What are you 'Whey'ting for?

Unless you're blessed with a high metabolism or the magical ability to not gain weight, I'm sure many of you have been to the gym before, tried one of those crazy fad diets, or have at least known someone who has dedicated their week to trying out a new diet craze, that doesn't actually work. Somewhere along the way I'm sure you've seen the typical big bulky weight lifter; you know the guy at the gym who grunts while he's lifting, and way over shakes is chemically enhanced protein powder drink. Yep this guy ---->

It's because of this, that people feel like they need to have some sort of protein powder post work-out, and that this is the only way to loose weight or gain muscle. Not true! While you work out your body uses glycogen and protein that it has stored up in your muscles... working out depletes these (if you've gotten a "good" work out) and post work-out you DO need protein and carbs to help replenish them. But who says it needs to be in the form of a powder?

Facts about Protein Powders
Post Work-Out Protein Alternatives

You are always going to have the gym junkies addicted to their whey protein protesting the facts, but who can really argue that whole foods aren't better than powders? No one. The articles above suggest that whole foods are the better alternative to protein powders for numerous reasons. First off, you're body digests whole food protein completely different than it does powder protein. In fact, your body actually digests MORE of the protein from food that it does from powder. Second, powder proteins are enhanced with many different chemicals, most of which aren't really meant to be digested; arsenic, lead, and mercury just to name a few.

So next time you head to the gym and are in need of some post work-out fuel, try going home and grilling a chicken breast, or if its breakfast scramble some eggs. If you're on-the-go and low on time bring along a greek yogurt with fruit, it has twice the amount of protein as regular yogurt and adding granola is also a good source of carbs. There are so many alternatives to consuming your nutrients than in the form of a powder, that are much healthier and beneficial to your diet.

Pass this along to your gym friends, and when they try to disagree with you tell them that they sound like this while working out :) ---->

So, what are you 'whey'ting for?

--Kari