You’ve probably heard this a million times…”get your protein in after your workout”. But do you know why?
When we train, especially doing CrossFit or any high-intensity, high-power output workout, we’re literally tearing down muscle fibers. And that’s what we want, because that’s how our bodies get stronger. But if we don’t give our muscles the fuel they need to rebuild, we’re missing a huge opportunity to recover and grow. And what is that fuel?
Protein.
Protein gives our bodies the amino acids they need to kickstart muscle protein synthesis. That’s the process where our body repairs muscle and builds it back even stronger. Getting about 20 to 30 grams of high-quality protein within an hour of working out can seriously help reduce soreness, boost recovery, and support lean muscle growth!
There are a lot of protein options out there, so rather than you getting lost in a fitness/wellness internet black hole, I polled our coaches for their favorite protein supplements that are high-quality, don’t taste like trash, and are third-party tested! It’s important to make sure your protein powder is third-party tested because it means what’s on the label is actually what’s in the tub. No hidden ingredients, no contaminants. Just clean fuel you can trust. When searching for protein supplement products, look for stamps like NSF Certified or Informed Choice.
Without further adieu, here’s what we recommend:
This one’s my personal go-to. It’s whey isolate so it digests fast and is super clean. No fillers, no weird ingredients, no fake stuff. Just pure protein that does its job.
Grass-fed whey with minimal ingredients and natural sweeteners like monk fruit. No artificial junk. It’s simple, tastes good, and blends well.
Transparent Labs Vegan Protein
Great for plant-based folks or anyone who can’t do dairy. Made with pea protein (a complete plant protein!), no artificial flavors or sweeteners, and third-party tested. Super clean and doesn’t taste like chalk.
This one’s solid too. It’s high-quality whey from pasture-raised cows with clean ingredients and a good flavor. Another great option if you want something small-batch and trustworthy.
And don’t forget about casein protein at night.
Casein is a slow-digesting protein that’s perfect before bed. While whey and plant-based proteins digest fast and are best right after a workout, casein gives your body a slow, steady stream of amino acids while you sleep. It helps with overnight recovery and keeps your muscles from breaking down while you’re off the clock.
Try Naked Casein or Legion Casein+. Both are super clean and do the job.
Now for a quick pre-workout or grab-and-go snack, check out these protein-forward bars:
Probably the cleanest bars out there. Just egg whites, nuts, and dates. That’s it. No added sugar or weird stuff and they actually keep you full or fuel your workouts
Plant-based and organic. They taste like a treat but they’re packed with solid protein and clean ingredients.
Bottom line, fuel your body right. Clean protein before and after a workout makes a big difference, and finding brands you can actually trust is paramount.
If you have any questions about fitness, nutrition, and how to combine the two to reach your goals – let’s schedule a free intro and chat! I’d love to help you reach your fitness goals. Click here to schedule a free intro!
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