My goal might seem like a lofty one, but I am on a lifelong quest to find the best protein supplement on the market and share it with you. In the beginning of my journey, I was swayed primarily by price. As time progressed, I started to do more research and look more closely at what I was putting in my body. I am now at the point where I am running out of options. So if you’re looking for a protein supplement I have a few recommendations:
#1 The first ingredient should be protein. Put the product back on the shelf if the first ingredient is sugar or something else.
#2 Choose whey protein isolate vs. whey concentrate. If you have any lactose intolerance avoid concentrate. Isolate absorbs faster in the body. You also get more bang for your buck with isolate.
#3 Keep it simple. The less ingredients the better.
#4 Avoid sugar if possible. Look for healthy alternatives like Stevia or Xylitol. Beware of sucralose (splenda). Its in a lot of supplements.
#5 Avoid natural flavors. What are natural flavors? Have you ever heard of castoreum? It is a combination of secretions from the castor sacs (between the pelvis and base of the tail), anal glands, and urine of beavers. It is typically used for vanilla, strawberry, and raspberry flavoring.
#6 Avoid Dutch/Alkali chocolate. This is chocolate that has been alkalized with salts to reduce bitterness. This is done to mask low quality, cheap, and/or overroasted chocolate (cacao). It destroys natural healthy antioxidants (flavonoids). Just use a scoop of alkali-free cocoa powder for flavor.
#7 Choose GMO-free, hormone, and antibiotic free. If your goal is to just bulk-up without any regard towards health/nutrition by all means please choose GMO, hormone, and antibiotic rich supplements. The milk industry started using antibiotics on cows because it increased body mass at an early age in calves.
#8 Choose grass-fed whey protein. Keep in mind there is no official certification for grass-fed labeling/marketing. Pasture time is not a requirement for organic certification. The choice is yours to decide. Do you want your protein originating from corn fed cows or grass fed cows?
#9 Be skeptical. Is this company reputable? Contact them and ask them questions. Look for online reviews.
# Research. Check out Lab Door to start your journey.
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