PUBLICATION MAGAZINE VOLUME ONE PEMBETULAN LGI (1) | Page 24

WHEY PROTEIN AND OTHER
ANIMAL-BASED PROTEIN POWDERS
It was once thought that only animal protein was complete and therefore superior to
plant-based options. Complete protein is
comprised of all 10 essential amino acids. By definition, essential amino acids cannot be made by
the body; they must be obtained through dietary sources. But, in fact, there are actually several
complete plant protein
sources,” Brazier says.
“What’s more is that animal-based food is highly-acid forming, which wreaks havoc on the body,”
Brazier notes. “Eating too many acid-forming foods will promote inflammation, reduce immune
function, and cause highly
alkaline calcium to be pulled from the bones to keep the blood in its neutral state.”
Related: Here Are 7 Sketchy Ingredients
Lurking In Your Protein Powder
TRY THIS INSTEAD: Additionally, plant-based proteins don’t cause inflammation. When
inflammation goes down, muscle functionality goes up, which means you can move more efficiently
which means you don’t have to spend as much energy moving. “If you’re an athlete—that’s huge,”
Brazier says. So swap out your animal-based protein powders for lentils, legumes, beans, peas,
nuts, seeds, and greens. Instead of whey, try a Vega Protein Smoothie, a high-quality, plant-based
protein, to fuel your active lifestyle.
COFFEE
There is a lot of advice out there that suggests drinking coffee before a workout will help
increase energy and focus, among other things. And it’s true that coffee and other
caffeine-containing foods and beverages stimulate the adrenal glands, creating energy. “But
unfortunately, this energy doesn’t last long,” Brazier notes. “Adrenal stimulation results in quick yet
fleeting energy that is always followed by fatigue. If this cycle of adrenal fatigue is allowed to
continue and
become part of a regular part of life—as it does for most of the North American
population—compounded adrenal exhaustion ensues.
TRY THIS INSTEAD: Brazier recommends drinking green tea before a workout. While green tea
leaves do contain a form of caffeine, it differs significantly from the form found in coffee beans, he
says. “Theophylline causes a slow, steady release of energy over the course of several hours,”
Brazier says. “Therefore, it does not cause caffeine jitters and places less stress on the adrenal
glands.”
Green tea is also rich in chlorophyll and
antioxidants. Drinking it before exercise can
improve the level of intensity a person can reach during a workout or on race day, which can lead to
better, faster results, Brazier notes. Theophylline has also been shown to help
improve focus and concentration, calming nerves.
Related: I Drank Match Tea Instead of Coffee Every Morning For A Week And Here’s What
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