Black Sheep Academy: Understanding Protein

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Hello Ladies & Gents. Welcome back to our new Black Sheep Academy. I hope everything is helping so far and if you have any questions please feel free to email us since we are here to be of service to you. In my many years as a trainer and coach, I can’t count how many times I get asked this question, which is quite disconcerting seeing as how many people are having trouble understanding protein supplements, but I digress. I am referring to is understanding protein supplements. “Hey E, what protein (powder) do you take or use?” Well my answer is, being the sarcastic marine that I am, either chicken or fish.

Now let’s disseminate the confusion when it comes to understanding protein supplements…

Understanding protein supplements is quite simple. Protein is a macro nutrient in food exactly like carbs and fats. So what am I saying? Simply put, the protein I use, or take, is food. “I get my protein from food everybody!”

After that series of questions and answers I usually get, “Well E, if you’re not taking protein shakes your not getting enough protein.” This is false! I’m not sure when it became dogma that you required whey protein shakes to grow, but this is incorrect. I found these series of questions very typical in your commercial gyms or from friends and family looking to start their fitness journey. That’s why I’m here to help.

Whey protein supplementation is only necessary if: 1) you’re not getting enough protein through food sources 2) your busy and on the go so protein shakes make it easier to get your meals in 3) it allows you to save macro nutrients for other meals…etc.

I get it though protein supplements are all the rage. No different then two individuals outside the gym asking where they got their apparel. All the big guys or beautiful girls at the gym do it, but did you ever ask them why or are they taking anything else*hint*hint.

Let’s keep it simple, protein supplementation isn’t bad, but its nothing special. What I mean is, with food, you’re more than capable of getting the protein you need, and you’ll be feeling fuller throughout the day as well. I do recommend protein shakes for those skinny guys and gals who can’t seem to gain weight after everything they’ve eaten, but I would also advise to make sure your religiously tracking your food before adding any kind of caloric supplementation.

Basically, make sure your body is getting what it needs before throwing something new into the mix so to avoid any excessive or unnecessary weight gain.

I would also account for the source and cost. Protein supplements, are nothing more than powder, pill, shake, or nowadays a caffeinated drink. Be sure wherever you get your protein supplementation that it is not the cheap powder you get from your local grocery stores, not unless you can handle the stomach issues. I am referring to good sourced supplements you can find online or at specialty shops (I’ll recommend a couple down below).

Also, lets look at the cost. Most good sourced protein supplements can cost anywhere from $35 to $55 for 3 to 4 weeks’ worth. The cost would be dependent on the brand, flavor, and size.

*DISCLAIMER* Whatever you buy DO NOT FALL FOR A BRANDS MARKETING SCHEMES

Many unfortunate souls have been roped into buying protein with anything and everything you can think of. I REPEAT DO NOT FALL FOR IT. All you need is a simple protein powder that tastes decent and doesn’t make your stomach feel like its mixing clay.

Besides protein, the only other supplement I recommend are multivitamins, fish oil, or creatine monohydrate. I do not recommend amino acids, any other creatine, test boosters…. etc. I will leave those supplements for another article, but just wanted to touch on them now. I have tried so many protein powders by now, I would say these stuck with me above the rest.

5/5-Cellucor Protein:

• I would have to rate this a 5 out of 5 due to it hitting the mark on taste, quality, and a fair price. This has over 10+ flavors for those with very specific taste buds and comes in many forms so as to give you guys more options. To sweeten the pot, they always have deals, but you need to keep an eye out. Check out this LINK for a discount price on a tub Cellucor.

4.5/5-Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey:

• Like it says pretty standard whey. The type of protein powder you can find at most supplement stores, gym shops, and shake shacks. This one gets a 4.5 out of 5 simply due to the short supply of flavors. I will say the flavors they do have are good, but sometimes you need a protein shake that you crave not one you’re simply forcing down. Price is fair for a 5 Pound tub. Which would normally last me a 6 to 8 weeks. Check out this LINK for a discounted price on a tub of Optimum Nutrition.

4/5-Muscle Farm Protein:

• Third, I would have to pick Muscle Pharm Protein Powder. I would give these guys a 4 out of 5. Their flavors are OK, nothing special. They’re quality is standard at best. However, their price point is what make them great for one pound less in their larger tubs, in comparison to their competitors above, your saving yourself $20 which is a win in my book I remember being in the Marine Corps and being a college kid hahaha trust me every dollar counts. I will provide the LINK here.

To wrap things up, protein is a macro nutrient that you can get from food sources, protein supplements aren’t bad if your looking to change things up or aren’t getting enough calories, and DO NOT FALL FOR THE MARKETING SCHEMES. If your buying other supplements, please read my passage above for SUPPLEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN TESTED TO WORK.

I will be talking about said supplements further down the line. Please refer back to my previous post HERE if you have any questions regarding major diets. If you have anything further to add, please feel free to comment down below or email us. If you would like to support the Black Sheep movement, feel free to visit our shop or subscribe to our mailing list.