Do You Need to Use a Protein Powder?

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All thoughts & opinions remain my own.

These days most people know that protein is an important macronutrient. It helps us to build and repair tissues, aids in digestion, provides the structure for hair, blood, and muscle, helps transport nutrients, and more. There are different brands of protein powders all over the stores, and I’m sure at some point you wondered if you should buy it. So do you need to use a protein powder? Or is it only for serious athletes? Let’s find out!

Protein in your Diet

First, start off by taking a look at your diet. Protein is found in things such as meat, seafood, dairy, tofu, nuts, and more. Every meal and snack should have a good source of protein. Do you eat these foods at every meal? If you’re getting enough protein from the foods you eat, then you most likely do not need to use a protein powder.

How Much Protein Do You Need?

This is a tricky question, as it varies depending on your size, activity level, and physique goals. A rough rule of thumb is that most people should consume anywhere from 0.5-1.0 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, you should eat anywhere from 75-150 grams of protein each day. The more active you are, the higher you should be in that range.

When Should you Consider a Protein Powder?

If you’re struggling to get enough protein from your diet alone, it might be time to consider using a protein powder. Most protein powders contain about 20 grams of protein per serving, which can really help boost your daily intake. Protein powder is also a very quick and convenient way to get in a good dose of protein. If you’re someone who struggles finding time to sit down and eat a proper meal, a protein powder can help fill in the gaps in your diet.

If you’ve decided that a protein powder might be right for you, know that not all powders are created equal. The most popular and most affordable type of protein is whey protein, which is a milk based protein. As long as you don’t have any dairy allergies/sensitives, I’d recommend using whey protein. It mixes well and absorbs in y our body quickly. My favorite brand of whey protein is About Time since it is all natural and uses stevia as a sweetener. The chocolate and birthday cake flavors are my favorite (drool!). If you can’t tolerate dairy, look into a vegan, plant based protein or even a bone broth protein. Again I like the About Time vegan protein and also the Ideal Raw plant based protein powder. My personal favorite brand of bone broth protein is Natural Force.

Do you need help figuring out the right protein intake for your personal needs? Let me help you! I offered one-time custom macro calculations where I’ll calculate the exact amount of fat, carbs, and protein you should be consuming each day. Learn more here.