Why Protein Powder Isn't Just for Gym Goers

While protein powders might be synonymous in your mind with body builders and gym fanatics, the reality is that almost everyone can benefit from incorporating a quick and easy source of protein into their diet. A quick recap: protein is a macronutrient (made up of building blocks called amino acids) that is fundamental in the structure, function and maintenance of the body’s tissues and organs. Yes, it’s vital for people who work out because it helps support and repair muscle damage and growth, but adequate protein intake and more specifically adequate amino acid intake, are vital for everybody. That's because it helps to support amongst other things, proper immune function, energy levels, stronger hair, skin and nails, and proper liver function. Although protein is arguably a really important part of your daily diet, the problem is many of us struggle to reach the RDA of around 0.8g per kg of body weight, which is again where the ease and convenience of protein powders come in. As ever it’s important to check your source and choose a protein powder that’s high quality and as pure as possible; Workshop’s Organic Pea Protein Formulas contain only fermented yellow peas and a little stevia, meaning they’re free from the trace heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, that contaminate so many other mixed protein powders. Read on to see how you could benefit…

Supplement your diet

If you’re following a vegan or plant-based diet it can be hard to get your full protein quota every day. Amongst the spectrum of amino acids are those called essential amino acids, and they refer to those which we need, but that aren’t produced by our bodies. Instead, we need to get them from our food. Because most of these essential amino acids are found in abundance in animal protein, it can be hard to maintain a diet which ticks all the boxes. In that case, supporting your diet with a good quality protein powder can be a great option.

Curb your hunger

To stop constant hunger pangs and prevent endless snacking, it’s important to choose natural, whole and minimally processed foods and there’s none better than something that contains a good serving of protein. Rich sources such as eggs, meat and fish create certain responses in the body, stimulating gastric stretch receptors, which in turn stimulate the brain to trigger satiation and a reduction in appetite. For that reason, eating a protein-packed breakfast is a good idea as it’ll help you feel fuller all morning and means you won’t be tempted to fill up on foods that are loaded with saturated fats and sugar. As well as helping to you stay fuller for longer, protein makes your body work to digest it and has a thermogenic effect meaning it takes more energy to digest and absorb it, so it raises metabolism.

Enhance your sleep

If you’re someone that finds it impossible to get to sleep when you’re hungry, having a protein shake as a snack before bed can help you drift off feeling sated, meaning you benefit from a deeper, more restorative night’s sleep. Protein is also rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that boosts the hormone serotonin, the precursor the melatonin, which is essential for sleep.

Support your energy output

If you’re not a gym goer but are just someone who needs plenty of energy to get through a busy day, then a protein shake could be just the kind of on-the-go snack you need. As well as helping to support and repair muscles, protein is also a fuel source, actually taking longer to breakdown that carbs, so whether the energy is required for the treadmill or running around after your kids, the same philosophy applies. Not eating enough protein is a major source of fatigue too, so it’s important to keep your consumption up. Protein also helps your body fight infection, so if you are prone to getting run down because you’re running here there and everywhere, ensuring you always eat enough is a sensible way to make sure you’re not running on empty.