Protein Pills

Another great source of Protein

Are protein shakes just not doing it for you?

Are you wondering if there are protein pills that can do the same job?

Well, if you're getting sick of whey protein, or you just need a change for a couple months, there are some good substitutes.

Consistency will always be one of the keys to getting healthy and building muscle. On the other hand, boring diets can be hard to follow. Changing things up is never a bad thing if you're maintaining the same levels of nutrition.

Just like you should change your workout routines every couple months; throwing some different products into the mix is just fine :)

What are they?

There's nothing new about Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA). BCAA have been around for a long time.

BCAA are a source of high quality protein. Protein builds your muscles, and amino acids build protein. BCAA supply your body with essential proteins. They are called essential because your body cannot produce them.

In order for your body to function, it needs to constantly repair and refuel. When you exert yourself with exercise, your body gathers protein to repair your muscles and supply you with energy.

Having proper amounts of high quality protein keeps you strong and healthy. BCAA do this perfectly :)

When should you take them?

One of the best times to take BCAA is pre workout.

If you're not taking some source of protein before your workouts, you're missing out. Getting a quick quality source of protein before you train can really make a difference in your results.

You don't want to train on an empty stomach, you don't want to eat right before you train, so what do you do?

I've suggested timing your workouts so you train after a good meal has digested. This gives you proper amounts of protein before you hit the gym.

I've also said that a half shake before you train is a good way to stock up on protein before the gym.

But, you can't always time your workouts perfectly, and some people don't want to be drinking shakes three times a day.

The solution is protein pills before you train. There are many pre workout supplements that supply you with protein that will fuel you through your workouts. They help give you that extra pump.

This way you're not getting bloated before you train, and you're getting protein to boost your energy.

Other times to take protein pills are listed in the next section.

Who should be taking them?

Here's a list of people that can benefit from taking BCAA:

Athletes

You need higher amounts of protein than the average person because you use more muscle and energy.

Vegans or vegetarians

Because you exclude other sources of protein from your diet, protein pills are important for you.

Changing it up

Do you need some time off protein shakes? BCAA are a great substitute.

Lactose intolerant

No milk products for you.... no problem

If you hate the taste of whey protein :(

If you get an upset stomach or other side effects from protein shakes

Pills versus Protein shakes

It's hard to compare these supplements to protein shakes. Shakes give you calories and can fill you up. A pill can't satisfy your hunger.

This is probably why they are not as popular as protein powder. Marketing also plays a key role. It's tough to market a product against the convenience of protein shakes and meal replacement products....

Nevertheless, protein pills definitely can supply you with excellent protein. If you fancy a change, give em a try!

Product Recommendations:

If you're looking for an amino acid product, I would recommend Universal Uni-Liver.

For those who don't want a meat product, a good choice is Optimum Essential Aminos.