When you’re looking at a particular protein source at the grocery store, do you think about how it can help you, or do you just buy it due to the price or convenience?
Because your protein source matters.
I love the saying, “Buy once… cry once.” I’m sure there was a time when you were trying to conserve money and purchased a lower-quality product (let’s say with a protein source as an example) because you thought the “better” product was too expensive.
You later found out that the item you purchased wasn’t really what you wanted and that you wasted your money and should have just paid the extra money for the higher quality version — live and learn.
Honestly, you get what you pay for.
Now, you went back out and spent even more money on the protein source you should have purchased in the first place. Sure, there are times when you’re paying for a brand name, but for the most part, the higher the quality of the protein source, the more expensive an item will generally be.
In this article, we are going to look at why your protein source matters when planning out your daily nutrition.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, making changes to your nutrition plan, or adding any new supplements into your current regimen.
Why Does Your Protein Source Matter?
When you live an active and healthy lifestyle, you want to ensure the things you put into your body are of the highest quality — especially if you exercise regularly and need to recover properly.
You wouldn’t want to go purchase a Lamborghini and put in regular gasoline, right? Of course not, you want the high-octane gas for performance. The same thing can be said about your body.
You put a great demand on your body, specifically the muscles and organs. When you want them to stay healthy and function optimally, you need to focus on the foods and ingredients you consume on a daily basis.
Won’t Any Protein Source Do?
Yes and no. It depends on your goals.
You could use any protein source out on the market, but not all will give you the results you desire.
As a placeholder, I’m going to use protein powder as an example for this article. Many brands include fillers in their profile.
Unfortunately, while consumers are getting more knowledgeable, some of these brands are even fluffing their numbers by counting added amino acids to the formula and putting them in with the total grams of protein — ultimately ripping you off.
I’m not saying you should be doing extensive research on all the products you are purchasing, consuming, or considering, but you should have some background knowledge about the brand/company and whether they are a reliable source.
The Proof Is in the Pudding… or Utter
Whey is a byproduct of cheese manufacturing. Cheese is obviously made from cow’s milk. Something not many people think about is the overall quality of the milk produced by the cow.
Ultimately, how the cow lives (like what it eats, for instance) can affect the quality of the protein source itself.
It’s a great idea to look for brands that utilize a grass-fed protein source.
What does this mean?
It means that the cows used to produce the milk for the protein source are grass-fed. They don’t use grains, corn, soy, or other ingredients to quickly fatten the cows, which can lower the overall quality of the end product. Leaving such ingredients out can produce the highest quality protein source on the market.
If you use a grass-fed whey protein source, you may notice a difference in how you feel after drinking your shake or consuming a product. You may no longer have that bloated feeling or digestive issues, including gas, and you can even notice your recovery is improved.
Most brands that sell the highest quality products keep things as natural as possible, which is precisely what you should be looking for and considering.
When it comes to results, you’d prefer to see them sooner rather than later, right? So, why would you want to skimp on your protein source by using something that is inferior and not the highest quality?
Get a protein source that fits your budget, but try to do whatever you can to NOT get a cheap protein source. Perhaps that means changing up your carbohydrates and fat sources to accommodate the ability to purchase a better-quality protein source.
Your muscles will thank you!
Author Bio:
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is a globally recognized health, fitness, and supplement industry expert with over 25 years of hands-on experience. He is the founder of Weik Fitness and one of the most prolific writers in the space, known for translating complex science into clear, actionable content. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Penn State University and multiple industry certifications, giving his work both academic credibility and real-world authority. His writing has been featured on thousands of websites and in 100+ magazines worldwide, including FLEX, Muscular Development, Iron Man, and Muscle & Fitness UK, and he has authored 30+ published books. Trusted by leading supplement brands and media outlets alike, Matt is widely regarded as one of the most knowledgeable and reliable voices in health, fitness, and sports nutrition.
