Despite all the physically active Instagram ambassadors and inspirational women in fitness in the last few years, the stigma surrounding protein powders and supplements for women remains. But as well as being able to help us meet our exercise goals, there are many dietary and health benefits associated with protein supplements. So we’re here to break down a few of the protein-powder-myths, and to let you in on how it can assist you with your healthy lifestyle journey.
- Protein will make me ‘Bulky’
The most frustrating statement any personal trainer hears. Despite it being physiologically much more difficult for women to bulk on muscle mass, as they possess a fraction of the necessary hormone for muscle gain, testosterone, consuming protein alone is not going to turn anyone into the Hulk.
For even the most basic of gym junkies to reach a figure bordering on excessively muscular, they need to devote hours and hours to weights and strength training. Consuming protein after exercise is simply an excellent way to replenish your protein reserves, which we need for muscle health, and to repair the damage inflicted on our muscles during exercise. It’s also a great way to make sure you don’t dive straight into the wine and cheese in the evening, as your appetite will be satisfied.
Added bonus: When we consume lean protein, like that found in protein shakes, it keeps our metabolism firing! It’s like exercising, even after you get home!
- I can’t have protein because I’m Dairy/Gluten intolerant.
Like most food groups, there are now many options to assist those with intolerances to be able to enjoy protein powders and their benefits.
While many people are able to enjoy the dairy-based whey protein options, Pea Protein is a great alternative for vegans and the gluten-intolerant. Extracting the natural protein found in peas, pea protein serves the same purpose as whey protein, in that it’s a lean way to stay satisfied throughout the day, and to fuel your body pre or post workout!
You can see our pea protein here.
- It will blow out my calorie intake
Protein powders aren’t just something to add onto your daily calorie diet. They are a great way to give your body the clean energy it needs to be able to perform optimally during exercise, and to help fuel your depleted muscles afterwards. If your body feels more energised, you’ll be able to exercise harder and burn more calories than you would on an empty stomach.
Having a mid-morning or afternoon protein shake is also a great way to make sure you’re not filling up on other high-sugar snacks, and like we said before, by consuming lean protein, you’ll be able to keep your metabolism rolling along, burning more calories while you work throughout the day.
- It’s Too Expensive
Our 750g Doctor’s Kitchen Australia Whey Protein Isolate tubs contain 25 full serves, and are available for $79.95. Each serve contains around 110 calories, 23.3g of protein, 0.35g of fat, and 0.33g of sugar, meaning they are extremely lean and healthy, and able to provide you with nutrients to keep you energised and your metabolism kicking.
Averaging out at $3.20 per shake (less than your average cup of coffee), you’re able to give your body the macronutrient it needs to make you best prepared for exercise and maintaining your healthy lifestyle. Even a muffin from the café, predominantly made up of fat and sugar, costs more than that, and your body is going to need food anyway.
So while it may seem like a bit upfront, it’s not like you wouldn’t be spending that same amount of money on food elsewhere. $79.95 for 25 mini-meals could even be a great way to save money on your weekly shopping bills. If anything, treat it as an investment in good diet for the next 25 days.
- It’s Not Good For You
Let’s just read over those numbers again, shall we?
– 110 calories per shake. Less than a can of tuna.
– 23.3g of protein. A lean, clean energy source that promotes muscle health and strong metabolism.
– Less than one gram of fat and sugar combined.
A 330ml can of Coke contains 140 calories and 39g of sugar. That’s nearly TEN TEASPOONS of sugar per can.
As well as providing you with the energy and nutrients you need each day (it’s recommended that adults receive 0.8g of protein for each kilogram they weigh per day), consuming protein is a positive way to keep your appetite satisfied and reduce the cravings of less healthy alternatives.
So we hope we’ve been able to clear up a few common protein-powder-myths, one of the easiest ways to ensure you’re meeting your daily protein needs, and readying yourself for exercise.
For more info on The Doctor’s Kitchen’s Protein range, click here.
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