| We all need protein in our diets, but do you know | | | | with juice and other beverages for delicious |
| what we need it for? Protein promotes muscle | | | | drinks, shakes and smoothies. These come in a |
| health, recovery and growth. Protein supplements | | | | number of flavors for every taste. |
| are used by athletes and body builders before and | | | | Protein Powders - Mix these powders with fruit |
| after workouts, and as meal replacements. People | | | | juice, milk or yogurt for protein shakes and |
| who are on calorie-reduced diets for weight loss | | | | smoothies, or sprinkle into your meals as you are |
| can reap the benefits of protein supplements. If | | | | cooking. |
| you eat a lot of junk food, add some protein | | | | Protein Bars - A terrific protein fix for people on |
| powder to a smoothie or milkshake to help get | | | | the go. These handy little bars are packed full of |
| the protein you need. | | | | protein and other essential nutrients, and are |
| Protein for Bodybuilders | | | | portable. |
| A diet rich in protein is essential for body builders, | | | | Protein Shots - These are little vials of liquid |
| in order to promote muscle repair and to build | | | | protein that come in a variety of delicious flavors. |
| their muscles. Body builders and other athletes | | | | These little babies really pack a punch, with 25 to |
| need a lot more protein than the average person | | | | 30 grams of protein per serving. |
| (that's not to say that everyone doesn't need a | | | | Protein Capsules - Even though they taste great, |
| little extra protein now and then.) The purpose of | | | | especially when mixed with food and beverages, |
| bodybuilding is to gain weight (not fat, but | | | | many people are still afraid that protein |
| muscle), and in order to build muscle, you need | | | | supplements will taste awful. For those people, |
| protein. Many bodybuilders use whey protein | | | | there are protein capsules that you just take with |
| supplements before and after workouts to | | | | water. |
| promote muscle recovery and growth. | | | | Protein Supplements for Teenagers |
| Protein also provides energy, something that you | | | | Anyone can use protein supplements in their diet, |
| need if you are going to be working out. Using | | | | including children and teenagers. Just like with |
| protein supplements will not only help to grow and | | | | medications, children should use about half the |
| maintain healthy muscles, it will also provide that | | | | amount that adults would, and teenagers can use |
| extra little burst of energy that you need at | | | | the adult dosage. |
| certain times of the day, especially for | | | | Many teens who are weight conscious (especially |
| bodybuilders. | | | | girls) tend to go on fad or crash diets, mostly |
| Types of Protein Supplements | | | | with few or no results at all. And many teens |
| There are different types of protein supplements, | | | | who are self-conscious about their weight can |
| and while some are good for some people, most | | | | become anorexic or bulimic, conditions that over |
| are not good for everyone, particularly if there | | | | time can be, and often are, fatal. If you have a |
| are intolerances or allergies involved. | | | | teenager who wants to lose weight, teach them |
| Whey Protein: This is a protein that digests quickly | | | | how to do it the healthy way by having the |
| and easily (often within one hour), and is often | | | | proper nutrients. If they are not eating properly, |
| used by athletes following workouts because of | | | | then it's time to start giving them protein |
| the fact that its effects can be felt quickly. Whey | | | | supplements. Many teens who think that they will |
| is easier to mix than other protein powders and it | | | | gain weight if they eat don't mind drinking a |
| tastes pretty good too. This is not a good | | | | couple of smoothies every day, and you can |
| product for people who are lactose intolerant, | | | | make them delicious protein-enriched smoothies |
| because it is a milk derivative, a bi-product from | | | | that will get them off to a healthy start each day. |
| the cheese-making process. | | | | There are also a lot of teens who get into body |
| Casein Protein: Casein has effects that are similar | | | | building, and they need additional protein as well. |
| to whey, but it takes longer to digest, so | | | | As we all know, protein is necessary for strong |
| therefore it is slower acting. Casein protein | | | | muscles, muscle recovery after workouts and |
| supplements are available in a variety of delicious | | | | muscle growth. Make your athletic teens delicious |
| flavors. Like whey, casein should be avoided by | | | | protein shakes that they can enjoy after they |
| lactose intolerant people. | | | | are done working out. Remember to make sure |
| Milk Protein: This is a combination of milk proteins, | | | | that the supplements you use do not have any |
| including whey and casein, so the effects are | | | | added hormones, because you definitely don't |
| short- and long-term. Milk protein is often higher in | | | | want to do anything to cause them any kind of |
| fat, cholesterol and calories than other | | | | damage. |
| supplements, and it is definitely not for the lactose | | | | A Taste of Chocolate |
| intolerant. | | | | Chocolate lovers rejoice! You can get the protein |
| Egg Protein: This protein comes from egg white, | | | | you need, along with your chocolate fix, when |
| and is also referred to as egg albumin. You can | | | | you use chocolate-flavored powders to make |
| get egg protein supplements in a powdered form, | | | | protein shakes and smoothies. Although they are |
| and they taste great in shakes and smoothies. | | | | a little bit more expensive than other protein |
| These supplements can also be added to many | | | | supplements on the market, you will save money |
| recipes, and are great for people who are | | | | in the long run because you won't need to buy |
| intolerant to milk and milk products. Egg proteins | | | | chocolate bars, cakes and cookies to get the |
| are not good for people with allergies to eggs and | | | | chocolate that you are craving. |
| chicken. | | | | For a chocolate treat that is low in calories, try a |
| Rice Protein: If you are lactose intolerant, or are a | | | | chocolate-flavored casein protein powder. This |
| vegetarian, this is the protein supplement for you. | | | | supplement is also low in fat and carbohydrates, |
| Rice protein is gluten-free, and is also low calorie, | | | | but is still delicious. Add a couple of scoops to |
| low in carbohydrates and low fat. You can use it | | | | some skim milk or yogurt and ice for a delicious |
| in shakes and smoothies or sprinkle it in your | | | | smoothie, or for a really tasty treat, add a scoop |
| favorite recipes. | | | | of chocolate ice cream (don't do this too often, or |
| Soy Protein: This is the protein for everyone. | | | | you will defeat the purpose of a low-calorie |
| People with allergies or who are lactose intolerant | | | | chocolate treat.) |
| can use it, and because it is vegetable based (it's | | | | Chocolate casein protein powder supplements are |
| made from soy beans), it is ideal for vegetarians. | | | | also great for people who experience stomach |
| Soy protein is what is known as a complete | | | | troubles, such as gas or heartburn. It can also be |
| protein, because it contains all of the essential and | | | | used by children, but the amount of supplement |
| non-essential amino acids. | | | | that is used should be half the amount of that an |
| Types of Protein Supplement Products | | | | adult would use. This is not a strong chocolate |
| There are a number of protein supplements | | | | flavor, but the mild taste will definitely sate that |
| available on the market today, including: | | | | chocolate craving and give you the added protein |
| Liquid Protein - Can be used on its own, or mixed | | | | that you need. |