Protein During a Juice Cleanse?
Know why you are really missing out if you don’t add protein during your juice cleanse?
Answering some protein questions with the most common ones first…
Benefits of taking protein supplements such as organic protein powder shakes etc..
Some benefits of whey protein and isolate protein are:
- building and supporting muscle (adding firm muscle tone or size via appropriate training)
- healing
- nutritional supplementation if you are not getting enough protein from your food intake
- appetite suppressant
- essential biological body support
Why do you recommend I consume protein snacks or shakes with juices as most people would say to have the juice on its own (claiming better absorption)?
Juices from fruit will cause a spike in glucose (this especially occurs when consumed on its own), but diabetics might want to reduce this spike by mixing some protein and fat sources that will slow down the flood of juice hitting the system.
Does this issue apply to everyone?
NOT NECESSARILY: People who do NOT have a health issue related to insulin insensitivity (diabetics and pre-diabetics), may not need to slow the consumption down. Those with a diabetic issue (remember: diabetes is an issue where the sugar takes much longer to return back to normal, causing excess glucose to remain in circulation longer in the blood, instead of being taken up by muscles); should either consider diluting the juice with water AND/OR spread out their consumption with their meals OR consume protein snacks to substantially slow down the dumping of glucose in the blood and prevent high glucose peaks.
Protein is a natural appetite suppression
If you get hungry shortly after eating try adding more protein to the meal. Protein acts as a good appetite suppression (fats can also be added to also help!).
When you might choose whey ISOLATE
If you have lactose intolerance, whey isolate is a better choice than whey concentrate. Much of the lactose and sugars are removed from whey isolate during processing. But if you have a dairy allergy, both whey and whey isolate may upset your stomach. In that case, look for plant-based protein instead.
What do I need to check when choosing protein powders
Many whey and whey isolate products contain added sugar to improve their taste. Check the labels for sugar and for processed ingredients like artificial flavors!
How much protein should I consume per serving?
On average, our body can only process anywhere from 20-40 grams of protein at a time. So if you’re trying to get in an average of 100 gms per day or more if you are training for muscle increases, you can consider spreading your protein consistently throughout your day. For example, we include one shake per day which you can enjoy before your juices, but also specialty protein bites to accompany your juices.
Why is whey protein is not suitable for vegans?
Whey protein is a complete protein, with nine essential amino acids. Your body makes amino acids, but they’re not the kind found in whey and whey isolate protein. Amino acids aid in building muscles and creating new immune cells for your body. If you are vegan, you would choose a plant source of protein vs animal (whey comes from animals), a common plant based protein powder is from peas (pea protein).
How do I know if i am getting enough protein?
I like to take each client’s details to accurately calculate how much protein they need based on their body, health, activity, lifestyle and goals. If you wish to get an estimate of how much protein you might require, take the time and effort to create a 5-7 day detailed food and activity diary using a tool like Cronometer (my favorite) to get a rough idea and access your personal protein intake using their general suggested requirement by entering some basic information).
FINAL THOUGHT FOR YOU TO CONSIDER…
Think of it this way…fasting is one thing. However, do you think it is a good idea to consume ONLY simple sugar/carbohydrates for several days, WITHOUT PROTEIN, fiber (or fats for that matter) which your body NEEDS for optimization?… The answer should be clear from a healthy balanced, biological perspective. I leave it with you 🙂
