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Hungry Girl Today: 9.2.15
ASK HUNGRY GIRL
Hi Hungry Girl,
I have trouble getting enough protein, and I'm considering adding protein powder to my diet to help bridge the gap. But every time I see it in stores, I get overwhelmed by all the choices! What do I need to know about protein powder?
Pondering Protein Powder
Dear Pondering,
First of all, kudos to you for being conscious of your protein intake. Protein is essential for overall health (the FDA recommends around 50 grams per day) and it's especially important for people who are trying to lose weight, because it's filling. I usually prefer to get my protein from foods like fat-free Greek yogurt, skinless chicken breast, egg whites, etc. But lately, I've been embracing protein powder... It's a fantastic way to add creaminess, flavor, and (duh) protein to recipes. Whatever the reason that you're reaching for protein powder, here's what you need to know!
The three most popular types of protein powder are whey, casein, and soy. Whey and casein are both derived from milk, while the soy variety comes from plants. So if you're vegan, lactose intolerant, or sensitive to dairy, soy may be the protein powder for you. All three have one big benefit: They're considered complete proteins, which means they contain all nine essential amino acids. Whey is my top choice because it dissolves really well and tastes the best. Other lesser known types? Egg white, pea, and brown rice proteins.
Here's what to look for when it comes to the stats. Comparing nutritional panels can get a little tricky, since the serving sizes tend to be listed in unofficial "scoops." But whether it's one scoop or two, the weight is usually around 28 grams, or 1 ounce. And an ounce of protein powder generally measures out to 6 tablespoons. Look for protein powder with around 100 calories and 20 grams of protein per serving -- each tablespoon of that will have around 20 calories and 3 grams of protein. Nice! Especially since two to three tablespoons goes a long way.
So which brands are my favorites? I really like Quest (especially the Peanut Butter flavor), Tera's Whey, and Jay Robb. All three brands make their standard powders from whey protein (Quest’s version also contains some casein). Tera’s Whey also makes a line of blends that combine different types of protein, and Jay Robb has an egg white protein powder -- I LOVE that stuff.
By the way, protein powder is good for more than just shakes. Add it to oatmeal, pancake batter, baked goodies... even sauces! If you want to go the savory route, just pick up some plain protein powder. Otherwise, vanilla protein powder is really versatile and a good investment.
Ready for recipes? Good!
PB & J Crepes
Cherry-Vanilla Yogurt
Vanilla Frappuccino Swap
PB Banana Muffins
Shamrock Shake Swap
PB Cake in a Mug
Strawberry Red Velvet Crepes
Cinnamon Dolce Frappuccino Swap
Sweet B-fast Burrito
PB Banana Smoothie
Tropical Fruit Crepes
PB & J French Toast
If you're still feeling gun-shy about selecting a canister of protein powder from the wall of options, look for single-serve packets, and test a few out. Quest and Jay Robb even sell those online. Good luck!
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