How to Choose a Protein Powder

Hi everyone, it's Karen here! I want to begin this post by saying that most people DO NOT need a protein powder in their diet. "Then why are you writing about it?" you might ask? Because for the folks who do need a protein powder or wish to experiment with one, it can be an overwhelming task to know which one to pick. So I'll try to provide a few helpful guidelines.

• Always try to get your protein from food first!
• If you are not vegetarian and can tolerate dairy derivatives with no problem, conisder a whey, casein or collagen-based protein powder. With whey powders, you'll notice two main categories - whey protein concentrate (fine for most needs) and whey protein isolate (highly purified form with a higher price tag). Whey is readily digested and absorbed, making it a solid choice for many needs. 
• If you prefer to use a plant-based protein powder, options include pea, soy, hemp, and rice protein powders. 
• Protein powders are considered a nutrition supplement, and therefore, are not regulated by the FDA. To be on the safe side, look for a protein powder that is third-party tested. This means the product only contains what it says it does. Some major brands that are third-party tested include NOW, Garden of Life, and Optimum Nutrition. 
• When possible, and especially when mixing protein powder with already flavorful ingredients, opt for an unflavored and unsweetened protein powder.
• You may need to experiment with finding a protein powder that suits your preferences in terms of taste, texture and dissolvability (especially if mixing into milk or smoothies).
• Remember that more is not always better! Your body can only digest and use about 25 to 30 grams of protein at a time. Consuming more than this in one sitting likely won't have any additional benefit, and may be harmful long-term, especially for those concerned about kidney health.