The best protein for Weightlifting is ACTUAL food (fish, eggs, chicken, etc)
Protein supplements just don't work well for muscle growth because protein shakes can make you full and bloated, which will interfere with your diet and caloric intake. Also, "synthetic" protein isn't used by the muscles as well as real food.
Most pro bodybuilders don't use protein supplements at all.
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Whey proteins are pretty similar. One of the most popular (and the one I use) is call Optimum Nutrition or ON's. It gives you 120 cals and 24 g. of protein per serving. And their flavors are pretty good. My current favorite is Rocky Road.
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All whey proteins are not created equal. Whey proteins are split up into two categories- denatured and undenatured.
Denatured whey protein is dead from a biological standpoint. This is what you find in the health food and sports nutrition stores. It will build muscle, but it is not bioactive or bioavailable. Bioavailability has to do with the amount of essential branched chain amino acids the protein contains.
So it depends on what you mean by "best" - best to build muscle, or best to optimize your body's overall cellular functioning?
The highest biological undenatured whey protein you can get - for optimizing your cellular functions, and that has the highest amount of branched chain amino acids- is Immunocal.
If you are looking to build muscle only, go with any of the whey proteins you find in the store.
Buying protein powder in bulk will always be cheaper than real food. I buy larger amounts, and order less often. It's a good idea to buy bigger and split it with your friends. Everyone saves more money that way.
A good whey protein is a good whey protein, whether you're a beginner or a pro. Remember that even though whey is a great way to get your protein, even protein contains calories and needs to be combined with a sensible diet and exercise program to see results. I really don't like to give product endorsements. Look for a whey protein which is high in protein with minimal saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium while still remaining in your budget. Once you've found the product you want, Google around some more to see if you can find a site with a better deal.
The serious bodybuilders have been chattering about hemp protein lately and faster recovery times, full amino acid profile, and even a little omega-3 content (though the oil is extracted and sold separately).
Amazon is selling it with free shipping in 3-lb bags at a very reasonable price. It comes from Canada and is totally legal and legitimate. The stuff they grow is a strain that is free from drug content and bred for seed production for protein and oil. You should consider it.
I bought some of this hemp protein and it's part of my daily breakfast of oatmeal, protein shot, and a small salad. Plus it has some antioxidants and lignans. All good stuff. Nice source of these good things, with no saturated fat or sugar. Trader Joe's also sells a hemp protein with flavors like chocolate.
Vitamin World makes a good whey protein at a good price in my opinion. Their store brand is comparable to Designer Whey which is also good. They have a good website.
we use holland and barret 90% protein only cheap under £10 me and son 21yr old had good strength gains and increased muscle