Have you ever walked into a fitness center and felt as if you were on another planet? You’re a cucumber-like human in a sea full of muscular tomatoes. Are you wondering if it would be better to jig weights instead of lifting them? All of us have been there. If someone hasn’t suggested a supplement to you, then brace yourself. Whey protein powder, you ask? The jelly that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Imagine you are in a corner of the weight room, trying to gather the courage to go up to the rack. Steve, the gym buff who has biceps larger than your thigh, appears out of nowhere. He sits up, drinks a milky substance and gives a knowing wink. Do you want to find out what gives Steve his confidence?
My friend, whey protein. It’s the ostentatious cousin that is hard to ignore at family gatherings. It’s packed with amino acids and gives your muscles fuel to grow faster, bigger, and stronger. Imagine it as nitro, but without the penalties of street racing.
Don’t swallow the concept yet. It’s not about magic fairy dust, it’s all about dedication. Remember the tortoise-and-hare race from your childhood? Your muscles, like the tortoise in the race, will run at their own pace while appreciating your constant pat on the back. Your ambitions, on the other hand, are like a hare that is perhaps jumping around impatiently. Trust the journey and not only the product to keep both at ease.
You ever stand in the protein aisle, overwhelmed by choices with names like “Ultra-Mega-Lean-Muscle-Blast” staring at you? You’re on a blind-date with 20 options. Choose one but don’t think too much about it. Think of whey isolates and concentrations as different accents in the same language. Some isolates are filtered and cleaner, while others contain more carbohydrates and fats (the real people). It’s always good to know exactly what you are getting.
It’s time to have a “lightbulb” moment: Protein isn’t only for gym-goers. Even though the hulks in this world swear by protein, travelers, busy-bees and the not-so active still use it to get a nutritional boost. Imagine yourself stuck in traffic, munching on puffy clouds for breakfast while rushing to meet a deadline. Mixing whey and water will keep you afloat while waiting for that meeting to end. Crazy?
While you’re still on Earth, don’t forget to blend it! Blend it into your morning smoothie or pancakes. Or maybe even a quirky latte, with a little protein. That’s not laziness, but culinary savvy. Steve? Steve?
Some people report feeling sick after drinking a shaker full of whey. The lactose-intolerance gremlin is speaking. A little trick? Choose whey isolats. You will feel less of the lactose spike.
Consider the story of protein that goes beyond curls and abs. Claire is the ultra-marathon telepath aunt of your friend. She swears that a daily scoop helps her to run without pain in her knees. Your steadfast grandfather may mix whey and oats to claim that it is the secret of his 40-year dance race marathon dominance.
Next time you pass Steve in the gym, or that elusive aunt who has an endless supply of oatmeal with her marathon training, stop and take a minute. Allow the thought of whey to envelope you. You can also enjoy the fact that you are in control of your own strength, despite the myths and stories of the maverick gym. Go, cucumbers!