How To Mix Protein Powder

For those of you at the athlete level or if you just do some pretty intense workouts, workout supplements may help you sustain energy, build muscle mass, and speed up recovery time.

I just got myself some 100% Whey Protein from GNC. They have a few different flavors, but I would recommend the chocolate flavor if you've never taken protein before. The taste is pretty similar to chocolate milk, Ovaltine, or a Yoohoo. If you have negative reactions to whey (from milk), then you might want to opt for the Soy Protein or other type instead. I'll go more in dept about protein in a different post, but let's get going with how to mix this baby.

Let's take a look at the standard options for mixing protein powder. The liquid of choice to use for mixing protein is milk, but again if you have a negative reaction to milk, opt for soy or water.

1) Mixing in a glass or cup using a utensil

Pros: A glass and utensil are usually readily available in anyone's kitchen. Clean up is relatively simple.

Cons: Mixing is slow and protein can easily clump up.

Advice: If you plan on mixing in a glass, be sure to add in the protein a little bit at a time. Keep stirring with one hand and gently tap the scoop of protein in against the edge of the glass with the other hand so that a little bit goes in at a time. It's an art in itself! Adding protein in too fast or mixing too slow will cause clumps! Ew!

2) Using a standard blender

Pros: Very smooth mixes. You can add in other ingredients easily to your shake.

Cons: The clean up, enough said. Also, not very portable and requires electricity.

Advice: There are of course some hand powered blending devices or immersion blenders that might be easier to clean up, but nevertheless it's a bit of a hassle. If you're at home and don't mind the clean up, then by all means use it. With protein shakes, I would recommend throwing in a banana (or two) into your shake to give it a delicious texture, not to mention that you'll be getting some much needed potassium too!

3) Shake it up! (Best Choice)

Pros: Fast and portable. You can throw in the protein and liquid and shake it up, then toss it in your gym bag to drink when you're ready. Clean up is relatively easy. Smooth results achieved using using your arm, so you get a little workout while mixing!

Cons: You have to get a bottle that can be fully enclosed.

Advice: Get yourself a good shaker bottle that has a wide opening so that you can easily pour in the protein and liquid of choice. Make sure the bottle can be fully securely sealed because nobody wants to end up with a mess.