Such an organic substance vital for humans as a protein (aka “protein”, “polypeptide”) consists of amino acids. In other words, it is a substance that is involved in the following processes:
As for sports nutrition, protein refers to products in which a concentrated polypeptide is the main ingredient. At the same time, animal protein seems to be more valuable than that contained in protein foods of plant origin. Vegetable protein contains non-essential amino acids, that is, compounds that the body is able to renew on its own.
Content
The substance in large doses contributes to the rapid set of muscle mass, as well as getting rid of extra pounds. To achieve these goals, it is impossible to get enough of the substance by eating normally. With excessive effort, you can get such negative consequences as a stretched stomach and a violation of the digestive processes. Therefore, athletes eat special protein drinks. Such a cocktail is quickly digested, broken down into amino acids and absorbed into the blood. In addition, it contributes not only to the growth of muscle mass, but also to the restoration of muscle fibers damaged during intense training.
As for weight loss, the substance plays an important role in this process.The fact is that when getting rid of excess weight through strict diets and training, you can get excessive thinness, as protein synthesis is disturbed. To prevent this and maintain muscle tone during active sports activities, it is necessary to consume a sufficient amount of this substance.
Reasonable use of protein products benefits athletes and those struggling with excess weight. Thanks to this substance, you can achieve the following results:
It should be noted that the protein is not completely harmless, therefore, it has the following disadvantages:
It is impossible not to say about the existing contraindications to taking sports nutrition, and the following reasons can become serious obstacles:
We can distinguish the main groups of sports nutrition suitable for weight loss:
Serum. Contains a complete amount of amino acids.Whey starts the process of protein formation. Differs in fast assimilation, does not burden the stomach. It is the most preferred product for weight loss, maintaining muscle tone and replenishing the substances lost by the body.
Casein. It can be a great substitute for dinner. Casein has the ability to reduce the need for sweets, it is slowly absorbed and does not slow down the process of weight loss. Thanks to casein, the blood is saturated with amino acids for 8 hours. In addition, casein-based sports nutrition is low in calories, even compared to salad and diet chicken breast.
Isolate. This type of protein is needed in cases where weight loss has slowed down, and a strict diet does not allow extra calories. Usually, taking an isolate is necessary for daily intensive morning training. Able to saturate the body with polypeptides in a short time. It is recommended for use by those who wish to have the most dry form.
Complex. Various combinations of whey, casein, isolate and egg white. Takes longer to digest than isolate or pure whey, so it's great for a light snack. In terms of calories, complex protein is somewhat richer than whey or isolate, but this fact does not slow down the process of losing weight, especially if the diet is balanced. The amino acids included in the mixture gradually saturate the blood, due to which the feeling of satiety is maintained for a long time.
Whey proteins are obtained from natural whey, which is formed during the manufacture of cheeses. It is one of the most valuable products for the body, saturating the blood with essential amino acids.Demonstrates almost instant absorption and breakdown, due to which the concentration of nutrients in the blood increases an hour after ingestion.
A Russian-made product designed specifically for women interested in losing weight. The components of the powder are selected taking into account all the features of female physiology: this is a high protein content, a minimum amount of fats and carbohydrates and a complete absence of sugar or fructose. In other words, it is the purest whey protein. Also, the mixture includes an active prebiotic that improves metabolism. At the same time, the calorie content of the concentrate is 136.8 kcal per 34 g.
"Whey Protein Shake" quickly saturates the body with the necessary microelements due to its bioactivity and thus wins in quality. However, those who are allergic to cow's milk protein (CMP) should consult their physician before use. The average cost is 1,270 rubles.
Pure isolate with high protein content, the concentration of which is 93 g per 100 g of powder. It is completely fat-free, and the volume of carbohydrates is less than 1 g per 33 g of drink. When losing weight, this sports nutrition easily replaces 25% of the substance from the total diet. Due to this, the consumption of fats is significantly reduced, the number of incoming calories is reduced.
"ISO Sensation 93" is also a source of amino acids, including the BCAA complex.Protein demonstrates rapid assimilation, it is recommended to take it immediately after a workout for proper nutrition of the body and recovery lost during exercise. Available in different flavors: cream, ice cream, cookies, banana. The average cost is 2,100 rubles.
Protein video review:
The flagship product from the American company BioTech, which is the most concentrated, almost perfect isolate. The volume of protein in it is 89 g per 100 g of powder. As for milk fat and lactose, their amount in 25 g of the drink is less than 0.5 g. Iso Whey Zero also contains the following substances:
At the same time, the drink does not contain sugar, lactose. One serving of such a cocktail replenishes the daily intake of KBJU. "Iso Whey Zero" also has a wide range of flavors:
The average cost of a cocktail is 2,300 rubles.
Video review and product testing:
Pure protein concentrate made from cow's milk, which contains 80 g of protein (in relation to 100 g), with a minimum of milk fats and carbohydrates. It is completely sugar free. To meet the daily needs of the body, one portion of the cocktail is enough. "Impact Whey Protein" is suitable for weight loss not only for women, but also for men. In addition, this drink will be an excellent assistant in sports training, quickly bringing muscles into tone. It is also convenient that the drink is allowed at any time during the day. Especially favorable is the time immediately after waking up or after an intense workout.
Cocktail flavor options are also very diverse:
The average cost is - 1,800 rubles.
Product video review:
The composition of this product from the famous brand "ProStar" is a combination of isolate, whey peptides, and protein concentrate. It is absorbed completely in just half an hour. The powder exhibits good solubility in water or milk and does not form lumps or foam.The finished cocktail is recommended to be taken as breakfast in the morning, along with a light breakfast, half an hour after the end of a workout or before the start of sports activities. A 30 g serving contains 25 g of protein, the maximum daily dose is 3 drinks per day. The basis of "Prostar 100% Whey" also includes a complex of amino acids. Taste options delight customers with their variety:
The average cost is 3,300 rubles.
Video review of this protein:
Whey protein from an American manufacturer, which includes sucralose, whey protein isolate and milk protein. Whey peptides are not included in the product. As for the concentration of the substance in one serving, its volume is on average 23 g per 30 g. However, this amount varies depending on the volume of the flavor component included in the composition.
"100% Pure Titanium Whey" is designed to quickly gain muscle mass, so it is only suitable for professional athletes involved in active training, including fat burning.The cocktail will be a good helper in increasing strength, in addition, it suppresses the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, and improves mood during weight loss. Available in chocolate chip cookie flavor. The average cost is 3,700 rubles.
Product video review:
One of the most popular and sought-after protein shakes from the leading sports nutrition manufacturer Optimum Nutrition. The basis is an isolate, additionally it contains glutamine, protein concentrate (80%) and whey peptides (whey hydrolyzate). The drink is immediately absorbed, 10-15 minutes after ingestion, so the body quickly receives the resources that restore it, and the peptides have an anabolic effect. Thanks to glutamine, the strength and energy spent during training very soon return. At the same time, the cocktail does not cause disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Gold Standard 100% Whey by Optimum Nutrition has a rich palette of flavor options:
The average cost is 4,300 rubles.
Video about this protein:
Another name is hydrolyzed whey peptides. Such a protein differs from other types of product by the method of production. The hydrolyzate is rapidly absorbed into the blood. It is best to take such a cocktail immediately after an intense workout. In addition, the hydrolyzate will be an excellent solution for those whose body categorically does not tolerate lactose.
High-protein cocktail, the main ingredient of which is beef protein. In addition, the composition includes sweeteners and flavors (natural and artificial). 28 g of the product contains 24 g of protein, with a complete absence of fats and carbohydrates. Beef protein is immediately absorbed, in addition, it is rich in amino acids, which allows you to instantly fill the body's need for nutritional resources. Muscle fibers are restored after active sports, and the growth of muscle mass is noticeably accelerated. Available in orange, blackberry, vanilla, lemonade and fruit punch flavors. The average cost is 1,700 rubles.
Video review of this product:
Expensive product, characterized by rapid assimilation - in just 10-15 minutes after ingestion. The protein powder base contains 30g of beef protein per 39g serving.At the same time, the amount of fats and carbohydrates in one serving is minimal - 1 and 3 g, respectively. Additionally, "Platinum Hydrowhey" is enriched with a complex of enzymes and BCAA amino acids. Contains a food thickener (cellulose gum), due to which, dissolved in water or milk, the cocktail is a thick drink. The composition also includes sucralose (sweetener), citric and malic acid, natural flavors. It is recommended to take a drink in the morning, an hour before the start of a workout or 20 minutes after it ends. Suitable for those who want to burn fat without losing muscle mass. Available in vanilla and chocolate flavors. The average cost is 4,700 rubles.
Video review of the hydrolyzate:
This type is similar to cottage cheese in its structure, as it is split and absorbed for a long time. It usually takes 6-8 hours after drinking a casein protein drink. In sports nutrition, it is used not in an independent form, but together with a whey polypeptide.
A high-quality product made from natural micellar casein, a natural substance obtained by gentle filtration. Micellar casein has a healing effect, restoring muscle tissue.Due to the slow breakdown and assimilation, it gives a long-lasting feeling of satiety, which makes Micellar Creme an indispensable tool for losing weight and during strict diets - the drink saturates the body with protein, helps to regulate the amount of incoming calories. The percentage of the substance is 80%. Also included are artificial and natural flavors, salt, soy lecithin, sucralose and acesulfame potassium. The powder dissolves well in milk or water. As for the taste, the product is available in three flavors - vanilla, strawberry and chocolate. The average cost is 1,700 rubles.
Product video review:
Another product from the popular sports nutrition manufacturer, Optimum Nutrition. It is made from natural micellar casein, obtained using a microfiltration method that eliminates the heating process, while maintaining the original structure of the substance. 33 g contains 24 g of protein, 4 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of fat. It is recommended to take a cocktail at night, as the absorption of casein protein is very slow. For those who take "100% Casein" during the period of getting rid of excess weight, it is best to drink a drink after the end of the workout: the lost resources will be restored, and the body will replenish the daily protein requirement. With regular intake of sports nutrition, relief dry muscles are formed. Available in the following flavors:
The average cost is 2,400 rubles.
Protein video review:
Drinks of this type are a mixture of several types of protein. Immediately after drinking such a cocktail, the maximum concentration of amino acids in the body is ensured. At the same time, due to the slow absorption of protein, there is a long-term nutrition of muscle fibers.
The popular multi-component slimming composition from SynTrax. The complex is based on 4 main ingredients: whey and milk concentrates, egg protein and hydrolyzed wheat protein, which is a source of glutamine peptides. Thanks to such a rich content, the cocktail nourishes the body with two types of protein at the same time - vegetable and animal. "Matrix" helps to become the owner of lean muscle mass, restore muscle fibers after active sports. With regular use of the drink, the body receives the required amount of the substance, without the formation of fat accumulations. In addition, the ingredients of the cocktail have a stimulating effect on the immune system. One serving of the nutritious drink contains 23 g of protein, the effect of which lasts for 5-7 hours, supporting the feeling of satiety. Sportpit "Matrix" has the following flavors:
The average cost is 1,500 rubles.
A popular multi-ingredient product from USPlabs, a manufacturer of sports nutrition. The powder contains exclusively milk protein. These are combinations of several types of protein: whey and milk protein isolates, micellar casein, whey concentrate and hydrolyzate. Thanks to such a rich composition, the cocktail is absorbed immediately after consumption, replenishing the body's energy needed during intense exercise and during strict diets and weight loss. Drinking a nutrient-dense drink promotes rapid recovery and gains in lean muscle mass. Casein in the basis of sports nutrition is responsible for a long-lasting feeling of satiety, which helps to avoid frequent snacking. One 35 g serving contains 23 g of protein, 3 g of fat and carbohydrates. You can take a cocktail instead of breakfast in the morning or immediately after a workout. Available in vanilla and chocolate flavors. The average cost is 3,150 rubles.
Product video review:
To begin with, it is necessary to accurately determine how much protein the body needs, while remembering that more does not mean better. The calculation is made relative to body weight - at least a gram of protein for every kilogram of body.If the goal is to build muscle mass, the rate of the substance should be doubled. That is, with a body weight of 60 kg, the body needs to receive a total of 60 g of protein per day, and with serious physical exertion, training to build muscle - 120 g.
Next, you should calculate how much protein comes in at a normal meal, and how much when consuming a protein shake. The volume of the substance obtained from sports nutrition should not exceed 50% of the daily amount. That is, with the same weight of 60 kg, the amount of protein from the sports nutrition should not exceed 30 g, and for athletes - no more than 60 g.
It is best to take the drink in the morning, 30 minutes before your regular breakfast. In addition, you can drink it an hour before the start of the workout and after it ends. At the same time, for girls, the size of one serving is 15-30 g. When losing weight, it is recommended to take a drink at night, for this you need to choose a product with slow absorption. During the day, such a cocktail can fully replace two meals.
It is best to dilute the powder in water or milk, while the temperature of the liquid should not be higher than room temperature. It is not allowed to dilute the protein in boiling water - in this case, protein denaturation will occur.
Before drinking protein drinks, it is recommended to take an analysis of the level of female hormones and consult a specialist for contraindications to taking sports nutrition.
In order to achieve noticeable results in getting rid of excess weight without losing muscle mass, girls are advised not only to actively engage in sports, but also to adjust their diet by giving up junk food and alcohol, establish a stable emotional background and observe sleep patterns.