Plant-based diets are becoming more and more common for people with all kinds of fitness goals. In this article, we’ll share some insight into why people are choosing plant protein, what makes a good plant protein powder as well as how and when to use this supplement effectively.
Why Plant-Based Protein Powder?
One of the main reasons that you might want to try plant-based protein powder is if you’re allergic or intolerant to dairy. This is a very common food allergy among both adults and children. In this case, whey protein isn’t an option and you need to find an alternative that can still provide a full amino acid profile.
Another reason to choose plant-based protein powder is if you are following a vegan diet and therefore not consuming any animal products. Incorporating a plant-based protein supplement is one way to help ensure you’re meeting your daily protein requirements.
Not all supplements are equal
There are many plant-based protein powder options on the market. Unfortunately, they vary dramatically in quality, purity, and efficacy.
We wanted to offer a high-quality plant-based protein that would meet the needs of Free Athletes and be a viable alternative to our Grass-fed Whey. That’s why Freeletics provides a product that offers two high-end ingredients: pea and rice protein.
Together, these premium sources provide all nine essential amino acids, including a higher level of leucine than is found in most other plant-based protein options. The result is a fast-mixing, great-tasting blend that provides everything you need to build muscle, recover between training sessions, and keep pace with your fast-paced lifestyle.
And, because we strongly believe in clean and healthy eating, Freeletics Plant-Based Protein powders are guaranteed to be free of contaminants and performance enhancing drugs by NSF Certified for Sport® and Informed Sport.
How to get enough protein without dairy and meat
A common knock on proteins from plant-based foods is that, unlike meat, dairy, and fish, they’re incomplete sources, which means that they don’t contain the nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own, and therefore those need to come from food or supplements.
However, this is a somewhat short-sighted view, as plant-powered athletes have become adept at combining foods to create a full amino acid profile. You can achieve this either in individual meals or by simply including a wide variety of plant-based proteins in your diet.
Ways to do so include:
1. Add a handful of pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds to your morning muesli
2. Fill corn tortillas with beans for a lunchtime burrito
3. Pour a tofu curry over rice or quinoa for dinner
When to implement Plant-Based Protein powder
These are just a few ideas for incorporating plant-based proteins into your daily meals.
You can also boost your overall protein intake – which is crucial for adding and maintaining muscle mass, recovering between workouts, preserving joint health, and more – by adding Plant-Based Protein powder into your daily nutritional routine.
Here are three simple ways to do so:
1. Put a scoop of Freeletics Plant-Based Protein powder in your morning smoothie
2. Stir another scoop into a bowl of oats in the evening
3. Drink a shake that includes Plant-Based Protein powder shortly after you work out
You should always keep in mind your overall daily caloric intake, as well as your total protein intake when supplementing with a protein powder.
Refuelling with a high-quality protein powder after finishing your training will help improve acute recovery whether you’re a power athlete, endurance athlete, or just a weekend warrior wanting to maximize your training gains.
The takeaway? Whether you’re trying to fuel elite performance, power a healthy, active lifestyle, or supplement a meat and dairy-free diet, plant power can be just as good as the normal whey, and you should seriously consider Plant-Based Protein powder.