Best Post Workout Supplement – Maximum Muscle Recovery
Post workout protein powder is a vital supplement to kick start the muscle recovery process for achieving greater muscle tone and growth. Because of this importance, I have researched and reviewed many ingredients and products to determine what is the best post workout supplement.
Making sure that your muscles heal back properly after exercise is very important. This will ensure that they grow back stronger and larger than before so they can handle more of the workload and perform better.
There are many different kinds of protein powders available, so it is best to find out which one is best for your body type, weight and sex. For example, if you are trying to lose weight you would want a protein powder with fewer calories. If you are attempting to gain muscle mass or contain a lot of muscle mass yourself, the quantity of protein is the most important factor to you.
Also, there are many different categories of post workout protein powders available according to your dietary needs. For example: “Traditional” post workouts, “All Natural” (not containing and artificial ingredients), Organic and also Plant-based Vegan if you do not eat animal products.
Other considerations are sugar-free, Creatine-free and Lactose-free. Many of these are based on personal dietary needs.
Amino Acids are the building blocks of protein, so you will need to choose which type of protein is best for you. This could include dairy-based Whey protein, egg protein, beef protein, pea protein, rice protein, and even hemp protein.
Because of this, I’m going to try and break these down to give you a better understanding of which protein is best for your body.
Post Workout Protein Powder Categories
Traditional Protein:
The first category I will call the “Traditional” pre workout supplements. These are the most popular and the biggest names in the post workout game. They tend to have great pricing and quantity of Amino Acid Proteins per serving. They are generally found on the top or eye-level shelf at nutrition stores.
However, these “Traditional” post workout protein powders contain artificial coloring, artificial flavors and artificial sugars (especially the sugar-free versions). These protein powders are still very healthy for your body and muscle growth. However, they are not designed with everyone’s dietary goals in mind.
I don’t prefer this category with my post workout routine. But at the same time, I don’t feel as if a scoop of protein with artificial flavoring a couple of times a week will make much of a difference in a healthy diet.
One more thing. Although there is no such thing as an FDA approved protein powder, the ingredients in these supplements are monitored.
All Natural Protein:
The “All Natural” post workout protein powder category has all of the great Amino Acids for muscle recovery as the “Traditional” protein powders, except that this supplement is made without artificial ingredients.
This is a step up in ingredient quality from the “Traditional” category. However, these ingredients are not as pure as the Organics.
Organic Protein:
This leads up to the best up and coming category called Organic post workout protein powders. The ingredients in these powders have rigorous organic requirements maintained by the USDA organic board.
The reason this is becoming such a strong category is that not only is it manufactured without artificial ingredients but without the use of any chemicals.
This includes fertilizers, pesticides or preservatives. The sugars and flavorings are manufactured from natural sources and the majority of the Amino Acids (proteins) come from plants.
Vegan Plant Based Protein:
Lastly, is the smallest category of protein powders called Vegan or plant-based. This category is expanding quickly since Veganism is becoming a more popular way of life for many. As you probably already know, vegan protein is made without any animal or dairy products.
Keep in mind that the Organic, All Natural and Vegan pre workouts are not as sweet or flavorful as many of the better selling “Traditional” post workouts because they don’t contain artificial ingredients. Personally, I enjoy a protein powder that is not overtaken by sweetness and flavoring.
⇒ If you have any questions about which category of post workout protein to choose, please leave a comment in the box at the bottom and I will respond.
See the Best Protein Powder that Doesn’t Cause Bloating
What Are Protein Powders Made From
Whey Protein: This is the most popular post workout protein even though Whey is a dairy product. You can immediately take this off of your shopping list if you are Lactose Intolerant. Other than that, Whey Protein is and a great choice for muscle recovery and muscle growth.
Whey is the most popular for several reasons. These include: price, low calorie, and very high in Amino acids. Even though this may be the best source of protein, drink it slowly because Whey can still create bloating for some.
Casein Protein: Casein is also a great protein option because it is digested and absorbed slowly. The slower digestion and absorption rate helps support muscle growth over a longer period of time. That is why this is the best protein powder for weight loss.
This will help you feel satisfied and full longer, therefore reducing appetite and getting the munchies. Keep in mind, that this is also a milk-based protein so it can also cause possible bloating.
Collagen Protein: Collagen is made from the bones of cattle, pigs, and eggshells. This may not sound attractive, but it is one of the most effective protein powders because of the concentration of Amino Acids. This is also a Dairy-free and Gluten-free protein that is easy to digest and absorb.
Egg Protein: Egg is Dairy-free, so it is easily digestible and a good animal protein especially if you are Lactose intolerant. Sources made from eggs are packed with Amino Acids and are relatively low in calories. This is also considered a good post workout protein for weight loss.
Hemp Protein: Hemp protein is technically made from the Cannabis plant, but it won’t get you high! It seems that recently everything is Hemp, so why not obtain Amino Acid proteins from it. This protein contains 9 of the Amino Acids, Omega 3’s, vitamins and minerals. Another Lactose-free alternative.
Brown Rice Protein: The upside to brown rice is that this is very healthy, easy to digest and will not cause bloating. The downside is that this protein is not as well rounded, containing only 9 of the essential Amino Acid proteins. However, this doesn’t mean that it won’t help with muscle growth and recovery.
Mixed Plant Proteins: Plant protein powders are a Vegan combination of pea protein, Hemp, brown rice and other plant proteins. This gives it the full spectrum of the Amino Acids necessary for the best muscle recovery.
I feel that these are the best of the non-animal-sourced proteins. Here is a review on my favorite plant protein, Orgain Organic Protein Powder.
If you have any questions about which kind of protein is best for you and your diet, please leave a comment in the box at the bottom and I will respond.
Best Post Workout Protein Powders:
MusclePharm Combat Protein Powder
Price Range: $$
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price On MusclePharm Combat Here
Servings Per Container: 54 servings
Grams of Protein: 25 Grams
Guarantee: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: MusclePharm
Pros: Whey “Isolate” protein powders contain less Lactose and fat. This post workout also contains a product called Casein (slow-release protein) and egg protein.
Cons: Natural and artificial flavors. Sweetened with Sucralose.
BSN Syntha 6-Whey Protein Powder
Price Range: $$
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on Syntha-6 Protein Here
Servings Per Container: 48 servings
Grams of Protein: 22 Grams
Guarantee: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Manufacturer: BSN
Pros: Whey Isolate powders contain less Lactose and fat. Micellar Casein for slow release. 10 grams of carbs for energy. 6 tasty flavors.
Cons: Contains Dairy in case you are Lactose Intolerant. More calories than average, but this results in gaining more muscle mass.
Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Price Range: $$$
Where to Purchase: Get The Best Price On Orgain Organic Here
Servings Per Container: 20 servings
Grams of Protein: 21 Grams
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Rating: 4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Orgain, Inc
Pros: This is my favorite plant-based protein. Made from organic pea protein, brown rice protein and chia seed. USDA Organic, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Lactose-free. Low carbs and no added sugar. See my Orgain Organic Protein Review.
Cons: High fiber may take your body a couple of times to get used to. Not as sweet as some may like.
Muscle Milk Protein Powder
Price Range: $$$
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price On Muscle Milk Here
Servings Per Container: 32 servings
Grams of Protein: 32 Grams
Guarantee: 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Muscle Milk
Pros: The highest amount of protein per serving at 32 grams. High carbs and low sugar. Vitamins A, C, D, Calcium, Magnesium, and Phosphorus This post workout comes in 9 flavors.
Cons: Natural and artificial flavors. Contains Lactose from the Whey protein.
Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Protein Powder
Price Range: $
Where to Purchase: Get The Best Price On ISO100 Protein Here
Servings Per Container: 45 servings
Grams of Protein:
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Rating: 4.4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Dymatize
Pros: Highest reviews in its category. Whey “Isolate” helps avoid bloating. Because of the Whey, it contains more of the essential Amino Acids. At 45 servings per container, this is a great value.
Cons: Still contains 0.5 grams of Lactose per serving. If you are Lactose intolerant, this is the best Whey protein for you.
FitMiss Delight Protein Powder
Price Range: $
Where to Purchase: Get The Best Price On Fitmiss Delight Here
Servings Per Container: 38 servings
Grams of Protein: 17 Grams
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Rating: 4 out of 5
Manufacturer: Fitmiss
Pros: A protein nutrition shake made for women. An “All Natural” protein powder. Plant-based proteins. Contains Solathin weight loss formula, and it is low in calories. Contains digestive enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Includes a serving of greens. Great tasting Chai flavor and great value.
Cons: Less protein per serving than the other protein powders because women’s needs are different.
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The Best Post Workout Supplement Conclusion
Drinking a post workout protein powder is mandatory for proper muscle recovery, improved strength and muscle growth. This is why I found it very important to discuss which protein powders are best based on individual needs.
After much research and review, I have provided what I think are the best post workout protein powders. This comes from my personal preferences from being a trainer involved in athletics for over 30 years, as well as further online ingredient research and many product reviews.
I have listed the different categories of post workouts which include the most popular “traditional” post workout category, as well as the “All Natural” post workouts, Organic post workouts and Vegan post workouts. Which one you choose should be based on your personal health and dietary goals.
There are also several choices to make between which “kind” of protein to use. Whey protein is the most popular and has the largest quantity of protein and calories per serving. The only problem with this supplement is that it can cause bloating if you are lactose intolerant.
Plant proteins such as pea, brown rice, and Hemp are great if you are vegan or prefer a high fiber supplement. These tend to have less Amino Acids proteins, but are the most easily digestible and healthiest for your body.
If you decide to go with a plant protein, I would recommend the mixed plant protein option. This mix of plant proteins will provide all of the essential Amino Acids.
If weight-loss is a consideration for you, choose post workout protein that contains the least amount of calories. Protein powder is proven to reduce food cravings and leads to weight loss.
Post workout protein powders are healthy supplements that also provides us with the Amino Acids necessary for muscle growth and recovery. They also contain vitamins and minerals to complement protein synthesis.
The best part of post workout protein powders is that they are safe, good for you and have concentrated amounts of the ingredients necessary for our diet.
One more thing is that a protein powder should not be a substitute for well-balanced healthy meal. This should always be a priority, with protein powders being used as a post workout convenience.
If you have any questions about which protein powder is the best post workout supplement, please leave a comment below and I will respond.
See the Best Pre Workout Supplements