The choices for supplements are seemingly endless. But before you go crazy looking for the right additions to your diet, take a look at the basics, like protein powder.

Beginning a fitness regimen can be an intimidating experience. There are thousands of products that all claim to help you get big or get little, depending on your goals. While any number of these products may indeed help you reach your goals, your initial supplement purchase should be a high quality protein powder

Even if you aren't a gym regular, adding a protein supplement can still be of benefit to you. Although the name"protein powder" may not have a tasty connotation, the supplement industry now creates products that taste just as good as that vanilla milkshake from the local burger joint. So, don't be worried about having to choke it down.

Now that we've put the taste issue to bed, consider these five reasons you should include a protein supplement in your diet:

1. Protein Powder Can Help Prevent Muscle Loss

Each and every day, whether you're participating in exercise, you'll be required to take in a certain amount of protein. This protein provides your body with different amino acids, all which have specific purposes that must be carried out in order to maintain good health. Of these purposes, repairing and building up new muscle tissue is one of the most important. If you find yourself not consuming enough protein, this process of rebuilding muscle tissue will not take place.

Also, protein helps maintain a nitrogen balance (or a positive balance if you're building muscle). This process ensures that you're not losing lean body tissue. If you're beginning a fat-loss diet, your need for protein only intensifies as you cut out high-carb goodies like bread, pasta and rice. If you find that you don't eat a lot of meat, dairy or fish, protein powder will make a noticeable difference.

2. Protein Powder Can Help Speed Post-Workout Recovery

Numerous studies have demonstrated that protein synthesis is accelerated when protein is taken in before and after your workout.  A pre-workout protein shake will prepare your muscles for what's to come while the post-workout shake will top off the amino acid stores to ensure help ensure the repair process takes place.

Whey Protein

Whey is one of the best-absorbed forms of protein in the body. NutriChem carries their very own brand - Logical Choice Whey Protein. It provides an excellent source of protein, is highly digestible, gluten-free and is non-clumping! Add it to your cereal, smoothie, yogurt and more!

3. Protein Powder Can Support Strong Bones

Humans lose 5-10% of their total muscle mass each decade after the age of 40, so older adults need more dietary protein than younger people to try to help maintain muscle mass Athletes, cancer patients and underweight individuals all have increase protein requirements.

Muscles shred throughout the day and re-build at rest. Bodies fueled by protein recover faster and rebuild more muscle.

4. Protein Powder Can Help Vegetarians

If you're a vegetarian, meeting your protein is a challenge. It can be difficult to cobble together complete protein profiles from grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts.

Pea Protein

Pea protein in combination with exercise promotes a healthy body composition.

Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegetarian, vegan or just looking for a high quality protein, Pea protein is an accommodating option for anybody taking their health and fitness into consideration.  NutriChem’s Power Pea Protein is certified vegan – free of dairy, eggs, fish, and meat products and has an excellent amino acid profile that is highly bioavailable.

5. Protein Powder Can Be a Fast Snack-Fix

If you're not at home when you need a snack, a scoop of protein powder, and a cup or two of water or milk alternative, will get you by until you can get home and make yourself a proper meal. Keep it in a tupperware container just in case you need a quick snack fix. Protein can help stabilize your blood glucose and make you feel full for a longer period of time.

It's easy to get excited about all the fancy supplements appearing on the market each and every day. Make sure one of those supplements is a protein powder because it is a basic necessity to any successful diet and exercise plan.

References:

1. Cree, M.G. et al. (2004). Ingestion of Casein and Whey Proteins Results in Muscle Anabolism after Resistance Exercise. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Vol 36, Issue 12:2073-2081.