Protein

No matter your age, lifestyle, or health and fitness goals, protein is a building block in your diet. It fuels your workouts, maintains your energy, and helps you recover. In short: protein is imperative. Whether you enjoy a protein shake, a protein bar, or even a protein cookie, including more protein in your diet is a great way to give your day an extra boost.

Our nutrition has three primary macros. “Macros” is short for macronutrients, and most foods have multiple macronutrients in them. The three macros are carbohydrates, fat, and protein. Each of these building blocks plays an important part in our health and diet, with some diets building off specific macro breakdowns. The keto diet, for example, calls for strict carb and protein limits, while paleo doesn’t have a specific breakdown as much as a consideration for a natural balance of all three. Even lifestyles and diets without specific macros need protein. Vegans often consider supplementing their diet with a vegan protein powder or other protein products to meet their needs.

What exactly is protein? It consists of long chains of amino acids, which combine in different ways. Your body needs many different amino acids to perform the functions of life. It makes many of them on its own, but you must get others from food. The ones you can only get from food are called essential amino acids. When foods contain all the essential amino acids, they’re called complete proteins. Foods that contain some but not all the essential amino acids are called incomplete proteins; these foods include nuts, seeds, and other plants.

Including protein in your diet is important no matter who you are, whether you get it from animal products, a combination of different plant foods, or both. But many people need help meeting their protein needs, which is when protein supplements can be beneficial. Protein products have come a long way since their humble beginnings.

Whey protein, which is a milk-based protein option, is a popular option. It’s a byproduct of the cheese-making process. Some types of whey protein are processed in ways that makes them easier for people with dairy intolerances to digest. However, people with dairy restrictions or allergies can also opt for whey-free, vegetarian, or vegan protein products.

Athletes who compete in figure or physique competitions have strict requirements for their protein products, while someone who just wants to improve their muscle tone is looking for the tastiest, easiest protein powder and snacks to complement their workouts.

Furthermore, protein products are available as powders, pre-made shakes, protein bars, and other snacking options. You may opt to put a scoop of your favorite protein powder in your shaker bottle with water, milk, or a milk substitute: Simply shake and enjoy. Or you can add protein powder to a breakfast shake, pancakes, cookies, or other baked goods.

People on the go, including someone getting a quick workout in during their lunch break, a teacher who needs energy between classes, or a parent picking their child up from school, can grab a pre-made, bottled protein shake. Protein bars, cookies, and other treats can also help satisfy snack cravings in between meals without compromising your nutrition. (And who would’ve thought an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie, with 20g of protein per serving, could help you reach your health and fitness goals?) If you need more protein in your diet, try a few different protein products to see what serves your needs best. With the sheer number of choices available, you’re sure to find a protein option that suits your lifestyle. Your body will thank you.