Fall Training Table Essentials: Why Whey Protein Powders Rule

Ascent Native Fuel: Clean Protein for your training table this fall!

After the summer's heat, working out, outdoors looks so much more appealing right now. As we move into the cooler weather, we want to make sure that we are not losing muscle mass due to inadequate protein intake and poor nutrition. Exercise, while important, puts additional stress on your amino acid and vitamin/mineral stores. Just sweating causes you to lose trace minerals and natural body salts. So in addition to a high quality, whole food diet providing all the needed nutrients, you may want to include a healthy protein shake as an insurance policy. No need to go over-board but for a 160 lb person to maintain their muscle mass, they would need to consume between 64-96 grams of quality protein daily. Obviously if your goals are to increase muscle mass and density, you may require a little more or at least fall within the higher end of the protein intake spectrum.

Plant Based vs Whey Based Protein Powders
Vegan diets may be able to combine amino acids in such a way that a complete protein is formed. The only problem is that vitamin B-12 is only found in animal based products such as milk, pork and beef. You will need to supplement with that B vitamin to avoid deficiencies. Likewise plant based protein powders such as those from peas, rice, soybeans, etc. must be balanced to contain all the amino acids necessary to produce a complete protein. The only problem is that even plant based protein powders which claim to be organic have been found to be among some of the highest in lead, arsenic, heavy metals and other contaminants. This is because plants, even when grown organically without pesticides, tend to absorb more contaminants from the soil. 
In March 2018, Consumer Reports cited clinical test findings by The Clean Label Project on some of the top protein powders on the market today. Number one with the HIGHEST levels of pesticides, arsenic and lead was an organic, plant based protein powder. Those with the LOWEST contaminants were essentially all WHEY based brands. You can read the article yourself with its list here: Consumer Reports Arsenic, Lead Found in Popular Protein Supplements

Protein Powders I've Used in the Past
Personally over the years, I've always preferred whey based protein powders such as those by Reserveage Organics. Their Grass Fed Whey Protein mixes easily, is delicious and easy to digest. The only down sides are the amount you get, (only 24 ozs at @ $43.99) and the somewhat boring flavor choices: Vanilla & Chocolate. The container is not air tight so towards the bottom of the can, you can expect oxidation and clumping. Still overall it is a very pure and well formulated whey protein supplement.

Rainbow Light's Whey Protein Energizers

Another favorite was in fact a RICE based protein powder that I had used for many years: Rainbow Light's Protein Energizers. These needed a bit more than a fork to mix but came in three flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla and Acai Berry Blast all formulated with Spirulina. The resealable pouch kept the product fresher but alas you only got 11 ozs.  Not really enough for a serious fitness enthusiast or bodybuilder. It appears this product is no longer available or has been discontinued.

Garden of Life Organic Plant Proteins

I first tried Garden of Life Organic Plant Protein vegan powders back in June 2014. I recall that they were very easy to mix into most anything despite their being pea based. One downside was the flavor. You could still tell you were drinking peas even though they tried to offer better flavor compilations!  Once again, points for resealable packaging which is great for maintaining freshness. The amount you get per packet however, is not for a serious athlete who would go through it in about 10 days. You're looking at 9.4 ozs for @ $21.99.  
NOTE: GOL was listed as one of the 5 worst protein powder supplements tested in the Consumer Reports article previously cited in this article and the Garden of Life supplement sector of the company which makes the Organic Plant Protein has recently been sold to Nestle Foods.

Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powder

My Favorite Whey Protein Powder Today
I tried Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powders about 18 months ago and was very impressed with the formulation. Naturally flavored with NO artificial ingredients and naturally sweetened with Monk Fruit extract. It does contain some soy lecithin so beware if you have any sensitivity to soy and of course milk due to the whey. Made with minimal processing, this whey protein contains higher levels of naturally occurring leucine, which is a key amino acid known for stimulating muscle protein synthesis. Ascent whey protein mixes very easily without the need for a shaker cup or blender. I just use a fork. Prang...ready to drink!
Five delicious flavors: Vanilla Bean, Chocolate, Cappuccino, Raspberry Lemonade and Lemon Sorbet 
You get 29 servings per bag (or 54 servings with the 4 lb bag) with each scoop offering a whopping 25 grams of easy to absorb protein. (2 lb bag @ $41.99)

Whey, (milk as well as egg based) Protein supplements overall ranked purer in the Clean Label Project's findings than even the "organic, vegan and plant based" protein powder supplements.  This is because the grass fed cow acts as a secondary filter or buffer against unwanted substances and materials. Plants such as peas, soybeans, rice, etc. all will absorb more soil contaminants and heavy metals even if they are organically grown. It's just the nature of the beast. However, I am glad to have found Ascent Native Fuel Whey Protein Powders as they have made a positive addition to my workout protocol and training table supplements. They check all the boxes for me and if you do not have milk or soy allergies, you should be good to go. Want more information? Visit Ascent online HERE. You may also order now on Amazon via my affiliate link below: