction of a vegan protein powder. But if you’re looking for a better tasting one, try whey. I looked that protein powder up online but for some reason the nutrition facts page wasn’t working x
Hi Rachel,
me and my friend are looking for a protein powder to lose weight and build muscle.
We are afraid of gaining to much weight if one serve is over 100 calories.
How much is a protein powder in generale?
Thank you so much!! :)
Patricia
Hi Patricia, 100 calories is very normal for a protein powder. Most I see are between 100-150 calories. Also 100 calories is a very small amount so don’t be afraid of having it! :) It will keep you really full xxx
Hi Rachel!
Do you know if this protein powder is available in the UK? If yes, where from? If not, what brand would you recommend I should buy from the UK?
Also, keep up the great work! You’re amazing :)
Zahra xx
I weigh about 50 kgs and work out 4-5 times a week :)
Hi Zahra, thanks lovely. I think they ship worldwide but it is expensive. I’m not too sure about brands from the UK, but just try to find one that is low in sugar and carbs and as high in protein as you can! xx
Hi Rachel!
I don’t know if you’re familiar with the vega brand (all plant-based, vegan protein). there are various products, but the one I’m closely looking at (proteins and greens) has 20 grams of protein, 110 calories, 6 grams of carbs, and .5 grams of fat. I know you’re recommendation says 24 grams of protein and less than 2 grams of carbs, would this be suitable? also they also have another product that includes daily essentials vitamins, but has 13 grams of carbs , 160-170 calories and, 6 grams of fat with the same amount of protein as the other. I like that this one is also the equivalent to taking a vitamin(I’m not opposed to taking a regular multivitamin but I guess this is more convenient), however do you think the amount of carbs, calories and fat in this one is suitable ? I want to have lean muscle without bulking up, and sustainable fat-loss, in a short slim and tone up. I exercise 6 days a week for 30-40 min, doing a combo of cardio and resistance training.
thanks :) ,
Hi Giselle, I do actually know the Vega brand you’re talking about. Most vegan protein powders will have higher carbs just because of what they’re made from. I think this is fine, as long as you’re not having more than 1 scoop per day :) I think either of them would be good! xx