Source: http://www.sonima.com/food/protein-powder/
Grabbing a protein smoothie after a hard workout is a no brainer. Trainers have long drilled it into your head that protein plays an important role in repairing and rebuilding the muscles that you’ve just broken down through exercise. Pro athletes and bodybuilders are experts at understanding this recovery process, using protein in many forms—powders, bars, lean meats, fish, nuts, and more—to promote muscle growth, improve athletic performance, and maintain a fit physique. For the average person, however, who just wants to stay trim, active, and healthy, they might not need the extra protein boost found in powders, such as whey, soy, and casein.
“Protein powders are for very few people. They’re an isolated nutrient that really wasn’t meant to be isolated in nature. They were created for convenience for bodybuilders who were looking to build mass and repair muscle. There’s really no nutritional need for protein powders,” explains performance nutritionist Adam Kelinson, author of The Athlete’s Plate: Read Food for High Performance and nutritional consultant for athletes and celebrities, including Prince, Hillary Swank, and Mariska Hargitay.
Despite the intent of their origins, these powders are becoming a household staple for folks who have no desire to bulk up. And while it’s difficult to turn into Mr. Universe overnight—building mass takes, time, rigorous workouts, and a very strict diet—…