These days, it's impossible to learn how to build muscle without stumbling onto the topic of supplements. The industry has boomed over the last ten years, with more and more people opting for meal replacement shakes to help them achieve their goals in the gym. But with so many different options out there, how can you possibly tell which whey protein is best to suit your fitness goals?
As thousands of people begin new keep-fit ventures at the start of the year, it's almost impossible to miss the array of health and fitness products being promoted by supermarkets and local stores looking to cash in on the trend. However, to avoid wasting your hard earned money you need to take a few seconds to establish what you're actually looking for.
You see, the reason health and fitness supplements are a billion dollar industry is not because they are fantastic. It's because each year, tens of thousands of people spend money on products they don't need or don't fully understand, expecting a quick fix solution.
Despite the fact that it may appear overly scientific at first, the basics behind the nutritional information on a protein product are quite simple. Much like the foundations of building a more muscular body in the gym, nothing much has changed over the last couple of decades when you get down to the fine details of it all.
Everybody's different. We all have different body types and goals, so when every product claims to be the best thing ever to hit the market you should take that claim with a pinch of salt to say the least. The three points below will teach you what to look for.
* Look at the first ingredient.
* How much protein is provided in each serving?
* As well as the protein content, take a look at the carbohydrate count.
If you can learn how to understand the three rules above you'll have far less trouble when buying your next supplement. Let's start by explaining the first item, which asks about the form of protein listed as the main ingredient in the product.
There are 3 main blends in this category and understanding them is very easy. Hydrolized is the quickest digesting form of whey, closely followed by isolate and concentrate. For this reason, hydrolized products are usually the most expensive. However, the differences in the speed of digestion are not huge and certainly don't warrant the often crazy differences in prices, so if you can only afford a product which is made from concentrate you needn't worry.
How much protein is provided by each shake? Science tells us that our body can only handle between 20 and 30 grams in any one sitting, so all of those products which boast about hitting you with 40-50 grams tend to lead to unwanted fat gain.
Finally, you'll need to take a look at the carbohydrate content within your chosen brand. This is how to separate products between those ideal for people trying to get leaner, as opposed to those trying to pack on serious size in a short space of time. If you are trying to get bigger, carbohydrates will become your best friend. If you're trying to figure out how to build muscle but stay lean at the same time, your protein shake should provide a very low carbohydrate content. Preferably, aim for under 8 grams.
With the three main rules now in check, you will be able to figure out which whey protein is best for you relatively easily.
As thousands of people begin new keep-fit ventures at the start of the year, it's almost impossible to miss the array of health and fitness products being promoted by supermarkets and local stores looking to cash in on the trend. However, to avoid wasting your hard earned money you need to take a few seconds to establish what you're actually looking for.
You see, the reason health and fitness supplements are a billion dollar industry is not because they are fantastic. It's because each year, tens of thousands of people spend money on products they don't need or don't fully understand, expecting a quick fix solution.
Despite the fact that it may appear overly scientific at first, the basics behind the nutritional information on a protein product are quite simple. Much like the foundations of building a more muscular body in the gym, nothing much has changed over the last couple of decades when you get down to the fine details of it all.
Everybody's different. We all have different body types and goals, so when every product claims to be the best thing ever to hit the market you should take that claim with a pinch of salt to say the least. The three points below will teach you what to look for.
* Look at the first ingredient.
* How much protein is provided in each serving?
* As well as the protein content, take a look at the carbohydrate count.
If you can learn how to understand the three rules above you'll have far less trouble when buying your next supplement. Let's start by explaining the first item, which asks about the form of protein listed as the main ingredient in the product.
There are 3 main blends in this category and understanding them is very easy. Hydrolized is the quickest digesting form of whey, closely followed by isolate and concentrate. For this reason, hydrolized products are usually the most expensive. However, the differences in the speed of digestion are not huge and certainly don't warrant the often crazy differences in prices, so if you can only afford a product which is made from concentrate you needn't worry.
How much protein is provided by each shake? Science tells us that our body can only handle between 20 and 30 grams in any one sitting, so all of those products which boast about hitting you with 40-50 grams tend to lead to unwanted fat gain.
Finally, you'll need to take a look at the carbohydrate content within your chosen brand. This is how to separate products between those ideal for people trying to get leaner, as opposed to those trying to pack on serious size in a short space of time. If you are trying to get bigger, carbohydrates will become your best friend. If you're trying to figure out how to build muscle but stay lean at the same time, your protein shake should provide a very low carbohydrate content. Preferably, aim for under 8 grams.
With the three main rules now in check, you will be able to figure out which whey protein is best for you relatively easily.
About the Author:
Writer: Top fitness coach Russ Howe PTI will teach you which whey protein is best to suit your workout goals. The new walkthrough video will also reveal how to build muscle now.