How can we keep our healthy new year’s commitments alive? The key is to make long-term sustainable choices. For those of us looking to maintain a healthy weight or optimise metabolism, the addition of clean plant protein as a daily supplement may play a useful role. A meal that includes high-fibre vegetables along with healthy fats and protein is a great combination for promoting the release of satiety hormones such as GLP-1 that signal fullness after eating. Eating an adequate portion of protein-rich food at each meal, in addition to cutting down on simple sugars, can go a long way to support blood sugar balance, this helps to prevent carbohydrate cravings between meals and supports weight control. 

  Protein may increase satiety and help stabilize blood sugar levels. It supports metabolism and plays an important role in weight management, as well as helping to prevent food cravings.

One simple and convenient way to incorporate more protein at mealtimes is to add unflavoured SunWarrior Protein Powder to vegetable soups, stews and dips. You can begin your day as you mean to go on by eating a low Glycaemic breakfast. Protein powder may be added to cereals, breakfast smoothies and yoghurts. When it comes down to blood sugar balance, a delicious protein shake is a perfect alternative to juices and fruit smoothies.

How important is adequate protein in conjunction with regular exercise?

Science supports the idea that weight loss is most effectively achieved through a combination of dietary adjustments and exercise. Because regular exercise places nutritional demands on the body, rapidly using up vital nutrients needed for repair, energy production, immunity and resilience, it is important to support any exercise regime with good nutrition. Protein provides building blocks needed to help strengthen, maintain and repair the body. Athletes may need to ensure adequate protein intake to prevent loss of muscle mass. 

   It has been shown that eating protein before and after exercise can result in improved muscle strength, performance and body tone.1 It can also promote muscle repair and reduce the risk of exercise induced muscle damage and soreness.

Protein shakes are a convenient way to consume protein after exercise, especially if you don’t have a big appetite for a meal or are short on time. A good quality protein powder should offer a complete range of amino acids including BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids). 

How does plant protein compare to whey protein?

Whey protein may not be the first choice for some customers, this can be due to dairy intolerances, but also some people find it difficult to digest and so experience bloating or digestive discomfort. Vegans and other customers may prefer plant protein for ethical reasons.  So, with many customers now searching for quality plant-based protein powders, do we know how they match up to the fitness benefits of whey protein? In a clinical trial involving participants taking part in fitness training, researchers observed that supplementing with pea protein promoted an increase in muscle size similar to that found when supplementing with whey protein.2 Yellow pea protein supplies all essential amino acids and is a great source of BCAAs (branch chain amino acids) as well as lysine, arginine and glutamine. In addition, a published 8-week clinical research study involving participants supplementing with protein post resistance-training, found that high dose rice protein supported changes in strength and body composition, including a decrease in fat-mass and increase in lean body mass, similarly to high dose whey protein.3 

Why is Certified Organic significant when it comes to protein powders?

Certified Organic means that you can avoid the chemical pesticide concentrations usually present in ‘conventionally’ grown ingredients. It is best to avoid residues that may accumulate in concentrated plant foods such as protein powders. Research shows evidence that pesticide exposure can result in oxidative stress and may be related to various health disorders.4

Why Warrior Blend stands out from the rest!

With an amino acid profile similar to whey protein, SunWarrior Warrior Blend is a high-performance protein powder that fuses the power of organic fermented pea protein, goji berry and hemp seed protein, along with organic coconut medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) making it ideal for pre and post workout and as part of a weight management or fitness protocol.

  •  Certified organic: Ensures quality, planet friendly, safe, non-GMO and no pesticide residues
  •  Non-GMO Project Verification
  •  Vegan friendly with consciously sourced ingredients
  •  High performance-designed for ACTIVE WARRIORS
  •  Complete protein- with at least 4g BCAAs per serving
  •  Bioavailable: Sprouted and fermented plant proteins- without the overprocessing that destroys nutrients and enzymes
  •  Enhanced with coconut MCTs powder – an efficient source of energy to fuel the body. The body can utilise MCTs for instant energy rather than storing them as fat. Research has shown that a diet rich in MCTs can increase energy expenditure, decrease body fat and support weight loss in overweight men.9
  •  Goji berries – abundant in antioxidant vitamin C and beta-carotene
  •  Low GI & Keto-friendly: No added sugar or artificial sweeteners
  •  Hypoallergenic: Gluten, Dairy & Soy-free
  •  Certified Kosher
  •  Synthetic free: absolutely no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives     
  •  Earth-friendly -100% post-consumer recyclable tubs
  •  Very Smooth texture
  •  Variety of delicious flavours including natural, vanilla, chocolate, berry and mocha!

Or check out the full range of SunWarrior protein blends here. 

 Any claims in this article are not intended to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any diseases. A food supplement is not a substitute for a healthy balanced diet and lifestyle.

References:

  1. Willoughby, D. S., Stout, J. R., & Wilborn, C. D. (2007). Effects of resistance training and protein plus amino acid supplementation on muscle anabolism, mass, and strength. Amino acids, 32(4), 467–477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-006-0398-7
  2. Babault, N., et a(2015). Pea proteins oral supplementation promotes muscle thickness gains during resistance training: a double-blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled clinical trial vs. Whey protein. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-014-0064-5
  3. Joy, J. M., et al. (2013). The effects of 8 weeks of whey or rice protein supplementation on body composition and exercise performance. Nutrition journal, 12, 86. https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-12-86
  4. Sabarwal, A., et al. (2018). Hazardous effects of chemical pesticides on human health- C.. and other associated disorders. Environmental toxicology and pharmacology, 63, 103–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2018.08.018
  5. St-Onge, M. P., et al. (2003). Medium-chain triglycerides increase energy expenditure and decrease adiposity in overweight men. Obesity research, 11(3), 395–402. https://doi.org/10.1038/oby.2003.53