HANNAH PARRY
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Events
  • Music and Media
  • Contact
  • Blog - Hannah the traveller

Who Should Use Protein Powder?

6/8/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Protein powder could put in mind bulging, veiny, fake-tanned bodybuilders in skimpy underwear. How times have changed! I first started using protein powder when I was marathon training, as my life was so busy and demanding that it was the easiest way to ensure my recovery was fuelled by this important macro-nutrient. But it’s not just marathoners that can benefit from this convenient product. Everyone from dieters to the elderly can benefit. Here are some less well known uses of protein supplements after some wise words from a real-life Personal Trainer who actually (unlike me who just reads a lot) knows the facts! 
Picture
Yasmine Say - experienced and energetic Personal Trainer and Coach based in West London - gave me some of the essential info to consider about protein. She said:
"Our basic diets should be made up of the three macronutrients your body needs to function: protein, carbs and fat, as well as a variety of micronutrients. Protein can be consumed in a variety of ways, but protein powder is a convenient way to make sure you’re getting enough. I will always
recommend to clients that your first step to including enough protein in your diet is to get it from natural food sources. However, I do supplement with protein powder on days where I have significantly increased my training (for example weight training), or where my daily intake of protein has not been sufficient for my body’s needs.

Protein has been shown to keep you feeling fuller for longer too, so by switching out my afternoon snack with a protein shake I can keep my hunger pangs away. There have also been recent studies that have shown that having a high-protein breakfast, can help keep you feeling full for longer and reduce blood sugar spikes. This has also been linked to weight-loss."


So, with all the science and facts in mind, here are some less well known uses for protein powders.

1. Dieters

Those looking to lose some body fat have many reasons to add protein products to their regime. As Yasmine said, protein itself leaves you feeling fuller for longer, a thick shake made from protein powder feels like a substantial snack and the liquid content will keep you hydrated. Try it as breakfast alongside a small bowl of muesli or as a blended smoothie with frozen berries and plant milk.


2. The elderly
Protein products are recommended for older people who perhaps have a smaller appetite than they used to, and need to maintain muscle mass. A scoop of powder can be added to soups, stews or desserts like yoghurt or custard.


3. Soy avoiders
In my pursuit of protein, I end up turning to soy quite a lot. Tofu, milk and many meat-substitutes are soy based - although of course pulses, nuts and seeds are a great source too. If you’re allergic to soy, or wanting to reduce your intake for other reasons, then a plant based protein made from pea, rice or hemp is a great option. Have you tried making protein pancakes yet?

4. Runners
Have you heard of runger? It's when you get back from a long run and feel like you need to eat ALL THE FOOD! This is when you need to refuel with a balance of carbs, fats and protein. How about chickpea pancakes (add some unflavoured protein powder), with avocado and a cheeky tomato salsa? Too lazy?! A protein shake and peanut butter on toast sounds pretty good to me too.

5. Non vegans
It's a common misconception that only vegans will be protein deficient. Non-vegans who fall into any of the above situations will benefit just as much as us plant-munchers.

I enjoy trying a variety of different protein powders (does that make me a bit of a geek?). As a busy and impatient person, I like to be able to mix my powder with just water in a shaker rather than with plant milk or in a smoothie so at the moment my favourite is from VFuelUK. Use their chocolatey Vegan Lean in my Snounty Ball recipe. Try it out and let me know what you think.
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Hannah the traveller

    is a travel and lifestyle blog with focus on running, vegan eating and of course global travel.

    Categories

    All
    Adventuring
    Afghanistan
    Africa
    Backpacking
    Bike Ride
    Book Review
    Bosnia
    Calais
    Croatia
    Dunkirk
    Europe
    Farm
    Festival
    Fitness
    Germany
    Guest Post
    Half Marathon
    Hawaii
    Hiking
    Human Rights
    Kayaking
    Kindness
    Lithuania
    London
    Malawi
    Marathon
    MEXICO
    Microadventure
    Middle East
    Migrant Crisis
    Mindfulness
    Music
    Netherlands
    Norfolk
    Politics
    Product Review
    Ramadan
    Recipe
    Refugees
    Review
    Running
    Sailing
    Scotland
    Scuba Diving
    Serbia
    Travel
    UK
    Vegan
    Volunteer
    Women
    Yoga

    Archives

    December 2023
    November 2023
    September 2023
    August 2023
    June 2023
    April 2023
    February 2023
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    June 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.