Incorporating protein powder into your diet is a great way to boost your daily protein intake and take your workout efforts to another level. It stands to reason that protein supplements are popular among athletes, bodybuilders, dieters, hard-gainers, and even casual gym-goers.
And the most popular way to consume this powdered supplement? You guessed it— by turning it into the classic protein shake. But there are tons of alternatives if you feel shakes are overused! Here's how to take protein powder in other tasty and nutritious forms.
How to Take Protein Powder - More Delicious Ideas
Protein powder has fantastic versatility, which is why there is more than one delicious way to consume it. Besides making a shake out of it, you can also:
- Add it to porridge, yogurt or cereal.
- Add it to chia seed pudding, if you're looking for a dairy-free alternative.
- Set aside the milk and use protein powder in your coffee instead.
- Mix it with fruit juice.
- Blend it with fruits to make a smoothie. Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, and kiwis work well with it. Add nuts, cacao nibs and yogurt for added flavour and texture.
- Mix it with milk or milk substitute. Milk is perfect for those looking to add more bulk, as it slows down digestion and adds more calories.
- Mix it with water if your goal is to lose weight.
- Incorporate it into your pancake mix for delicious breakfast pancakes.
- Use protein powder in baked goods, such as brownies, cookies, and cakes. The powder shouldn't make up more than half of your batter, unless you like dry and rubbery bakes.
- Stir it into your homemade mashed potato. Preferably flavourless protein powder to avoid a strange aftertaste.
- Amp up homemade salad dressings with unflavoured powder.
- Whisk it into scrambled eggs.
- Add it to pasta sauce, if you're not a fan of adding a meat-based protein into your pasta dish. Protein powder should be the savoury kind, like pea protein.
There aren't any set rules for combining protein powders with other ingredients, giving you plenty of ways to enjoy it. From sprinkling it onto the dish to mixing it into a batter, the recipes are easy to make and perfect for people on the go.
When to Take Protein Supplements
Reaping the benefits of protein supplements doesn't just rely on what brand or type of protein you're taking, or how you're taking it— timing is just as essential. For targeted results, keep in mind the best times to take your protein powder.
- Before breakfast, or after waking up
Recommended protein: a mix of fast- and slow-digesting protein supplements
- Before working out
Recommended protein: slow-digesting protein supplement
- After working out
Recommended protein: a mix of fast- and slow-digesting protein supplements
- Between meals
Recommended protein: slow-digesting protein supplement
- Before bed
Recommended protein: slow-digesting protein supplement
High-Quality Protein for Maximum Results
It's vital to ensure you are consuming premium-quality, great-tasting protein powder for easy mixability and enjoyment, as well as getting superior results. Here at MAX's, Australia's leading sports nutrition expert, we'll help you hit your fitness goals faster and easier.