Protein is one of those essential nutrients we require to keep the body properly functioning. On average, women need about 46 grams per day and men about 56 grams regardless of whether they’re into workouts like weightlifting or not. Despite the growing awareness of this essential nutrient over the recent years, many still fail to get the recommended daily intake dose.
This could be because of not consuming enough whole foods, choosing protein sources that aren’t of good quality, or not knowing how to choose the best source for their needs. The available options of quality AUS protein powder products can help you meet these needs, and level up your fitness performance and health overall.
Powders may not have as big of a nutritional punch as whole foods, but they’re a quick way to get your daily intake and ensure your body is nourished. They’re especially great for people on the go, those into improving sports performance and building muscle mass, and those requiring some assistance with weight loss.
Which Protein is Good for Beginners?
The world of protein supplementation is continuously growing and evolving, which can make shopping a hassle for a beginner. To take the guesswork out of the whole process and choose the right supplement, it’s best to look through the most crucial factors, including:
The Protein Type
The first thing you notice when you delve into these supplements is the range of protein types available. From the popular whey protein and casein supplements to plant-based substitutes like soy, rice, pea, and hemp, there are various options that can be tailored to your needs. If you have calorie restrictions, allergies, a specific diet you follow (vegetarian or vegan), or simply want to avoid animal-based products, it’s easy to find an alternative.
A word of caution, however, is to keep in mind that some plant-based products can cause digestive tract issues so if you have sensitivity be aware and maybe do a bit of trial before going all in on the products. Going even deeper into the protein type deal, if you decide to go with the popular whey choice, remember there’s more than one to pick from.
Whey concentrate protein, whey isolate protein and whey hydrolysed protein powder are the supplement products you can choose from taking into account that they differ in the processing method which results in distinctive nutrient profiles. Each of these comes with its own set of pros and cons, with concentrate being the least processed, healthiest, and most calorie-dense.
The Goals
Always make sure you give the goals a thought since there are various AUS protein powder supplements on the market, and they target specific areas. Some are great for fitness goals as they can speed up muscle recovery, and help you with muscle mass gains or even weight loss, whereas others are more for boosting metabolism and helping you meet your daily protein requirements if your whole-food diet doesn’t cut it.
There’s a further difference in the carb content with lower being better suited for some individuals and health conditions like diabetes. The presence of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) is another aspect to be aware of if you plan on losing weight as it works more in favour of those who want to build muscle. In the case of supplements created for workouts, it’s essential to pay attention to the consuming recommendations (pre-, during or post-workout) to count on the best results.
While we’re at goals, it’s also helpful to think through the ways you intend to use the supplement so you can buy the most convenient option for you, specifically whether you’re buying for use in shakes and smoothies or snacks and baked goods as there are different textures you can work with. It’s the ideal solution for speeding up the drink and snack prep process for when you’ve got a packed schedule but still want to ensure you get your protein intake.
The Ingredients
You may have your preference when it comes to how you want your protein shakes or other drinks and foods to taste, which makes it important to also go over the list of ingredients of the protein powder products you decide to buy. This can save you from the trouble of finding out afterwards that some of the ingredients cause your digestive system discomfort, or even result in allergic reactions.
And, while we’re at it, give the contents some thought and consider if you’re willing to go for a cleaner product instead of fillers, additives and sweeteners don’t sound that appealing. The fewer ingredients there are, the cleaner the product will be.
The Brand
As this has to do with your health and well-being, it’s advisable to do a little research of your own to find trusted brands and be certain about their manufacturing practices, products, and ingredients that go through control measures. Reading reviews from customers about the products on the Australian market can be of help with providing you with insight into the taste, effectiveness and benefits, and so can finding trusted health stores and retailers to be sure of the quality.
Don’t forget to also look through third-party testing and certifications to get an idea of the purity of the supplements and the standards they were based on.
The Budget
It’s easy to lose track and end up with various products in your storage when you don’t have a budget set from the beginning. There are many marketing strategies that can make you feel like you miss out on the benefits of certain products, so you feel inclined to buy them even if you don’t necessarily need them. To avoid this, determine how much you’re willing to spend on animal and/or vegan protein products suitable for your diet and goals.
Keep in mind that quality should always come first, so avoid buying just because of the cheaper price. What’s more, it’s easy to come across both affordability and quality at the same time when you find a trusted retailer or health store that gives you the chance to shop for some of the best products and brands with special bulk protein offers.
