Proteins and Nutrition

As a teenager, your body already requires more fuel simply due to the natural growth process experienced at this time in your life. Add the intense weight training and often times, sport specific activities and your protein requirement is much higher than that of a sedentary adult.


Bodybuilders know that protein is the most important macronutrient. Carbs and fats can often be manipulated whether trying to lose or gain weight, yet protein always stays high. While you should already be consuming adequate protein from your diet, protein powders help greatly to ensure you reach that daily protein intake.


You are most probably aware of the small period of time directly after a workout in which it is advised that protein be consumed. This is where most people take advantage of protein powders. Having protein in a liquid form allows for faster digestion, meaning you put a halt to the muscle breakdown occurring post workout, as well as sparking the recovery (and growth process).


The kind of protein powder you are after depends when you will use it. For example:


Post Workout: Whey Protein (preferably whey isolate)- Provides the fastest absorption of protein directly after a workout. Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate is the purest form of whey. Keep in mind that the more refined and therefore more pure the whey is, the more it will cost.


Night-time: Casein. There are a few different forms of casein however in reality it doesn't matter which form you buy. The reason casein is used at night is it is a slow digesting protein, meaning you won't receive all the aminos at once, allowing for a gradual release. This is particularly important as the 8-10 hours of sleep will be without food. Taking a casein shake helps to fight off the catabolic effects of this time.


Throughout the Day: When looking for a protein powder to use throughout the day look for one with a combination of different forms of whey and casein. This will provide a fast, medium and slow release of amino acids.