Looking for something specific?

5 Reasons Why You Need to Use Protein Powder for Protein Drinks
Sportsfuel, 27 April 2017
Juice bars might be the latest big thing. All your friends are going. There's one right next to the gym. But you don't have to stand in line for twenty minutes to get the best protein drinks out there. In fact, those "super smoothies" or "super juices" may be preventing you from reaching your goals rather than helping. Juice bar smoothies and drinks are often high in sugar. I can hear you thinking, but it comes from fruit. Yes, but you wouldn't eat the amount of fruit needed to make your juice in one sitting. And some of the fruits listed in the ingredients come from sugar-packed concentrates. Put the drink down and step away now. Plus, to really fuel your body to grow and repair muscles, you need to use protein powder. More juice bars are using protein powder in their drinks these days, but you're still better off to keep it simple and stick to quality whey protein without the unknown extras.Here, we're laying down the law when it comes to why adding protein powder to your protein drinks ensures you get the real nutrition your body needs. 1. Whey Protein Is High-Quality It's a fact: not all protein supplements and forms are created equal. Luckily, whey protein is packed with amino acids and is easy for your body to digest.The three main types of whey protein powder are concentrate, hydrolysate, and isolate. The most common type you'll see on the shelf is whey protein concentrate.All three types of powders are equally high in nutritional value. 2. It Can Increase The Antioxidants In Your Body It's not just a glass of red wine that's a great source of antioxidants - and protein shakes won't leave you feeling a little off the next day.Making sure you get enough antioxidants means that your oxidative stress levels are lower, meaning your body can easily fight off disease.Glutathione is found in whey protein, and it's a huge source of antioxidants. An added bonus? Glutathione can also help you to lose weight faster!What's not to love about that? 3. It Reduces Inflammation We've all been there: experiencing soreness after a killer workout that just won't go away. Did you know that chronic inflammation can even lead to disease?To combat this, consume protein drinks rich in whey powder, which can lower your body's levels of C-reactive protein: the very thing that generates inflammation.Prevent soreness and inflammation before it starts by drinking a protein shake before your next workout. 4. It Can Help To Lower Your Blood Pressure If you've got hypertension, you're at a higher risk for heart disease. Good news? Whey protein powder can help to lower your blood pressure.Why?Because whey proteins contain lactokinins, which are bio-peptides that can help keep your blood pressure at a safe level. It's equally effective for men and women. 5. It Helps Your Muscles To Grow Faster We all know you want to be bikini-ready in as little time as possible. Protein drinks can help. It's also a great preventative strategy when it comes to protecting the muscles you've worked hard to build.Since whey protein contains a lot of leucine, the most growth-stimulating amino acid, your muscles will build faster. You're An Expert In Protein Drinks! Now you know why adding whey powder to your protein drinks really makes a difference in healing and strengthening your body.For more information on the benefits of protein powder, vegan protein powders and mass gainers, and to learn where you can pick some up, check out our website and blog.
Read More
BSN Syntha-6 Edge Review
Gemma, 27 April 2017
BSN Syntha-6 Edge is BSN’s leaner version of Syntha-6 for those athletes and bodybuilders who are looking for the same great taste but with leaner macros. With a lower carbohydrate and fat content, and less calories, it’s amazing that it still tastes just as good!
Read More
Balance 100% Whey Review
Sportsfuel, 23 March 2017
Balance is a New Zealand company best known for its high-quality protein powders and extensive range of other ergogenic supplements. Their back to basics blended protein powder, 100% Whey is a local favourite. Read on and find out why. Balance 100% Whey Ingredients Balance 100% Whey is not a protein powder that tries too hard to be different for the sake of being different. It contains a blend of whey proteins including whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate (WPI), and hydrolysed whey concentrates. In addition, there is also added arginine and glutamine, as well as a couple of digestive enzymes to help with protein breakdown.In each serve of Balance 100% Whey, you get 118 calories, 23.7 g protein, 1.5 g fat, and 1.7 g carbohydrates. Balance 100% Whey Effectiveness Balance 100% Whey is an excellent foundational supplement for meeting the elevated protein requirements of athletes and bodybuilders. It can help with muscle growth, repair, and recovery, something that is beneficial to all active individuals. The protein profile of Balance 100% Whey is considered to be medium to fast release. It is therefore ideal for use immediately post-workout or to fill small gaps in between meals. Balance 100% Whey Taste & Mixability Balance 100% Whey is a good tasting protein with a smooth, thin, and easy to drink texture. It comes in three flavours, chocolate, vanilla, and cookies & cream. All of which are well received among the staff at Punch. Mixability is excellent when using a shaker. There is no clumping or excessive frothing to take away from the drinking experience. Balance 100% Whey Pros Balance 100% Whey has a high protein content (79%) which is excellent for blended whey. This means that there is little room for any unwanted carbs or fat, which makes it suitable for even those on strict diets. However, if you are bulking, you would benefit from stacking 100% Whey with a carbohydrate source.It is apparent that the formula of the product has been modelled after a top-selling American product. This is not a bad thing though, because that particular product has done absolutely everything right. Given that Balance 100% Whey is produced locally and is superior in taste compared to the alternative, it is another case of the disciple surpassing the master.The use of the two digestive enzymes papain and bromelain require a noteworthy mention. Such additions make 100% Whey more digestible, even before you consume it. This increases the body’s ability to utilise the protein and reduces the likelihood of stomach upsets. The final highlight is that Balance 100% Whey has the added bonus of using locally produced milk, which is globally praised for quality. Balance 100% Whey Cons There are a number of similar products on the market from American manufacturers which are somewhat more economical than Balance 100% Whey. This price premium may make this product seem less attractive than foreign alternatives to some. However, there are many who can overlook this because they are aware of the quality of locally produced goods. Balance 100% Whey Verdict Balance 100% Whey is an honest protein powder with a few bonuses thrown in. It is an ideal multi-purpose protein to be used daily by bodybuilders or athletes with higher demands for protein. It carries a slight price premium over similar American products. However, if you are willing to pay a little bit extra, you will be rewarded with premium New Zealand quality.
Read More
5 Secrets for Bulking Up: Top Tips for Hard Gainers
Sportsfuel, 21 July 2015
You've grown up with people admiring your ability to eat what you want when you want without gaining a pound, but that fast metabolism of yours isn't doing you much good now that you've set your sights on bulking up. If it seems like no matter how hard you train or what changes you try to make to your diet, you just can't pack on the pounds of muscle mass that you desire--you're a hard gainer. Following these five nutrition tips can help you complement your fitness routine and make it easier for you to bulk up: 1. Eat a Little Dirty. Nowadays, everyone is concerned with sticking to a clean eating routine with healthy foods like egg whites, lean protein and sweet potatoes. While you don't want to begin eating nothing but junk food, letting yourself indulge in a dirty little treat or two can help you see better results when you step on the scale. Complement your healthy whole food diet with the occasional extra dose of fat or simple carbohydrates. Don't be afraid to have a few cookies, a piece of cake or two or some ice cream from time to time. 2. Don't Forgo Fats. Many hard gainers find it hard to physically eat enough to pack on the pounds as it's just not comfortable to gorge yourself and walk around with a bloated stomach. Adding extra fats to your foods can give you an extra dose of calories without requiring you to eat a high volume of food. Choose unsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil or foods that are lower in saturated fat like peanut butter to enhance meals. 3. Keep Eating Carbs. Cutting out carbohydrates is a killer for hard gainers like you. Your body is going to need them to supply you with energy and keep your muscles maintained between workouts. As a hard gainer, carbs are an important friend to keep in your diet. In addition to whole grains and healthy carbs, you're one of the few rare people who can actually eat things like pizza, plates full of pasta and sugary foods. They'll give you a massive dose of calories to support your weight gain efforts. Be mindful of eating too many high fiber foods, too. They're incredibly filling and can make it hard for you to keep up with frequent eating. 4. Munch Around the Clock. Eating more frequently will help further your mission to sneak in extra calories. Try eating every 2 to 3 hours per day and make sure you're eating protein every single time you stop for a meal or a snack. If you don't have time to fix something or cook, just reach for a mass gainer supplement shake that you can quickly sip to fill up on calories and keep your body working to build muscle. 5. Write It Down. You may not be eating as much as you think. Download an app that allows you to record what you're eating with just a tap or two on the screen and log everything. This way, you'll be able to see precisely how many calories you're consuming and find places where you can make changes to start increasing muscle mass.In addition to fine tuning your diet by following the tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of gaining bulk by adding the right weight gainer supplements to your sports nutrition plan.Sportsfuel has a huge selection of weight gainer formulas from which to choose, and we'll be glad to help you select the right one to complement your workout goals. Contact us for assistance or check out our selection of weight gain supplements now.
Read More

Types Of Whey Protein Part 2

Written by Gemma, 5 May 2017

In Types of Whey Protein Part 1, we looked at what the different types of whey protein are. In Part 2 we are going to look at how to choose which whey protein you should buy.

Whey Protein Blends

The majority of the whey protein products you will see in-store or advertised online will be a whey protein blend made up of mainly Whey Protein Concentrate. These are a great starting point for beginners who are just beginning to exercise or someone who isn’t exercising yet but wants to try and lose weight with the help of protein shakes. Whey protein blends usually have the lowest price tags and are often on special, so great if you don’t want to spend a lot of money.

Whey protein blends can be used before or after workouts and/or between meals as a snack. Whey protein can help you feel fuller for longer so are a great snack idea for people looking to lose weight and/or fat.

Some people may find they have a hard time digesting whey protein concentrates, this is usually due to the lactose content and may feel bloated or gassy.

Popular products containing whey protein blends are Clean Nutrition Whey Protein, Optimum Gold Standard 100% Whey, Musclepharm Combat 100% Whey, BSN Syntha 6, Balance 100% Whey.

Another positive to this source of protein is its high glutamine content. Glutamine helps boost the immune system and speed up recovery. This is the preferred source of protein to use at night before bed.

Whey Protein Isolates

Whey Protein Isolates are one of the fastest absorbing proteins. As discussed in part one, Whey Protein Isolates go through a further processing step which means the product is higher in protein and lower in fat, carbohydrates, and lactose. This also means that they are more expensive than the Whey Protein Blends.

This type of protein is perfect for athletes and bodybuilders who need to watch their carbohydrate and sugar intakes. It is also a great option for people who have trouble digesting Whey Protein Concentrates or Blends (symptoms like bloating and gas etc) as isolates usually have low or zero lactose content.

Because Whey Protein Isolates are fast absorbing and easily digested, they are a great option for pre and post-workout shakes. Fast absorption means nutrients are quickly delivered to the muscles to help muscle recovery, repair, and growth.

Whey Protein Isolates include Musclepharm Combat 100% Isolate, Balance WPI Protein, BSN Syntha 6 Isolate, and Horleys Ice Protein.

Whey Hydrolysate Protein

Whey Hydrolysate Protein is the highest quality protein that you will find on the market currently. It is also the most expensive type of whey protein as it requires further processing.

As the protein has been partially broken down by digestive enzymes, it is very quickly absorbed, even quicker than Whey Protein Isolates.

Hydrolysate proteins are very easy to digest and can be used pre or post-workout.

Compared to Whey Protein Blends and Whey Protein Isolates, there are not as many Whey Hydrolysate Proteins to choose from. If you want to try a Whey Hydrolysate Protein we suggest Gaspari Precision Protein which uses first of its kind Embedded Enzyme Technology or Optimum Nutrition Platinum Hydro Whey which contains 30g of protein and almost 9g of BCAAs!

Conclusion

Within these categories, there are also many differences between products such as the amount of protein, sugar, carbs, or fat per serving as well as whether the manufacturer has used natural or artificial flavours. Some products will have added BCAA's whereas others will have naturally occurring BCAAs and so on.

We recommend starting with a whey protein blend as they generally provide great results for beginners and are good value for money. If the whey protein blend causes digestion problems such as gas or bloating, then it may be time to try a whey protein isolate.

Whatever whey protein type you choose, give it some time to give you results. Protein isn't a supplement that you will feel or see results from overnight. Give it at least 4-6 weeks then evaluate your results and go from there.

5 Reasons Why You Need to Use Protein Powder for Protein Drinks
Sportsfuel, 27 April 2017
Juice bars might be the latest big thing. All your friends are going. There's one right next to the gym. But you don't have to stand in line for twenty minutes to get the best protein drinks out there. In fact, those "super smoothies" or "super juices" may be preventing you from reaching your goals rather than helping. Juice bar smoothies and drinks are often high in sugar. I can hear you thinking, but it comes from fruit. Yes, but you wouldn't eat the amount of fruit needed to make your juice in one sitting. And some of the fruits listed in the ingredients come from sugar-packed concentrates. Put the drink down and step away now. Plus, to really fuel your body to grow and repair muscles, you need to use protein powder. More juice bars are using protein powder in their drinks these days, but you're still better off to keep it simple and stick to quality whey protein without the unknown extras.Here, we're laying down the law when it comes to why adding protein powder to your protein drinks ensures you get the real nutrition your body needs. 1. Whey Protein Is High-Quality It's a fact: not all protein supplements and forms are created equal. Luckily, whey protein is packed with amino acids and is easy for your body to digest.The three main types of whey protein powder are concentrate, hydrolysate, and isolate. The most common type you'll see on the shelf is whey protein concentrate.All three types of powders are equally high in nutritional value. 2. It Can Increase The Antioxidants In Your Body It's not just a glass of red wine that's a great source of antioxidants - and protein shakes won't leave you feeling a little off the next day.Making sure you get enough antioxidants means that your oxidative stress levels are lower, meaning your body can easily fight off disease.Glutathione is found in whey protein, and it's a huge source of antioxidants. An added bonus? Glutathione can also help you to lose weight faster!What's not to love about that? 3. It Reduces Inflammation We've all been there: experiencing soreness after a killer workout that just won't go away. Did you know that chronic inflammation can even lead to disease?To combat this, consume protein drinks rich in whey powder, which can lower your body's levels of C-reactive protein: the very thing that generates inflammation.Prevent soreness and inflammation before it starts by drinking a protein shake before your next workout. 4. It Can Help To Lower Your Blood Pressure If you've got hypertension, you're at a higher risk for heart disease. Good news? Whey protein powder can help to lower your blood pressure.Why?Because whey proteins contain lactokinins, which are bio-peptides that can help keep your blood pressure at a safe level. It's equally effective for men and women. 5. It Helps Your Muscles To Grow Faster We all know you want to be bikini-ready in as little time as possible. Protein drinks can help. It's also a great preventative strategy when it comes to protecting the muscles you've worked hard to build.Since whey protein contains a lot of leucine, the most growth-stimulating amino acid, your muscles will build faster. You're An Expert In Protein Drinks! Now you know why adding whey powder to your protein drinks really makes a difference in healing and strengthening your body.For more information on the benefits of protein powder, vegan protein powders and mass gainers, and to learn where you can pick some up, check out our website and blog.
Read More
BSN Syntha-6 Edge Review
Gemma, 27 April 2017
BSN Syntha-6 Edge is BSN’s leaner version of Syntha-6 for those athletes and bodybuilders who are looking for the same great taste but with leaner macros. With a lower carbohydrate and fat content, and less calories, it’s amazing that it still tastes just as good!
Read More
Balance 100% Whey Review
Sportsfuel, 23 March 2017
Balance is a New Zealand company best known for its high-quality protein powders and extensive range of other ergogenic supplements. Their back to basics blended protein powder, 100% Whey is a local favourite. Read on and find out why. Balance 100% Whey Ingredients Balance 100% Whey is not a protein powder that tries too hard to be different for the sake of being different. It contains a blend of whey proteins including whey protein concentrate, whey protein isolate (WPI), and hydrolysed whey concentrates. In addition, there is also added arginine and glutamine, as well as a couple of digestive enzymes to help with protein breakdown.In each serve of Balance 100% Whey, you get 118 calories, 23.7 g protein, 1.5 g fat, and 1.7 g carbohydrates. Balance 100% Whey Effectiveness Balance 100% Whey is an excellent foundational supplement for meeting the elevated protein requirements of athletes and bodybuilders. It can help with muscle growth, repair, and recovery, something that is beneficial to all active individuals. The protein profile of Balance 100% Whey is considered to be medium to fast release. It is therefore ideal for use immediately post-workout or to fill small gaps in between meals. Balance 100% Whey Taste & Mixability Balance 100% Whey is a good tasting protein with a smooth, thin, and easy to drink texture. It comes in three flavours, chocolate, vanilla, and cookies & cream. All of which are well received among the staff at Punch. Mixability is excellent when using a shaker. There is no clumping or excessive frothing to take away from the drinking experience. Balance 100% Whey Pros Balance 100% Whey has a high protein content (79%) which is excellent for blended whey. This means that there is little room for any unwanted carbs or fat, which makes it suitable for even those on strict diets. However, if you are bulking, you would benefit from stacking 100% Whey with a carbohydrate source.It is apparent that the formula of the product has been modelled after a top-selling American product. This is not a bad thing though, because that particular product has done absolutely everything right. Given that Balance 100% Whey is produced locally and is superior in taste compared to the alternative, it is another case of the disciple surpassing the master.The use of the two digestive enzymes papain and bromelain require a noteworthy mention. Such additions make 100% Whey more digestible, even before you consume it. This increases the body’s ability to utilise the protein and reduces the likelihood of stomach upsets. The final highlight is that Balance 100% Whey has the added bonus of using locally produced milk, which is globally praised for quality. Balance 100% Whey Cons There are a number of similar products on the market from American manufacturers which are somewhat more economical than Balance 100% Whey. This price premium may make this product seem less attractive than foreign alternatives to some. However, there are many who can overlook this because they are aware of the quality of locally produced goods. Balance 100% Whey Verdict Balance 100% Whey is an honest protein powder with a few bonuses thrown in. It is an ideal multi-purpose protein to be used daily by bodybuilders or athletes with higher demands for protein. It carries a slight price premium over similar American products. However, if you are willing to pay a little bit extra, you will be rewarded with premium New Zealand quality.
Read More
5 Secrets for Bulking Up: Top Tips for Hard Gainers
Sportsfuel, 21 July 2015
You've grown up with people admiring your ability to eat what you want when you want without gaining a pound, but that fast metabolism of yours isn't doing you much good now that you've set your sights on bulking up. If it seems like no matter how hard you train or what changes you try to make to your diet, you just can't pack on the pounds of muscle mass that you desire--you're a hard gainer. Following these five nutrition tips can help you complement your fitness routine and make it easier for you to bulk up: 1. Eat a Little Dirty. Nowadays, everyone is concerned with sticking to a clean eating routine with healthy foods like egg whites, lean protein and sweet potatoes. While you don't want to begin eating nothing but junk food, letting yourself indulge in a dirty little treat or two can help you see better results when you step on the scale. Complement your healthy whole food diet with the occasional extra dose of fat or simple carbohydrates. Don't be afraid to have a few cookies, a piece of cake or two or some ice cream from time to time. 2. Don't Forgo Fats. Many hard gainers find it hard to physically eat enough to pack on the pounds as it's just not comfortable to gorge yourself and walk around with a bloated stomach. Adding extra fats to your foods can give you an extra dose of calories without requiring you to eat a high volume of food. Choose unsaturated fats like extra virgin olive oil or foods that are lower in saturated fat like peanut butter to enhance meals. 3. Keep Eating Carbs. Cutting out carbohydrates is a killer for hard gainers like you. Your body is going to need them to supply you with energy and keep your muscles maintained between workouts. As a hard gainer, carbs are an important friend to keep in your diet. In addition to whole grains and healthy carbs, you're one of the few rare people who can actually eat things like pizza, plates full of pasta and sugary foods. They'll give you a massive dose of calories to support your weight gain efforts. Be mindful of eating too many high fiber foods, too. They're incredibly filling and can make it hard for you to keep up with frequent eating. 4. Munch Around the Clock. Eating more frequently will help further your mission to sneak in extra calories. Try eating every 2 to 3 hours per day and make sure you're eating protein every single time you stop for a meal or a snack. If you don't have time to fix something or cook, just reach for a mass gainer supplement shake that you can quickly sip to fill up on calories and keep your body working to build muscle. 5. Write It Down. You may not be eating as much as you think. Download an app that allows you to record what you're eating with just a tap or two on the screen and log everything. This way, you'll be able to see precisely how many calories you're consuming and find places where you can make changes to start increasing muscle mass.In addition to fine tuning your diet by following the tips outlined above, you can increase your chances of gaining bulk by adding the right weight gainer supplements to your sports nutrition plan.Sportsfuel has a huge selection of weight gainer formulas from which to choose, and we'll be glad to help you select the right one to complement your workout goals. Contact us for assistance or check out our selection of weight gain supplements now.
Read More

Your cart (0 items)

Order subtotal:$0.00
Est. Shipping & Handling:$0.00
Subtotal:-$NaN

You Qualify for FREE Shipping!

Checkout

Types Of Whey Protein Part 2

In Types of Whey Protein Part 1, we looked at what the different types of whey protein are. In Part 2 we are going to look at how to choose which whey protein you should buy.

Whey Protein Blends

Whey Protein Isolates

Whey Hydrolysate Protein

Conclusion

Related articles

5 Reasons Why You Need to Use Protein Powder for Protein Drinks

BSN Syntha-6 Edge Review

Balance 100% Whey Review

5 Secrets for Bulking Up: Top Tips for Hard Gainers