Hitch Fit Living Magazine Volume 2 - September/October 2015 | Page 47

Have you ever been searching for protein and been confused by all the varieties? Maybe you've seen a few
of the more popular ones such as, whey concentrate, whey isolate, soy or casein and wondered what the
difference was. What should you get? Did you know protein isn't JUST protein? All protein sources are
not created equal. And all brands are not created equal. There are several different types of protein and
they all serve different purposes and are all of different qualities.
One thing to keep in mind as we review the various types of proteins, is the fact that the supplement
industry isn't regulated by the FDA. This means that many products say one thing on the label, but that isn't
necessarily what is in the bottle. Unfortunately a lot of companies will use cheap ingredients and
fillers in order to keep cost low and make a high profit margin. Ever walked into a supplement store and
had really high pressure from a sales person to buy a particular brand? Chances are, that's the brand their
store makes the highest profit margin from. It isn't necessarily the best protein or product to put in your
body. Buyer beware in those situations!
That being said, there are some high quality brands and products out there. The more you care about your
body, what you put it in it, and your overall health, the more important it will be to choose a higher quality
protein powder.
Protein powders can be a cheaper alternative to whole food proteins such as chicken or fish, and they also
provide a fast option for someone with a busy lifestyle. They shouldn't be used at ALL meals as a protein
source, a good rule of thumb is to use protein powder at no more than 2 meals per day.
Let's take a look at the different types of protein, what purposes each serves and what type might be best for
your needs.
WHEY CONCENTRATE:
What is it? First up, we have whey concentrate. Whey Concentrate is probably the most common protein
found in supplement stores as it carries a lower price point than others. Whey concentrate is 60 to 70
percent protein by weight. Whey concentrate typically has more lactose, fat and fillers than other proteins.
Who is it for? Whey concentrate is for anyone looking to add a little extra protein to their diet without
without having to spend a ton of money. A lot of people have issues digesting whey concentrate, it can leave
them feeling bloated and gassy. This is often due to the lactose content, or the fillers that manufacturers
included.
When to Use it: Whey concentrate can be used any time of day although it may not be the preferred source
at night due to its fast digestion.