As a vegan athlete, ensuring you are consuming enough protein to feed muscles should be a top priority. Nutrition can directly affect performance but choosing to be vegan doesn’t have to negatively affect yours. It is still possible to get an adequate amount of protein from whole food sources alone, but if you’re interested in finding a vegan protein powder to help support your goals, this blog post is for you.
Why is Protein Important?
No, protein is not only for making massive gains; it is actually essential for proper functioning of the body. Protein is the building block of body tissues. It not only helps build muscle, but it also acts as a fuel source, is needed to form red blood cells, and is responsible for the structure of bones, organs, tendons, and ligaments. As you can see, its important for everyone. However, as an athlete, who is extremely active, your protein needs will increase in order to keep up with your activity level.
Why Choose Plant-Based Protein?
If you’re living a vegan lifestyle, supplementing your diet with a vegan protein powder is the obvious choice. But there are some other benefits to choosing a vegan protein, even if you’re not vegan.
Because vegan protein is made from plant sources, rather than from milk (like whey), it can be easier on your stomach if you have a lactose sensitivity or intolerance. It is also typically higher in fiber than whey protein and can help you feel full for longer. Additionally, due to the plant-protein sources, vegan protein can contain a number of micronutrients.
Whole Foods Vs. Protein Powder
It is possible to get your daily recommended intake of protein from whole foods alone, even if you are vegan. Focus on finding a mix of complete plant protein sources, such as quinoa, and consuming foods that are high in protein, such as beans.
However, if you like the convenience, additional benefits, or flavour of protein, vegan protein can be a great addition to your diet.
6 Things to Consider When Choosing a Vegan Protein Powder
1. Protein Sources
When choosing a vegan protein powder, the first thing to take note of is the protein source that is used. Listed below are some of the most common plant-protein sources.
Soy protein
Soy protein is one of the most common plant-protein sources used today. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies require from foods. However, soy protein is often not recommended because not only is it a common allergen, it is also high in phytoestrogens which may affect estrogen sensitive cancers and most soy is derived from genetically modified plants.
Pea protein
Pea protein is a natural, vegetable-based protein powder derived from yellow peas. Not only is it gluten, dairy, and soy free, it is also high in protein and iron. Pea protein contains a nearly complete amino acid profile.
Brown rice protein
Brown rice protein contains all nine essential amino acids; however, it is low is lysine. Typically, brown rice protein is blended with quinoa or chia seed protein in order to make up for what it lacks.
Chia seed protein
You may have heard chia seeds referred to as a superfood. Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein, manganese, calcium, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. They promote healthy skin and can support heart and digestive system health. Chia seeds are also a complete protein.
Choosing the best vegan protein is similar to balancing a nutritious diet; it is best to consume a mix of sources in order to obtain a better amino acid profile than you could get from one protein source alone.
2. Amino Acid Profile
When choosing a vegan protein, you want to ensure that you are getting a complete amino acid profile. This means that it contains all nine essential amino acids. The essential amino acids are ones that our bodies cannot make on their own and we must therefore get from the foods that we eat.
3. Natural Ingredients
Take your health into your own hands. Find a protein powder that is made without artificial colours, flavours, or sweeteners.
4. Your Personal Goals
Consider your goals, what you are hoping to achieve, and why you are taking a protein powder supplement in the first place. This will help influence your decision on which protein powder is best suited for you. If your goal is to gain muscle, look for a protein powder that is higher is protein. If you goal is to lose weight, find a protein powder that is lower in sugar and carbs.
5. Flavour
We saved the best for last. No one wants to drink a protein shake that they hate the taste of. And with the gritty taste of most vegan protein powders, it can be hard to find one that you love. Bodylogix® Vegan Protein comes in two delicious flavours, decadent chocolate and vanilla bean. With more than one flavour to choose from, you’ll have no problem finding your perfect fit.
Bodylogix® Vegan Protein
Made with premium, plant protein from multiple sources such as pumpkin seed and super-foods organic chia seed and sprouted quinoa, Bodylogix® Vegan Protein packs a 25 g protein punch and a complete amino acid profile. The best part — a smooth, creamy vegan protein full of natural flavour with no artificial colours or sweeteners. When it comes to fuelling your body, prepare to get out what you put in.
Whichever protein you choose, make sure you enjoy every smoothie; With 18 delicious recipes available for free in the Bodylogix® Smoothie Recipe Book, you’ll love your smoothie!
