Drinking a protein shake before bed might satisfy your late-night hunger cravings while topping off your protein intake before calling it a night. But is a pre-bedtime protein shake a bad idea? Like many questions about diet and nutrition, the answer depends on the individual–their dietary needs and body composition goals. It also depends on your current goals, like whether you’re trying to bulk up or lose weight. Here I share my research-based take on whether or not drinking a protein shake before bed is a bad idea.
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Creatine and protein powder are staples in the nutrition regimens of athletes and bodybuilders alike. They serve different, yet complementary roles in muscle growth and recovery. While there’s generally no harm in mixing creatine with protein powder, there are a couple of things you should know before you go combining them willy-nilly. First, let’s break down some basics
Over the years, I’ve tried at least 50 different protein powders for smoothies. In the beginning, I was trying anything that looked remotely delicious and healthy. But as I got better at identifying clean protein powder, I narrowed down my choices to a few solid go-to products that I repeatedly purchase time and time again. Not only are these some of the best-tasting protein powders, but they’re free from artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, synthetic additives, and other sketchy ingredients that are questionable (or blatantly bad) for your health.
Just when you thought your vegan protein powder had the lowest carbon footprint, insect protein enters the room and reframes your thinking on what’s truly the most sustainable. But not just any insect protein. We’re talking about cricket protein powder, and how this bug-based derivative could be an industry disruptor if brands can convince people to buy it. Cricket protein powder is a revolutionizing concept that offers several benefits and accommodates the needs of different individuals.
Protein shakes are a staple for those with diabetes. Sadly, this food category is shockingly misguided when it comes to just how diabetic-unfriendly certain protein shakes truly are. The most looming culprits are the sugar substitutes and textural additives found in popular protein shakes, including those marketed toward diabetics. But just because a product has low-to-no sugar–or labeled keto-friendly–doesn’t always mean it’s suitable for diabetics.
Diary-based protein drinks and powders are notorious for causing constipation, flatulence, and bloating. Add to the mix lactose sensitivity, and these digestive issues are even more frequent. Given the prevalence of such problems and higher consciousness around gut health, many brands have recognized the demand for protein powder with fiber. In turn, there are multiple high-fiber protein powders available (some better than others.)
Protein shakes are a go-to for many aiming to build muscle, lose weight, or simply ensure they’re getting enough protein. But what if these convenient drinks are causing more trouble than good? Specifically, can protein shakes cause constipation?
Protein supplements are notorious for gut-related issues, like less frequent bowel movements. It’s no secret that protein shakes can be problematic in causing constipation. But what’s in these drinks that backs up our digestive tract?
As part of my Truvani protein powder review, I started with three of my usual favorites–Vanilla, Chocolate, and Peanut Butter. It also comes in an unsweetened and unflavored protein powder option with only 3 ingredients! So, while Truvani appears clean and pure on the surface, does it actually taste good? And is Truvani good for you? Get the full scoop on Truvani protein powder in my review below.
There are ready-to-drink protein shakes, which can have between 140 and 300 calories. And there are protein powders that you can blend with water or milk, which generally have between 100 and 200 calories per serving. If you’re wondering how many calories are in a typical protein shake (be it ready-to-drink options or protein powder), here’s a simple breakdown of what you can expect.
Sure, Core Power is packed with protein and it tastes deliciously sweet and creamy. But what’s with the ingredients I can’t pronounce, like acesulfame potassium, carrageenan, and sucralose? I wanted to dig into this product–not just for my own curiosity but for the sake of those who drink Core Power every day. Full disclosure: this is not a vegan rant in an attempt to take a stab at the dairy industry. This is a science-based look into the ingredients that make up Core Power and whether or not this protein shake is good for you.