Fit Momma Question: Protein Powder?

Many of you have emailed or commented lately about protein powder:

Do I have to eat protein powder? If I decide to, what should I look for in a protein powder?

The answer to the first question is NO. If you are getting into this health/fitness/weight loss thang, there is no rule saying you have to use protein powder. There are numberless soccer moms to athletes who DON’T use protein powder that are in fantastic shape. It is definitely a newcomer when it comes to eating healthily and if you don’t like, heck, I won’t force it down your throat.

Why protein powder?


I am not a huge supplement person, however, I am a regular protein powder consumer. I have several reasons for doing so:

1.  It keeps me full. First and foremost, when I eat a shake or meal with protein powder thrown in it prevents me from being on the blood sugar roller coaster. I personally don’t like feeling ravenously hungry throughout the day (call me crazy), so I use it.

2.  It is convenient. For this crazed busy mom of 3, I know I get a dose of easy protein by throwing in protein powder to my shake, cereal, oatmeal, milk, and baked goods. Although I adore other sources of protein, this one just fits the “I need it now” bill.

3.  It is great for building lean muscle. I am pretty hard on my body, I admit. Every morning minus one each week you’ll find me either cardio-ing, lifting, or both. After breaking down those muscles, I like eating the extra protein to build those muscles.

4.  It is low-calorie. If you choose your protein wisely, it can be a very filling snack/meal for relatively low calories. Cha-ching! I need more of those options in my life.

5.  It is cheap. I know, I know -- you are saying, “WHAT?” at the computer right now. However, if I take one scoop of protein powder that has let’s say 23 grams of protein. If I take a 5 lb. tub of protein powder, that usually has around 75 servings. I just checked online and the going rate for a 5 lb. tub of protein powder in around $43.00. Do the math and that is around $.57 per serving. That ain’t bad.

How to choose the right protein powder?

I’ve posted on this before, but I want to update my guidelines for choosing a whey protein powder:

• Make sure it has over 15 grams of protein in it. I actually shoot for 20 grams or above.
• It doesn’t need to have over 30 grams of protein. Any more than that is a clever marketing scheme it just runs right through you.
• It needs to be under 150 calories. Beware here! Don’t get stuck buying one that loads 300 calories per serving. Youch! You’ll be busting out of your pencil skirt in no time with that kind of calorie count.
• There is really no reason to have more than 5 grams of sugar.
• Make sure you like the taste. This is a tough one. I agree with a TM reader, Debra, that we should be able to sample single servings before we lay down $40 for this stuff.

What protein powder do I use? 


I typically use what Costco offers, which has been EAS Premium Protein Powder for a while. However, I am suspicious they are changing things up on me, so I, too, am in the market for a replacement. I tend to stick with the EAS brand and am eyeing their 100% Whey Protein. In fact, I believe Sam’s Club sells it (that’s what my Sam’s Club spies tell me, anyway).

So, give it a try if you haven't.  Or, if it makes you gag, then stay far away.  I'll down a cold, luscious protein shake in your honor.

How about you, Fit Mommas? Are you a protein powder junkie like myself? What protein powders do you prefer? How do you use them? Comment below and let us know WHAT WORKS!

For more Fit Momma Questions, click here.

I’ll say it once, and I’ll say it every week -- I love your questions! Keep them coming!

**Nope, no one paid me to write this post nor compensated me in any way.  I'm just telling you what works :)

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