What’s the Best Protein Powder for Women – Healthy Choices for Women
Protein powders are the most effective supplement on the market for muscle gain, weight, loss and for improving athletic performance. Women deserve to get all of these benefits as well. That’s why I’m going to answer, what’s the best protein powder for women?
Women have become more interested in maintaining a healthy lifestyle now more than ever. Because of this, we will talk about the many benefits that women can get from taking a protein powder supplement.
Many manufactures are now making more powders specialized for women’s needs. We will determine the best protein powder by factoring in price, quality of ingredients, quantity, and how nutritious they are for your diet.
What Is Protein Powder
Protein powder is a simple nutritional product made from very few, healthy ingredients. These powders are scientifically formulated to give you all of the essential Amino Acid proteins and nutrients that your body needs.
There are 21 Aminos that synthesized from proteins. Your body produces many of these naturally However, some of them we can only get through the foods we eat.
Amino Acids are what builds and maintains muscle, makes bones stronger, provides healthy skin and nails, and even gives you energy and focus.
Like the name protein powder implies, they are comprised mainly of proteins that come from different sources. These sources can be from meat, dairy (whey or casein) or plant.
You will also find vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fiber which are all come from the type of protein that is sourced. Many powders contain all of the nutrients necessary for a healthy diet.
But remember that a well balanced, high protein meal should always be chosen over these supplements.
Are Protein Powders Healthy
There are now more options for protein sources than ever before. Some sources are known to be healthier, some better for muscle gain and others for weight loss.
Either way, protein powders are manufactured to be a healthy and nutritional supplement. Also, any type of supplement that provides additional protein will have a positive effect on the body.
The rule of thumb for protein powders is like most things, you get what you pay for.
Keep in mind that whichever type of protein powder you choose, it shouldn’t consistently be a substitute for a well balanced meal. They’re meant more for “on the go” or whenever you don’t have time to prepare whole foods.
Organic Protein Powders
Organic is a healthy way to go since they must pass the rigorous requirements made by the USDA organic agency. To qualify, Organic Protein Powders must be grown and processed without the use of any pesticides, fertilizers or man made chemicals.
They also won’t contain any artificial ingredients. Organic powders will come from whey or plant sources.
Vegan Protein Powders
These are made without the use of any meat or dairy products. Vegetarians believe that this type of nutrition is by far the healthiest. Keep in mind that just because a product is Vegan, doesn’t make it Organic. So be sure to read the label.
Vegan Protein Powders are sourced from brown rice, pea, hemp, chia seed, pumpkin or a plant based blend.
All Natural Protein Powders
These are not Organic or Vegan, but “Natural” simply means that there are no artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners. All Natural Protein Powders are a healthy, middle of the road option.
Women Process Protein Differently
In the past, protein powders have been more closely associated with men. We see them advertised in magazines for “getting pumped” and looking “ripped” at the gym.
Women and Men’s bodies process foods in much the same way. However, women’s bodies metabolize proteins a little bit differently.
The fact is that women have less skeletal mass to metabolize the protein. This means that their bodies cannot always utilize as much protein as they consume.
A popular misconception for women is that increased protein consumption will cause you to “bulk up”, but this is not the case.
Protein is necessary for creating lean muscle tone in women, not muscle weight. You will appear stronger, not bulkier. You would need to start a specialized diet and exercise program to gain massive amounts of muscle.
Protein Powder Benefits for Women
Women may actually benefit more from protein powder than men do. Women’s diets often fall short from getting enough protein and other nutrients in their diets.
Protein is known to help you become lean, increase muscle mass and bring energy to your muscles. After exercise is the most important time to give your body these additional proteins.
This will rebuild your muscle tissues that are broken down during your workout. When proteins repair these tissues, they build back stronger than they were before.
Weight loss is an extremely important benefit for women. Protein Powder can be taken at any time of the day but is most effective for maintaining weight in the morning or afternoon.
It is true that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and protein powder is the most nutritious way to get these nutrients. Afternoons work as well to avoid snacking and eating a large dinner.
Protein assists in maintaining radiant skin, strong bones and the general health of cartilage and joints. Protein powder can provide women with energy all day long, as well as staying strong throughout a hard workout.
It also plays a critical role in many functions in the body, from cell production to building stronger bones.
As a macronutrient, protein is required for the structure and regulation of all tissues and organs, ensuring that they function optimally. Protein also helps generate energy for healthy muscle contractions.
Protein for Weight Loss
When weight loss is concerned, females need more protein calories than carbohydrates when attempting to maintain their weight.
Getting unnecessary calories of any kind can result in weight gain. This is why protein powders for women will contain fewer calories and carbohydrates per serving.
Women are usually smaller boned and weigh less than men, so they need a protein powder that is manufactured more for quality rather than quantity.
Unfortunately, most women not only tend to gain weight more easily but at the same time, can be more “body conscious”. Luckily, protein powder is an excellent way for healthy, long term weight loss.
Because of the nutritional properties of protein, it is the most filling food that you can eat. This is major benefit for weightloss since protein causes you to feel fuller for longer, therefore stunting your appetite.
It results in snacking less because it is so filling for a longer period of time. Combining this with an exercise program, and a protein powder supplement will help to burn fat at a faster rate.
Protein also takes the stomach more effort to process than other foods, causing the body to burn more calories in the digestive process.
See the Best Protein Powder To Lose Weight
What’s the Best Protein Powder for Women
For the most part, protein powders have universal benefits for both men and women, but these particular powders contain a higher amount of nutrients with a lower amount of calories.
These recommendations are based on the quality and quantity of ingredients, price point, and online research and reviews.
Product: Fitmiss Delight Protein Powder
Price Range: $
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on Fitmiss Delight
Servings Per Container: 38 servings
Quantity of Protein: 16 grams
Rating: 4.2 out of 5
Manufacturer: Fitmiss at fitmiss.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This one seems to have it all, and for a good price. A good amount of protein for a very low 90 calories per serving. It contains a blend of fruits and vegetables that provide optimal levels of digestive enzymes.
Another highlight about Fitmiss is the added greens and superfoods! It also contains a clinically proven appetite control ingredients called Solathin. Lastly, it is packed with additional vitamins and minerals.
This product is gluten-free, but contains milk and soy products. It comes in a great tasting Chai flavor.
Fitmiss Delight Positives:
- A protein nutrition shake designed exclusively for women
- Only 90 Calories per serving
- Whey Protein is high in Amino Acids
- Solathin weight loss formula
- Contains digestive enzymes, vitamins, and minerals
- Comes with greens and superfoods
- Good value
Possible Negatives:
- Dairy product not recommended for Lactose intolerant
- Contains natural and artificial colors
Product: Vega One Organic Protein Powder
Price: $$$
Where to purchase: Get the Best Price on Vega One
Container size: 17 servings
Protein Per Serving: 20 grams
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Manufacturer: Vega at myvega.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
Vega One has a little bit of everything and is recommended for both women and men. It’s packed with more vitamins, minerals and Omega 3’s than any other. It contains probiotics and antioxidants as well.
The antioxidants come from the ingredients in cherry and carrot juice. Vega One has 20 grams of protein per serving but contains only 150 calories with 4 grams of carbohydrates.
The mixed plant protein sources in this Organic powder comes from pea, sunflower, and pumpkin seed. This makes Vega great for muscle growth because it contains all 21 Amino Acids. Vega is USDA Organic certified, non-GMO, Vegan, and Gluten-free.
Vega One Positives
- 100% Organic
- Vegan plant based
- 20 grams of protein
- High in fiber
- Mixed plant proteins are high in Aminos
- Contains probiotics and antioxidants
- No artificial ingredients
- 1 gram of sugar
Potential Negatives
- High quality but more expensive
- 7 flavors but some taste bland
Here is my Vega One Full Review
Product: NLA for Her – Ultimate Lean Whey Protein
Price Range: $$$
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on NLA for Her
Servings Per Container: 18 servings
Quantity of Protein: 28 grams
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Next Level Athletics at nlaforher.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This potent protein powder is formulated for women with higher intensity training and better muscle recovery in mind. NLA contains the highest amount of protein in its class and with only 180 calories.
This one is a powerhouse, with added Aminos including Glutamine and BCAA’s. Whey protein is good for both muscle recovery and weight loss.
NLA is also packed with vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamins A through K for overall health and nutrition. Lastly, it contains a lean mass formula with essential fatty acids.
NLA Positives:
- 28 grams of protein is extremely high
- Promotes lean body composition and curbs appetite
- Packed with 24 vitamins and minerals
- Added Amino Acid proteins
- Glutamine and added BCAA’s for muscle growth
- Additional vitamins and minerals.
- Whey Isolate is good for digestion
- No artificial ingredients
Potential Negatives:
- Most protein but highest price in this review
Product: Orgain Organic Plant Based Protein Powder
Price Range: $$
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on Orgain Organic
Servings Per Container: 20 servings
Quantity of Protein: 21 grams
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Manufacturer: Orgain at orgain.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
The highlights on this one include a high amount of protein for a mixed plant source powder. Organic means that there are no chemicals, fertilizers or preservatives. There are no artificial ingredients or added sugars.
The mixed proteins come from pea, brown rice, chia seeds, making this a great Vegan selection as well. Orgain is high in fiber at 6 grams. This is good for colon health and keeping you feeling full for longer.
My other recommendation is “Orgain Organic Protein with Superfoods“ for around the same price.
Orgain Organic Positives:
- 21 grams of protein is high for plant proteins
- USDA Organic
- Vegan and Lactose free
- Plenty of fiber
- Available with superfoods and greens
- No artificial flavors
- Made for both men and women
Potential Negatives:
- Taste more bland because of natural flavors
Here is my Orgain Organic Full Review
Product: IdealLean – Nutritional Protein Powder for Women
Price Range: $$
Where to Purchase: Get the Best Price on IdealLean
Servings Per Container: 30 servings
Quantity of Protein: 20 grams
Rating: 4.1 out of 5
Manufacturer: Idealfil at idealfit.com
Guarantee: 30 day satisfaction guarantee
This is another powder with a high protein designed for women to promote post workout recovery and build muscle without the calories. Whey isolate protein is high in Amino Acids, low in lactose and is easy to digest.
IdealLean is a zero sugar, zero fat powder that is low in calories and carbohydrates. There is also added calcium and vitamin D which are critical nutrients for women.
IdealLean Positives:
- Zero fat and carbs
- 20 grams of protein with only 100 calories
- Sugar free
- Vitamin D and Calcium
- Available in a superfood blend
- Whey Isolate is low in lactose
- Comes in 5 highly rated flavors
Potential Negatives:
- Zero sugar sweetener is too sweet for some
- Natural and artificial flavors
What’s the Best Protein Powder for Women – The Verdict
I’m a little torn on my favorite since all of these powders have a high protein content with low calories and several of them come with antioxidants and greens.
If you are going with a whey protein, the NLA for Her is by far the best for muscle gain and strength. If you are looking for less protein and better health benefits in a whey, I recommend the Fitmiss as a great alternative.
For plant based, both Orgain and Vega are the best powders on the market and they both have comparable protein and calorie contents.
Vega One comes with a high price, but with this comes more vitamins, minerals, Omega 3’s, probiotics and antioxidants, so this is my preference.
The Women’s Protein Conclusion
Women also want to get stronger and more toned, but don’t want the additional sugars and calories to go with it. This is one of the reasons that some protein powders are made specifically for women.
Because of a women’s body requirements, quality is more important than quantity in a protein powder. Women’s metabolism along with their smaller frame causes them to gain weight easier than men.
These protein powders are good for weight loss because they are so filling with a large number of nutrients, but without the ingredients for weight gain.
Adding additional protein to any diet will provide women with nutritional support for lean muscle tissue, fat loss, and promote increased energy.
Protein benefits also include maintaining radiant skin, strong bones and the general health of cartilage and joints.
If you have any comments or questions on what’s the best protein powder for women, please leave a message below and I will respond.
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