Protein Supplements – Do You Actually Need Them?

With so many products these days adopting the high protein approach, it’s no wonder most people think protein shakes are an essential part of life, especially if you exercise. Breakfast bars, yogurt, cereal, ice cream – you name it there is probably a “high protein” version.  And that’s even before you get to the actual types of protein! Hydrolysed, concentrate, isolate, casein, vegan, soy, pea and more – it’s all rather overwhelming with the different types available and manufacturers claiming to make you bigger, stronger and even leaner. So bottom line – do you actually need protein powders?

 

The short answer is, no. Protein is found is plenty of natural sources and it’s simply a matter of consuming enough of these foods to hit your protein requirements. Red and white meat, fish, tofu, chick peas, nuts, yogurt and skim milk for example are excellent sources of protein. Food often also has vitamins and minerals that shakes and powders might lack.

 

But wait!  Before you go ditching your protein shake and turning your nose up at the guys and girls buying their protein powders, know that protein supplements do actually have their place.

 

While protein shakes aren’t a necessity, they are extremely convenient. It’s a lot easier to down a shake then it is to down a steak, especially immediately after your workout. Protein shakes also allow you to add in other supplements to further promote and enhance your training and recovery, such as creatine, glutamine, carbohydrates etc. Don’t have time for a meal? A quick shake can keep your macros on track. For some who are on very high protein diets, eating all the time can become tiresome so again, the protein supplement can play an important role. And sometimes you just might not want the carbs or fats that come with eating certain foods regardless of the protein content, so again a protein shake becomes the perfect choice. Protein powders have also come a long way since they were first invented, and can taste pretty damn good so as to serve as both as a supplement and a treat!

 

So remember, while protein supplements are never a necessity, they are a convenience and a tool in your fitness arsenal. And sometimes a convenient tool can make the difference between achieving and not achieving your goals.

 

 

Examples

Salmon (100g cooked) = 24g protein

Tofu (100g) = 12g protein

Tuna, canned (95g) = 21g protein

Chickpeas, canned (1 cup) = 12g protein

Natural yoghurt (100g) = 6 g protein

Raw almonds (30g) = 7 g protein

Beef fillet, cooked (100g) = 32g protein