Best post workout protein powder for women

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The Best Protein Powders for Women Post-Workout, According to Nutritionists

Recovery is key.

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After hitting the gym, your muscles may need a little extra help with recovery. Consuming protein powder directly after a work out helps repair tissue to build muscle and enhance strength and endurance, says Erin Palinski-Wade, R.D., author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies. There are a ton of options when it comes to protein powder, so we asked six nutritionists to share the ones they think women should have stocked in their pantries.

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Naked Nutrition Grass-Fed Whey Protein Powder

Some companies tout their protein powder as healthy, but when you look at the ingredient list, you see additives and artificial flavorings. That's not the case here, which is why Pallinski-Wade is a fan. "It contains just one ingredient — whey protein," she says. The fact that it's grass-fed is another positive. Many nutritionists recommend foods from grass-fed animals since these options contain more of the essential nutrients our bodies need. In the case of whey, the protein powder will have more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Protein per serving: 25g

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Naked Egg White Protein Powder

Amy Gorin, M.S., a registered dietitian in New York City, opts for egg white powder over other varieties because she says it's the next best thing to getting your protein from whole foods (something she recommends doing as much as possible). Plus, this version only has two ingredients — pure dried egg whites and sunflower lecithin — and there are no sugar alcohols or substitutes, which she says makes the powder very close to its natural form. And for those who want to add their protein powder to meals, this one's neutral taste won't alter any flavors.

Protein per serving: 25g

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NOW Sports Grass-Fed Whey Protein Concentrate

When choosing a post-workout protein powder, studies show that whey is one of the best options because it has a blend of essential amino acids that your muscles need to repair and rebuild. Unfortunately, a lot of these powders have added sugars, which harks back to when bodybuilders were the only ones taking protein powder to gain weight. Not everyone has those goals though, which is why Julie Upton, M.S., R.D., co-founder of Appetite for Health, says she stocks this option in her kitchen. It has a mere 1/2 teaspoon of sugar per serving, so its focus is on optimizing lean body mass.

Protein per serving: 19g

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Bob’s Red Mill Pea Protein Powder

The problem with a lot of non-whey protein powders is that they don't contain all nine essential amino acids, which you need to form a complete protein, says Katherine Brooking, M.S., R.D., co-founder of Appetite for Health. Having all nine amino acids is also important because they're not produced in the body, so you have to get them through food. Pea protein, which is made from dried and ground peas, contains all nine amino acids. "While it is lower in L-Methionine [which aids in wound healing] compared to whey protein, it's not typically an issue since this is found in many other foods, [including chicken, cheese, and fish], as well as non-animal sources like oats, seeds, and nuts."

Protein per serving: 21g

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Moon Juice Organic Blue Beauty Adaptogenic Protein Powder

For those looking for an all-in-one organic protein powder, Amy Shapiro M.S., R.D., founder of Real Nutrition NYC, says this option is worth the higher price tag. "It contains so many superfoods in just one jar, minimizing my [overall] spending," she says. "And thanks to its antioxidant content, it's good for almost everything, like detoxing heavy metals (great for those who eat tuna and sushi), reducing candida (to prevent yeast infections), and maintaining energy levels."

Protein per serving: 20g

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Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

Isabel Smith, M.S., R.D., is a fan of this powder because of the fact that the protein source — collagen — can improve your bone, muscle, and joint health, while also working to beautify your hair, skin, and nails. "Collagen in its purest form helps to promote retention of elastin, which contributes to the elastic quality of the skin [that] is often lost with age," she says.

Protein per serving: 20g

Amy Capetta Amy Capetta has been writing health and lifestyle articles for over 15 years.

Which protein is good for women after workout?

Should women take protein powder after workout?

Which protein powder is good after workout?

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