At GNC today, I went on a hunt for a whey protein that does contain crap ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, sugar, sucralose, fructose, or artificial ingredients. The clerk, said, “No, I don’t know anything about the particular product ingredients.” She couldn’t offer any product that didn’t have some form of simple sugars in them. I checked the protein bar section as well. Nothing. All had simple sugars, artificial flavors or ingredients I couldn’t pronounce.
Athletes require more high quality protein than sedentary people. (Should have gotten a degree in Exercise Physiology) A whey protein isolate can help rebuild muscles and aid in recovery. For the past year, I’ve used the Arbonne Weight Loss Chocolate Protein Shake (ingredients are Pea Protein, Cocoa, Fructose, Natural Flavors, Canola Oil, Cellulose Gum, Xantham Gum, and Carrageenan Gum.) Protein is 18 grams, Carbohydrates 8 grams, and 4 grams of Sugar. I wrongly thought this is a good one for athletes. It may be OK for weight loss (not sure though). It really isn’t helping my performance. It is a low calorie, high protein drink without offering a complete protein such as whey. In terms of recovery from endurance sports, whey protein is superior to other forms of protein such as soy or pea protein. See article here.
Things to ask GNC or your favorite protein blend:
1. Is it an Isolate or a Concentrate? Isolate (100%) is better because it offers more protein per gram than the concetrate (70-80%).
2. Glutamine. Helps in the absorption of the protein into the body. It is an amino acid. (still learning about this ingredient)
3. Sugar. A simple sugar ingredient is not conducive to endurance sports.
4. Ingredient List: Should be SHORT and as close to natural form as possible.