3 plant-tastic protein powders
Want to change up your post-workout protein shake? These 3 plant-tastic protein powders are the answer
Which is where the powders step in, providing an easy – and even tasty! – way to feed my muscles
Muscles need protein to grow and repair, so us fitness bunnies need to consume more of that weighty nutrient than people who spend their days sitting still. How much more, however, depends on the type of exercise you’re into; for instance, a weightlifter will need more of those muscle-building amino acids than a yogi or a long-distance runner. Sports medicine expert Jan Annigan calculates that 0.8 grams of protein per kilo of bodyweight is roughly enough for non-exercisers, but you might need up to 2 grams per kilo if you’re doing hardcore high-intensity resistance circuits.
Despite being a vegan and therefore missing out on the classic protein sources (meat, dairy, eggs), I know I don’t need powders in order to get enough protein, as there’s plenty to be had in the plant kingdom. But sometimes I just don’t have time to make sure I’ve had the required amount of tofu, seeds, nuts, oils etc to prep me for a workout, or aid muscle recovery after. Which is where the powders step in, providing an easy – and even tasty! – way to feed my muscles.
Even for non-vegans, choosing a non-animal protein powder for your shake comes with several ethical and health bonuses, the main being that they are non-bloat! Whey, casein and other milk-based protein can often wreak havoc with your intestines, whereas pea, rice, soy or other plant proteins can help keep stomachs flat.
Here are my top three powders for making perfect plant-based protein shakes!
We Heart Living – SunWarrior Classic Protein
Best for beginners
The American award-winning brand Sunwarrior is ideal for protein powder virgins, or those who have tried some in the past and found them grainy, tasteless or bitter. Personally, I find Sunwarrior a bit heavy on the Stevia and therefore too sweet, but if you are in need of a post-workout pick-me-up treat – this is perfect. The consistency is brilliant; it blends smoothly, with hardly any graininess. Basically, it’s like drinking a chocolate milkshake! Except it’s full of nutrients, not sugar. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and very gentle on your digestion as it’s made from raw sprouted brown rice grains – so anyone with lactose, gluten or soy intolerance can safely down this.
Classic Protein, Sunwarrior, xynergy.co.uk