Why take a protein supplement? Protein is essential for our bodies, whether you are a gym junkie or not. Protein is needed for the body to function optimally. So regardless of your fitness goals, you need to get your protein. Ideally it should come from food sources, but sometimes that's not enough and you need a supplement. The average man should intake 55 grams per day, while the average woman should intake 45 grams per day. These numbers vary though depending on body weight and activity level.
There are so many protein powders on the market, it's hard to find what's best for you. Process of elimination is one way to go, if you have an endless budget to buy and try them all. But I recommend you should ask yourself a few questions before just buying that big jug.
1) Do you have certain nutrition or dietary needs? Whey, Soy, or Plant based?
2) Is your goal fat loss or muscle building?
3) What time of day are you taking the protein? Immediately after a workout? Or during the day as a quick meal or snack?
4) Are you going to mix it with just water? Or make shakes/smoothies? Or blend it into food/recipes?
Why and how you take your protein is important as to how it will affect your body. You need to determine your individual needs and tastes to find what's best for you.
Quick Breakdown:
Whey - For immediately after a workout
Casein - For a mid-day meal or snack
Soy/Rice/Other Plant Base - For those with lactose intolerance, gluten allergies, or sensitive stomachs (from personal experience, I recommend Garden of Life Raw Meal).
*For weight loss, you'll want a pure 100% protein powder that is low in calories.
*For weight or muscle gains, you'll want one with a higher calorie range. Perhaps an isolate protein that also packs in vitamins and other nutrients.
For more detailed information, check out this article on BodyBuilding.com
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