I’ve Used Our Best-in-Class Protein Powder for Nearly a Decade
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I’ve been a lifelong runner, and I’m surrounded by all kinds of athletes in my life. My mother was a Canadian national team rhythmic gymnast, my sister and I both played NCAA Division I sports, my brother is currently a lacrosse player at Illinois Tech, and my boyfriend plays his sport for a living. One thing we all have in common: a need for post-exercise protein. During my college running career, our team dietitians always made sure we understood the refuel rule: The first 30 minutes after a run (or after any rigorous exercise) is a critical window for recovery. For me, that ideally looks like refueling with a three-to-one ratio of carbohydrate to protein, or for every three grams of carbohydrates, consuming one gram of protein. A simple way to reach that goal and fast-track muscle repairandgrowth is withprotein powder. Even if you wouldn’t consider yourself an athlete — maybe you love working out or just getting a quick sweat in —protein powdercan help you reach your protein needs if you’re on the go or need a boost outside of regularly balanced meals.
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I’m not exactly surewhenI was first introduced to Optimum Nutrition’s Gold Standard (which also happens to be ourbest-in-class whey-protein powder), but it was definitely on my radar as early as college, which means I’ve been using it on and off for nearly a decade. There are 24 grams of protein in one scoop, a fairly high amount considering the serving size is roughly 30 grams. Those 24 grams of protein are listed on the ingredients label as a “protein blend.” If you look closely, you’ll notice that the blend comprises three kinds of whey protein: isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed. It’s a unique yet comprehensive mix. Whey isolate undergoes processing to remove excess carbohydrates, fat, and lactose that have been “isolated” out; whey concentrate requires less processing and contains higher carbohydrate and fat content than whey isolate, making it generally cheaper to produce; and hydrolyzed whey is easier to digest since the protein molecules are broken down into smaller components.
Compared to other protein powders, that tri-blend also means that Gold Standard Whey provides the benefits of all three whey-protein types, which each have varying protein and lactose levels and absorption rates. This makes it a comprehensive protein source and a solid pick for most people at a range of activity levels. Compared to most plant-based powders, mixes from animal-based sources like whey are considered “complete protein” since they contain all nineessentialamino acids, which help support the body’s necessary functions, including immune response, protein synthesis, tissue repair, and nutrient absorption. Another highlight for Gold Standard is that it has 5.5 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are important for muscle building, and they’ve also been linked to reduced soreness and fatigue.
That all brings me to the flavor and consistency — factors that can make or break how regularly you use your protein powder. Thanks to the cocoa powder, this has a sweetness that’s not overwhelming when shaken with just water, and I’m never left with a bitter aftertaste. (If you want something even sweeter, I’d recommend theExtreme Milk Chocolate flavor.) The finish is also smooth and not chalky or chunky, and it never feels like I’m gagging to get it all down, which is a considerable win in my book. It also blends nicely into a smoothie with frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, and kefir — often, I’ll make this exact smoothie when I have extra time at home after a workout.
Gold Standard is easy to find — it’s sold at Target, Walmart, and the Vitamin Shoppe — and affordable, and while it may not be considered the cleanest option on the market by some, it’s third-partycertified by LGC Informed-Choice, which assures it’s been regularly tested for substances considered prohibited in elite sports. Certification programs like LGC Informed-Choice andNSFare voluntary and not mandatory for selling supplements, which means Optimum Nutrition is often taking an extra step to ensure the quality and safety of its products. (You can always verify the certification of your protein powder by checking the label or visiting those third-party websites with your batch or lot number.)
Even though my years as a student-athlete have ended, I’ve continued to use this protein powder to maintain my strength and meet my nutritional needs. Whether I’ve just returned from a hard run, finished another mat Pilates class, or need an in-between-meals pick-me-up, I turn to Gold Standard Whey.
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