Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard Whey Proteinย has been a staple in bodybuilding and fitness communities for many years now. Bodybuilders and athletes swear by it, and have no problem claiming Gold Standard as the best whey money can buy.
Thereโs also the awards and accolades to consider. Most recently Gold Standard was voted โBest Protein Powderโ by Menโs Health Magazine (UK), and for over 18 years running the popular product has been declared best protein powder by Bodybuilding.com.But the reality is, choosing the best protein should be based on your individual needs - not on how popular a product is or how many awards it has won.
With that in mind, here are some tips to help you pick the ideal protein product:
How To Choose The Best Protein Powder For Your Needs
We all come with unique dietary needs and react to foods differently. This means for a lot of people โthe most popular proteinโ just isnโt practical for their dietary needs. To make the choice a little easier try asking yourself these three questions:
1. When Are You Taking Your Protein?
Are you using protein as a post workout supplement? Or are you primarily using it as a meal replacement?
If youโre having protein shakes post workout, choosing a whey isolate protein powder would be the better option. As whey isolate products are usually mixed with carbs to give you the glucose your muscles need after a workout. Youโre also going to want something that digests easy, so you won't feel full or bloated following your workout.
On the other hand, if youโre using protein shakes as a meal replacement, then a casein protein powder might be more suitable. Casein takes longer to digest and slowly releases amino acids into your body. It can also help you feel less hungry and resist the urge to snack between meals.
2. Is Your Goal To Lose Fat Or Gain Muscle?
If your main goal is to shred fat then you want a protein powder low in calories and high in protein. Ideally youโre looking for a protein powder with 90 to 110 calories, supplying you with around 22 to 26 grams of protein per serving. This way you to get the protein you need, minus the additional calories from unwanted carbs or fat.
However, if you're looking to add more mass and size, you need a protein source with a higher calorie count. In this case โmass gainingโ supplements would be your go to. As they contain the added calories you need to put on weight and muscle.
3. Do You Have Specific Nutrient Requirements Or Allergies?
Lastly, it's important to consider any dietary needs or allergies you have. If youโre a vegetarian for example, whey protein might not be an option as itโs a type of dairy. You might instead opt for an egg based protein powder, or if thatโs still not an option you could consider a protein source made from soy.
Same goes for if youโre lactose intolerant. In this case you might also be better off with an egg based protein powder or something similar. Gold Standard Whey Is Loved By Many, But It May Not Be The Best For You
And thatโs okay.
When it comes down to it, choosing โthe bestโ whey protein is largely dependant on your needs. Sure, if youโre a regular gym junkie with no special health or dietary needs, whoโs looking for an affordable whey protein people swear by - Gold Standard is one of, if not the best option out there.But if you need a protein powder to suit your specific needs, you have plenty of other great options too.
Check out more fantastic protein powders in this article by TopReviews.co.nz!
Or ifย Optimum Nutritionโs Wheyย sounds like your cup of tea, you can learn more about the legendary Gold Standard product here.