One of the most popular fitness supplements is a whey protein powder. Whenever a person starts their fitness journey, the recommendations for including a whey protein powder and whey protein benefits start to flow. If you also want to know whey protein benefits, then you must get rid of certain myths and misconceptions surrounding whey protein. Read on to know what is whey protein powder, whey protein benefits, and whey protein mistakes that you might be making.
Whey protein is obtained as a by-product during the cheese making process. The liquid form of whey goes through various purification and filtration processes to get the end product, i.e., whey protein powder. When whey protein powder goes through different stages of purification and filtration to get the different types of whey protein.
Whey protein benefits
Some of the main whey protein benefits are –
- Helps in building lean muscle mass
- Fulfils your daily protein requirement
- Supports post-workout recovery
- Enhances metabolism and may help in burning more calories
- Aids in weight loss and weight management
- Reduces muscle damage and breakdown especially after intense workouts
Whey protein mistakes you might be making and how to avoid them
- Not all whey proteins are the same
One of the biggest mistakes that you might be making in regard to whey protein is to choose any random whey protein supplement without knowing its details. There are three types of whey protein – whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate, and whey protein hydrolyzed. The difference between these three is the number of stages of filtration and purification they go through.
Whey protein isolate is considered to be the purest form of whey with the least amount of lactose and fat. It is due to this reason that it is most expensive. Whey protein isolate is ideal for advanced level athletes and bodybuilders. People with lactose intolerance can also take whey protein isolate without any worry. Whey protein concentrate goes through less processing as compared to whey protein isolate and is considered to be the best option for intermediate level fitness enthusiasts. If you are looking to upgrade from your basic protein powder, then whey protein concentrate will be a good choice.
For some people whey protein concentrate works the best, while for others whey protein isolate is a great option, and for some whey protein blend can show the best results. It is recommended that you get in touch with your trainer to know more about each whey protein powder variant and to know which out of the three would suit your fitness needs the best.
- Not following the dosage instructions
Even the best whey protein powder can have side effects if you don’t follow the dosage instructions. They are mentioned on every pack of GNC whey protein powder. Read them carefully and consume only the amount mentioned. Do not consume excess amounts as it may cause side effects and may even trigger allergic reactions.
- Whey protein powder is not for women
A lot of women believe that whey protein powder is not meant for women or consuming whey protein will make them bulky. That’s not true. You can get whey protein benefits whether you are a man or woman when you have the right kind of supplement in the right quantity. These days there are special whey protein supplements that are specifically formulated for women. You can also choose from a wide range of GNC unisex whey protein supplements to make sure your fitness journey gets the much needed push.
- Eating protein from the same source
Varying the protein source is really important to get all nine essential amino acids and other vital micro and macronutrients. If you keep having the same kind of whey protein over a long period of time, your body will get used to it and might not show best results after some time. Get in touch with your trainer to know how you can switch between whey protein and plant-based protein supplements to provide your body all the required nutrients. Some of the best GNC whey protein supplements are –
- GNC Pro Performance 100% Whey Protein
- GNC AMP Pure Isolate
- GNC AMP Gold Series 100% Whey Protein Advanced
- You are replacing meals with protein shakes
Nutritional experts don’t recommend skipping meals. Even if you are on a weight loss journey, try not to skip meals or replace them with protein shakes. A basic protein shake with a protein supplement and liquid likely falls short of providing the balance and nutrition to be considered a meal. It will also not provide the daily dose of carbohydrates, fats, and other essential nutrients including vitamins and minerals. That’s why it is recommended that you have whey protein shake pre or post workout, as your trainer suggests to boost your athletic performance.
- You compromise with quality
There are chances that your protein powder is not showing desired results because it is of low quality. There are so many protein supplements available in the market that sometimes it gets difficult to choose the best ones. In order to save some money, don’t compromise with the quality. GNC whey proteins are some of the top selling whey protein powders in India. You will surely find a protein supplement suitable for your needs with the brand.
- Clean ingredients are important
It is important that the whey protein powder you choose is made from the finest whey and has the highest quality muscle building protein. Before making your purchase, make sure to go through the ingredient list. The whey protein should not have any added sugar because it will only add to your overall calorie intake; it should have a balance amino acid profile to help with post-workout recovery; and should be enriched with digestive enzymes so that the protein powder is easy on the stomach and quick to digest.
GNC protein powders are World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Approved and Informed Choice Certified. Products that have these logos are tested for purity and are free from any banned substances.