Plant-Based Protein Powder

I am a huge fan of plant-based protein powder.

In this post, I will share with you the benefits and my recommendations for plant-based protein powder. I cannot explain the importance enough of steady blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar levels are steady throughout the day your metabolism is on fire, your mood is steady, and you can think clearly. One of my top guidelines for supporting blood sugar levels is to consume half of your body weight in grams of protein per day.

Protein is broken down daily and it needs to be replaced. It cannot be stored for later use like fats and carbs. Less protein equates to less muscle mass and a slower metabolism. Who wants that??? You may be thinking that means that you need to amp up on your meat, but that is simply not the case. You can combine plant sources of proteins to meet your protein needs.

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.

Amino acids assist in energy production and metabolic functioning in our bodies. There are 20 different amino acids that make protein. They are divided into two types, non-essential and essential amino acids.

• There are 11 Non-essential amino acids – These are synthesized in our body. It is not necessary to obtain them from food.
• There are 9 Essential amino acids – You must consume these from food sources. Our bodies do not create them on our own. Plant-based protein powders offer a wide variety of essential amino acids.

Benefits of plant-based protein powder

• Plant-Based Protein Powder is a great alternative to whey, eggs, and collagen for vegans.
  Individuals that are lactose intolerant, allergic, or sensitive to dairy, eggs, or beef can consume plant protein.
• Plant sources of protein are a great way to reduce your meat consumption, which helps our environment. Animal agriculture is responsible for 18% of the release of greenhouse gases worldwide. You can read more here. Also, plants do not have growth hormones or antibiotics in them.
• Plant-based diets help to combat the acidity in our bodies. Our body should be in a more alkaline state.
• Plants break down quickly, which is assists our metabolism, digestion, and energy levels.

Considerations of plant-based protein powders

Below, I have targeted the main types of plant-based protein powder found in stores, with the exception of soy. Soy is commonly genetically modified, inflammatory, and a hormone disruptor. It is important to eat a variety of sources of protein throughout the day. I highly recommend rotating out these sources so that you consume all of your essential amino acids each day.

Curious about whey protein? Read my article here.

Plant-Based Protein Powder Sources

• Brown Rice – Most identical to the whey protein amino acid panel. Take note that if you are switching to a gluten-free diet please be aware of how much brown rice that you are consuming as an alternative. I have seen it happen time and time again. When clients end up going heavy with brown rice alternatives they then develop a reaction to it. Make sure to rotate your foods daily.
• Pea – Has a great amino acid profile, including a lot of the BCAA’s, which are well-known for decreasing muscle breakdown after workouts.
• Hemp – Contains BCAA’s and Omega 3’s which are anti-inflammatory.
• Pumpkin Seed –  Known as a SuperFood, it contains phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, iron, antioxidants, vitamin K, and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids.