Let’s talk about protein powder. I’ve been a big fan ever since I became a pescatarian, and was looking for alternative sources of protein to include in my diet – especially since I’m very active on the courts.
Anyone can whip up a protein smoothie as a snack or meal substitute, but if you’ve never done it before, that section of your grocery store will be quite intimidating. There are SO many brands from which to choose, and SO many different types of protein powder.
All I can say is thank goodness for the internet, because after doing some extensive research, I discovered that not only are there different types of protein powders, but you take them at different times of the day for optimum effect. I know, it sounds confusing, but let me explain.
The biggest difference between protein powders is their digestion speed. Whey, for instance, is very quick to digest, so it’s ideal to have first thing in the morning, or for a pre or post workout/match snack, because you want to get in your system and to those muscles quickly. This is what I use most, as I love to workout before going to work every day. My personal fave is Whey Protein by Jay Robb. It’s all natural and fat free, and it tastes delish!
Then there are the casein and egg proteins. Those are slow digesting, longer lasting protein powders which are ideal at night before bed, because that’s when you’re body goes into a fasting state, and you want to keep yourself fueled and feeling full throughout the night.
Next, there are the blends. The blends are a combination of both the fast and slow digesting proteins, and can be used as a meal replacement or as a longer lasting protein, perhaps as a snack to tide you over until dinner.
Then there are the vegan proteins. These are plant-based proteins which you can get from soy or hemp, or even rice powder.
And lastly, I want to mention the meal replacements. These are typically a protein mixed with carbohydrates and some healthy fats – everything that would be in a healthy meal – so you can have it as a full meal replacement.
No matter what your tennis/workout routine may be, I hope I’ve shed some light on protein powders for you 🙂
