The Quality Of Your Protein Matters
Most protein shakes are available in the form of whey protein, or protein powder derived from the watery portion of milk that separates from the curds when making cheese. But let me ask you a question: Do you ever consider the nutrition of the cows from which the whey protein is derived in terms of quality level of the protein powder? Most health-conscious people will choose the grass-fed or organic option whenever they find it available in the grocery store , but Im willing to bet that a disproportionate amount of people who purchase protein powders dont make the same distinction.
The truth is that it really makes no difference if youre having whey protein or youre having a New York strip in both cases, you should be concerned about the environment in which the source of this food product was raised. A cow that is raised with a poor diet, in an unhealthy environment and given hormones and antibiotics will not produce milk of the same quality of a cow raised to produce certified organic milk and beef.
How To Choose A Protein Powder
When choosing a protein powder, Harbstreet recommends paying particular attention to the products certification. There are no standards for labeling, she says, so seeking an item tested by a third party may offer peace of mind and make for a safer, healthier product.
To me, this is the best indication of high quality and lower/limited contamination or filler products, says Harbstreet. Its a red flag for me if a brand uses a term like proprietary blend without detailing what it contains. Thats a safety concern for things like heavy metals, botanicals and other ingredients that could potentially interact with other foods or medications.
Whether you choose a plant-based or animal-based protein source is a matter of personal preference, she adds.
Scivation Xtend Bcaa Powder
SciVation make a BCAA that provides leucine, valine, and isoleucine at a 1:1:1 ratio, alongside L-glutamine for better muscle recovery after tough workouts.
In addition it includes an electrolyte mix and some B vitamins, but the problem with this supplement is its excess of dyes, colorants, and synthetic flavors. Especially if you are sensitive to these ingredients, youll want to seek out something else.
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Type Zero Clean Vegan Bcaa
If plant-based amino acids are important, and you want some extra ingredients to support both workout performance and workout recovery, check out Type Zero Clean Vegan BCAA.
In addition to a 2:1:1 blend of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, you get a mix of electrolytes, arginine, and acetyl-L-carnitine for peak performance.
Yoga Mat Manufacturing Process
Your yoga mat should be made from materials that dont create harmful chemicals as byproducts during the manufacturing phase. The problem is that every manufacturing process has some emissions. Take the Manduka Pro series, for example. Manduka says the PRO series are manufactured through a process that ensures no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere.
To verify the validity of that claim, we interviewed several environmental experts who research factory-generated waste and a Treeline Review staff member whose previous job was to inspect factories that manufacture PVC.
Most processes that require molding, melting, or plasticizers will generate some air emissions. But, factories can use technology like fume hoods or scrubbers to capture air emissions as solid or liquid waste.
This is generally preferable to those emissions going into the air, as they can be stabilized, controlled, and disposed of in a landfill that is lined against leaching chemicals into the soil or groundwater. But at the end of the day, the manufacturing process still generates waste.
Whats in your yoga mat? That question may be harder to answer than you think.
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Recommended By: Gina Caputo
You know when Starbucks gets in on something, its a thing. Since 2017, Starbucks has rolled out turmeric lattes in their UK locations. But long before the advent of golden lattes, turmeric has been considered a godsend for a range of conditions, including arthritis and high cholesterol.
A 2012 pilot study published in Phytotherapy Research found that turmeric reduced joint pain for participants with rheumatoid arthritis better than a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, NSAID.
I take a turmeric tincture daily, says Boulder, Colorado-based Gina Caputo, founder of the Colorado School of Yoga. Turmeric is a root, that is a relative to ginger, and its active compound, curcumin, has shown to have rather powerful anti-inflammation properties. Some studies have shown that also helps boost antioxidant-capacity and helps to fight free-radical damage.
Caputo prefers a tincture, as opposed to taking it as a powder or capsule. Its easier to bring with me when I travel and I digest it more efficiently since it begins in your mouth itself via your mucus membranes, says Caputo. Also, apparently turmeric is more stable in an alcohol base. I have noticed consistently good gut-health as well as consistently painless joint mobility. I attribute this to good hydration, balanced diet, regular and diverse movement practices and a little help from this amazing Ayurvedic herb.
Who Should Buy Bcaas For Women
Women can benefit from branched chain amino acids if they are increase muscular strength, boost post-workout recovery, or drop body fat while maintaining lean body mass.
BCAAs make up three of the nine essential amino acids, and since amino acids are the building blocks for pretty much all of the structures in your body, women who are physically active require higher levels of BCAAs than sedentary women in order to build or maintain muscle strength.
On top of that, BCAAs play important regulatory roles in core biological processes like insulin regulation. This is the avenue through which BCAAs might help play a role in weight loss: protein in general is known to be useful for weight loss, as it helps increase feelings of satiety and fullness, while requiring more calories to break down.
This increase in thermogenesis after consuming protein powder is partially attributable to the caloric expenditures thats needed to break down the chemical bonds in BCAAs. As such, BCAAs are great for women who work out, whether its for fitness or for weight loss.
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When To Eat Post
The first two hours after your practice are key. This is because your body is most receptive to receiving these nutrients with the first half hour to 2 hours after your practice. Eating within this time can have an impact on your next practice and your overall improvement. When you replenish your body with the protein, carbs and nutrients that your body needs within this time you are protecting your body by helping it to heal and recover faster.
Right after your practice is the ideal time for carb replacement in your muscles so that they can rebuild glycogen, which is the storage fuel for your muscles. Among the benefits of replacing the lost glycogen is that you will be preventing chronic fatigue, acute burnout or injuries.
Vega Sport Performance Protein
Ive been a huge fan of Vega for over a decade because of the story behind the brand. Brendan Brazier, author of the book Thrive and creator of Vega, was a former professional Ironman triathlete and two-time Canadian 50km Ultra Marathon Champion. At the time, there werent any plant-based protein powders on the market, so he created one. Since then, the brand has exploded so definitely check out their other products. One serving has 30 grams of protein and the sources are pea, alfalfa, pumpkin and sunflower. The flavor choices of mocha, chocolate, vanilla and berry taste sweet and the texture is smooth. And additional ingredients offer a boost such as turmeric and tart cherry, which are well known for naturally lowering inflammation.
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Rest And Recovery: What To Eat After Yoga Class
After practicing a strenuous activity such as yoga, its possible that some of your muscle or tendon fibers tear slightly or become injured. This can sometimes go unnoticed, but if you regularly practice a posture incorrectly or, even worse, you dont replenish your body to repair itself, your body is more susceptible to greater injuries. The foods you choose and the times you eat after a yoga class are just as important as what you eat before class, so its worth putting some thought into how you can help your body recover!
Genesis Today Plant Based Vega Protein And Greens
Ive been recommending this brand for years and was super pumped when they launched this protein powder last year. With two toddlers, it is a constant struggle to make sure theyre getting enough servings of fruits and veggies daily, and this is my go-to protein powder when making their smoothies. Along with 20 grams of organic protein sourced from pea, brown rice, sacha inchi and hemp, each scoop provides two servings of green, leafy vegetables including broccoli, spinach and kale. I also recommend this for non-toddlers who dont get the recommended 5-13 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
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How To Increase Protein Intake
Protein can be consumed through food sources such as meat, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, dairy and seeds – but it can be difficult to achieve protein targets through food alone. Particularly if youre vegan or vegetarian. The solution? Investing in one of the best protein powders for women. Ideal for busy individuals , they conveniently deliver high amounts of amino acids to your muscles – the building blocks for protein. Taking a protein supplement means you can boost your protein intake without having to go OTT on chicken or chickpeas.
Ranking The Best Bcaas For Women Of 2021
Branched chain amino acids, also known as BCAAs, are a great way to improve your recovery after a tough training session, and they might even help you lose weight, too.
These qualities make them especially attractive to women. Dont make the mistake of thinking that branched chain amino acids are only for bodybuilders.
A good BCAA supplement can help you get toned, perform better in endurance exercise, and gain muscular strength. They might even help boost the functioning of your immune system.
Want to take your gym sessions to the next level? Our research team took an in-depth look at the best branched chain amino acid supplements for women and came up with the best ten.
Research
Is it too much to want it all from your BCAA? Transparent Labs suggests it isnt with BCAA + Glutamine.
Simply put, BCAA + Glutamine has everything you need from the right sources in the right amounts.
A whopping 8 grams of vegan-friendly fermented branch chain amino acids. An extra 5 grams of l-glutamine to aid recovery, reduce soreness, and negate BCAA metabolism. A gram of coconut water powder to aid hydration.
Available in 5 delicious, all-natural, naturally sweetened flavors you cant go wrong. This is our top pick for reducing soreness and promoting muscle recovery in women.
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What To Eat After Yoga
There are many well-known benefits of practicing yoga and if you consume the proper nutrients afterward, you can expand these benefits even further. It is also important to remember that you should never skip a post-exercise meal or snack as this can cause a loss of muscle and could actually slow down your metabolism.
During and after any physical activity, your body can become severely dehydrated. Water should always be the first thing that you put into your body after an intense yoga session because it replenishes, refuels, rehydrates and helps you avoid overeating later. If you have a hard time getting yourself to drink a lot of plain water, try squeezing fresh lemon or lime into your glass, or consider buying coconut water for your fridge.
In addition to being dehydrated, your body is also depleted of stored glycogen after working out. Therefore, it is essential to consume some type of complex carbohydrate along with some type of protein.
What Is The Most Eco
The yoga world is full of greenwashing–companies that use marketing terms to make their products seem more eco-friendly than they really may be. Its hard to tell what is actually environmentally friendly and what is just marketing. Its also difficult to find transparent actual data backing up some yoga-mat manufacturers claims.
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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using Protein Powder
On the plus side, protein powder offers a convenient way for you to up your protein intake. It can sometimes be difficult consuming your optimal level of protein through food alone , so protein powder is a nifty solution.
It doesnt require any forward prep or planning, it can be whipped into a shake and enjoyed on the go , and often its cheaper than stocking up on chicken breasts too.
As far as cons are concerned? The main one is that protein powder tends to lack the micronutrients that youd get were you eat a source of protein . This generally isnt a problem if you are getting all of your essential nutrients from food sources and using powder to boost protein intake in-between meals, but would be an issue if you were to supplement food with shakes.
If protein powder really doesn’t seem like the right choice for you , try to find other low-effort alternatives like Greek yoghurt with peanut butter and honey or boiled eggs. Whilst they might take slightly more forethought than protein powder and water/milk, they’re a fair whack quicker than cooking a steak.
Orgain Organic Protein Powder
This Creamy Chocolate Fudge, Sweet Vanilla Bean or Peanut Butter protein powder is loaded with 21 grams of protein per serving, 7 grams of organic fiber, its gluten free and soy free and its 100% vegan.
This protein powder contains organic brown rice protein, chia, hemp protein and organic fiber. Its pure ingredients and flavors will have you hooked! Buy it here.
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Recommended By: Marybeth Larue
Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is possibly the best supplement youve never heard of. According to the DIM Resource Center at the University of California at Berkeley, DIM can powerfully boost your immune system. A bioactive compound derived from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, shows promise as a chemoprotective compound for breast cancer and prostate canceralthough more research is needed.
For LA-based yoga teacher , co-founder of Rock Your Bliss, a daily dose of DIM is an indispensable part of her ability to self-regulate and find an even keel.
I take milk thistle and DIM daily as a way to balance my hormones, says LaRue. DIM has been especially influential for me as it has gotten rid of my brain fog entirely , keeping my skin clear, regulated my periods, kept my endometriosis cramps at bay and majorly reduced any PMS symptoms. I know for myself that no amount of meditation, asana or positive talk helps if my body is feeling wildly imbalanced.
Healthy Protein Shakes By Harvest Republic
Given that I made up my mind about protein shakes and tried one of Harvest Republics with a banana flavor at the private training studio, I was very happy to try out another vegan protein shake.
The brand Harvest Republic is located in Bremerhaven, Germany and it’s a company that only uses bio raw materials. They have a very clear positioning and say no to the following: use of genetic engineering, additives, sweeteners, dyes, and preservatives. All products are strictly produced according to organic farming.
Therefore, I was very happy to give it a try and build my own protein shake.
Let me explain to you how this works: You can order the shakes online through their website .
To create your own shake, you can choose the products separately or you can pick a protein shake bundle of your choice.
Here’s what you need for a protein shake by Harvest Republic:
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It Recovers Your Worn Out Muscle Tissue
To maximise muscle recovery, aim for eating at-least 21 grams of whey protein isolate, within 45 minutes of completing your yoga session or workout. This can be obtained via on-the-go miniature packs of Protyze Clear Whey protein, which contain 21 gms of protein, and a hint of carbs , along with 4.2 gms of BCCA which boost muscle growth and enhance exercise performance. Its like a pet bottle filled with flavour, energy, and protein for muscle tissue repair.
We are sure that with all these benefits in mind, you won’t forget your daily shot of Clear Whey Protein by Protyze, developed scientifically to provide you with protein packed benefits, without the side-effects of protein powder based drinks. They come in miniature packs as well as a 1.38 LBS pack, consisting of 25 servings for your complete family.
Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat
The Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat was one of the top picks in almost all the sites we reviewed. It was highly rated by Outside Magazine, Outdoor Gear Lab, Wirecutter, Women’s Health Magazine, Gymgearinfo.com, and Thorougly Reviewed. It is made in the US of 100% natural Rubber, with no PVC and is praised for being extremely grippy.
Professional reviewers liked the traction and the stability of this mat. Reviewers also like the companys environmental practices because the mat is made in US in compliance with US environmental laws. It is the only mat that is 100% rubber and the company plants a tree for every mat sold.
Wirecutter chose the Jade yoga mat as a close second to the Lululemon mat. Wirecutters reviewers liked this mat because it absorbs a lot of moisture and helps maintain traction in sweaty situations.
One potential mark against this mat is that it was described as having a strong rubber smell. Additionally, some reviewers found that it can be too grippy such that it can be hard to move from one yoga pose to another.
Some customer reviewers complained that if you leave your Jade yoga mat in the sun, its stickiness goes away. Several Treeline team members own this mat and agree. But really–weve accepted this as our own fault. No mat should be left in the sun , where UV rays can degrade.
In our practice on the Jade Harmony mat, we loved it for being very grippy with the right amount of cush. But once again–don’t leave this mat in the sun.
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