Post-Workout Protein Supplements

I think it’s worth being really mindful about protein shakes and bars. On my way out of the local gym which I recently signed up to, I had a look at all of the protein supplements – the bars, powder protein shakes and milk shakes – and was really shocked to see that this huge gym chain (mentioning no names but it began in a certain city in Southern California), was using just one company which used a plethora of toxic, inflammatory, poisonous ingredients. Everything was full of artificial sweeteners, trans fats, hydrogenated oils, sugar (lots of it), soy (evil beyond comprehension for we men), preservatives and more. They were also all made from whey, which granted is the most popular but far from the best.

In case you’re not aware, whey comes from cows, thus it’s a meat protein. I’m a meat eater – fear not, I’m not suggesting you go veggie. The trouble with the majority of whey proteins is they are of poor quality. If you’re in the States, the chances are that it’s derived from cows that were fed rBGH – a hormone used to fatten up the cows so they can produce more milk. Animal protein actually causes your body to become acidic – not many people know this. So whenever you consume any kind of animal protein, it’s really important to accompany it with plenty of greens which alkalise.

On the subject of milk, it’s really designed for baby cows. It’s not actually designed for human beings. It contains 3 times the amount of protein than human breast milk and it’s a different type of protein with a completely different mix of micro and macronutrients – specifically designed for baby cows to grow fast. I’ve heard that cows are really confused by all we humans drinking their milk. They say to each other: “These humans are crazy, they’re drinking our udder milk – we look nothing like them! We don’t even drink our udder milk, it’s for our baby calves which are 10 times the size of a human baby.” True story.

This is a controversial topic I know and I’ll explain briefly my view and findings now. 75% of the population is lactose intolerant – that’s the sugar found in milk. Milk is mucus-producing and inflammatory. If you suffer from any skin problem (as I used to), you’re advised to come off dairy. Your skin is the final organ to show any problems underneath. Milk has been linked to develop cataracts in later life. I wonder why. Could it be, possibly, because it’s designed for cows? By the way, cows don’t even drink milk once they’re weaned off it. Calves do, cows don’t. Have you ever thought about who the first person was to sample milk? Were they seriously thirsty, saw a cow in a field with bulging udders and thought to themselves, yum yum, sign me up for that.

I’ll be writing up a full post on dairy soon – this is brief as this post is meant to be about protein shakes and supplements – if indeed you’re interested to top up your protein intake. I believe it’s worth having some form of protein within about 15 minutes of tearing your muscles in the gym so you can feed them for maximum recovery. Carbs too – so insulin will transport the nutrients into the muscle cells for best muscle protein synthesis. One of the simplest way to consume protein and carbs straight after your workout is in the form of a shake.

My preferred protein choice is now plant-based protein – pea and hemp mostly. I’ve recently found an amazing brand by Sun Warrior. They infuse pea, hemp and cranberry protein together with sea salt and it’s supposed to provide a full amino acid profile – essential to absorb the protein. No artificial flavours, no preservatives. Just pure, organic, plant-based protein aweseomeness. Of course I’ll have a steak for dinner – I’m no vegan!