Fitness and gym activities have long been a core of many Australians’ lifestyles, but the pandemic has made it difficult to stay active protein powder amid the gym closures. Fortunately, online apps and virtual classes have come to the rescue, allowing people to exercise from the comfort of their homes. With this, you can easily keep up with your fitness regimen while staying safe.
Ready to get back on track with your fitness? If so, you can start by shopping for protein powder in Australia. A survey conducted in September 2019 revealed that protein powders made up the largest share of protein supplements purchased in Australia. Further, 66 per cent of respondents mentioned that the last protein supplement they bought was powdered. Alternatively, ready-to-drink protein products were bought by only 10 per cent of consumers.
Protein powder is the perfect workout companion for anyone, regardless of your fitness goals. However, these powders come in such a wide variety that choosing the best one for your needs can be challenging. This guide will help you choose the appropriate protein powder according to your fitness requirements.
Determine Your Goals
Start by thinking about your fitness goals and assessing your tolerance to ingredients. Generally, whey protein is the most popular choice for active gym-goers, but it’s also recommended for beginners looking to build muscle mass. Whey has all the essential amino acids, making it a great all-around choice among protein powders.
That being said, if you are lactose intolerant, you can opt for pea protein instead. Similarly, if you are vegan or vegetarian, you should choose plant-based protein powders like soy, hemp, and pea.
Understand Isolate vs. Concentrate
If you plan to get whey protein, you will encounter the terms isolate and concentrate. They are both made of whey, but the main difference is that whey isolate is much more filtered than whey concentrate. As such, you can expect the former to have significantly higher concentrations of protein—around 90%—compared to the latter.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your lifestyle, nutritional needs, and fitness goals. For example, whey isolate can be a good option since it has less carbohydrate and fat if you are trying to lose weight. However, whey concentrate will be a better choice if you prioritise taste.
Consider Taste
How important is the taste for you? This is a minor factor that some people can overlook, but others are a bit more selective and want a protein shake that they can enjoy. Unflavoured protein is best for those who don’t like artificial flavours. But if you want that extra taste, you can look for powders with natural sweeteners.
Naturally, preferences may vary from one person to another, so you might need to experiment a bit to find your favourite brand and variant for protein powder in Australia. To avoid spending too much, make sure to buy trial sizes before committing to a large tub.
Read the Labels
Like any other health product, protein powders are formulated with different ingredients and concentrations. Thus, it is essential to read the labels to ensure that you get the optimal amount of protein per serving.
Technically, there’s no “right” amount to target since your daily intake depends on your age, fitness level, goals, and other factors. For example, whey isolate is best for those with high protein targets. The bottom line is that you should check the nutrition labels before buying to make sure you can get enough protein from your powder.
Protein powder is a great addition to your fitness routine, whether you aim to lose weight or build muscle. Selecting the right type is critical to ensure that you get enough protein to support your goals. Hence, make sure you take some time researching and comparing your options before buying anything.
Author: Steffy Alen
