Protein is the foundation of a healthy body, providing the raw materials to build the tissues we rely on. And its doubly crucial for bodybuilders and athletes, who need to keep their muscles in peak condition. That's where protein products often become essential.
Nowadays, fitness fans encounter a dizzying array of protein-themed products when they start working out, and it can be tough to choose ones that work for you. This hotukdeals buyer's guide aims to help out, offering a clear guide to the options available, where to find them, and where to find cheap protein bars and protein sales.
Ever since the first mammoth was slaughtered to keep a community going during winter, humans have basically understood the value of protein. The link between meat and muscle was evident to Romans, Vikings, and other cultures across the world. But the actual relationship between proteins and muscle building is a relatively recent discovery.
Proteins weren't isolated and identified until a couple of European scientists discovered them in the 1830s. However, while researchers understood that these large molecules played a crucial role in the body, progress was quite slow, with enzymes only being properly documented in the 1920s.
As the 20th century wore on, scientists started to unravel the secrets of amino acids, and how they folded into complex protein structures. At the same time, they realised that animal proteins weren't the only beneficial variety. Naturally, professional sports and bodybuilders in general caught on, and the past 20 years has seen an explosion in the “protein industry”.
That industry has grown so fast, that novice bodybuilders can sometimes feel a little confused. So let's try to cut through the confusion and understand which protein products you need to buy to obtain the body you desire.
If you are intending to drastically increase the amount of protein you ingest as part of a fitness revolution or triathlon training schedule, there's a very good chance that protein powder forms part of your sports nutrition. In that case, it's essential to know how to use these powders, in order to get the most from their nutritional content.
Firstly, it's important to understand why we use protein supplements. There are numerous reasons for this:
When we exercise, we put stress on our tissues and force the body to repair tendons, ligaments, and muscles. That's where muscle expansion comes from. But we will only experience rapid muscular growth if we feed our body the protein tissue-creation demands.
Protein also has far broader uses within the body. Wherever cells are produced and maintained (i.e./ everywhere), and where enzymes are produced, amino acids will be needed. When we exercise vigorously, we place additional stress on all body systems, so extra protein is required for general metabolism and organ functioning.
Finally, protein supplements have the effect of making our body feel “full” more quickly than would usually be the case. This can help us “cut” down to optimal body weight without losing muscle mass, and generally allows athletes to fine-tune their nutritional intake.
So, how do you use protein powder to gain muscle, keep your body healthy, and avoid excess calories? Everyone is different, but if you exercise regularly, it helps to drink a protein shake after every extended gym session or run. Making coconut shakes is an excellent way to go, with some fruit added on the side. But you can get creative with protein fritters, pancakes, or other culinary creations.
However, don't use protein products as a replacement for dietary protein. Maintaining a healthy diet is essential for all active people, including plant or animal protein, fibre, carbohydrates, fats, and vitamins and minerals. But if you keep that in mind, experimenting with effective and cheap protein products is a great option. Let's see what's available.
It's also important to remember that not all proteins are equal. Some contain more “amino acids” than others (the building blocks of proteins in the body). Ideally, we would absorb the full range of amino acids, and that's more than possible with what are called “complete” proteins. You can supplement incomplete proteins with dietary sources, and that's often a necessity for vegetarians. So if you are veggie and keen to build muscle, paying attention to diet is going to be a much bigger deal than for committed carnivores.
Firstly, protein powders can be divided into 3 technical forms:
Concentrates – Usually containing around 80% protein by volume, concentrates are formed from animal or plant-based protein sources, which are broken down by special enzymes in specific heat conditions. This leaves mostly protein, but also comes with a small amount of fat and carbohydrates as by-products.
Isolates – Generally containing 95% or more protein by volume, isolates are more expensive to produce and purchase, but offer a purer protein injection for serious athletes. In this case, expect minimal residues of fats and carbohydrates,
Hydrolysates – Not always the highest protein by volume, hydrolysates have some very special properties that make them a popular product with body-builders and fitness fanatics. Because they are made by eroding the bonds between amino acids, these simpler proteins are easier for the body to absorb, and start working faster than concentrates or isolates.
Within those three broad categories, buyers will find plenty of variations. The most signifcant differences lie in how protein is produced, and which feedstocks are used. This can change the way the powders work, and also makes a big difference for vegans and vegetarians, or those with specific dietary needs. Here are the primary protein sources that you'll encounter at hotukdeals:
Whey Powder – Derived from the milk and cheese production process, whey protein used to be thought of a reasonably useless by-product, suited to feeding farm animals, but little else. However, nowadays, people have woken up to whey's incredible protein content. This includes high concentrations of Leucine – a protein that's instrumental in muscle construction.
Casein Powder – Another dairy-related powder, Casein has some beneficial properties for fitness lovers. Unlike other forms of protein, it reacts with stomach acid, slowing down the rate at which proteins are absorbed. This is a good thing in most cases, ensuring that amino acids can be absorbed steadily and thoroughly by the body. It's a much more efficient way to keep muscles in great shape.
Pea Powder – Completely vegan-friendly, pea powders tend to be made from split peas, and are very rich in the amino acids our muscles require. Generally reckoned to be as effective as dairy protein in building muscle, it has the same effect of making the stomach feel full earlier than usual. That's very handy when sticking to calorie-controlled diets.
Hemp Powder – Another vegan source, hemp powders contain fewer amino acids than pea, egg, or dairy-based alternatives. However, the protein they do contain is incredibly easy to absorb, and the content of these powders scores well with sustainability fans. If you love outdoor sports like hiking and climbing, hemp supplements could be an ideal ally.
Egg Powders – Generally made from highly concentrated egg whites, these powders contain a complete range of amino acids and are very easy to assimilate. The only downside to egg powders is that they tend to be less effective in altering appetite. So you may still have to fight the craving for chocolate bars while adding protein to your diet.
Protein powders generally come in large containers, representing a month's supply or more. If you are adopting a more fitness-oriented lifestyle, don't skimp when buying protein. But do think about which forms fit into your diet, and consult friends who build muscle about what works for them. When you've done that, finding protein powder deals at hotukdeals should be easy.
Before we look at other protein sources, it's essential to mention additives. Many powders don't just include protein from the listed plant or animal sources. They may also contain substances designed to enhance the way protein operates.
For example, many supplements add Creatine into the mix. Regularly prescribed for athletes during training, Creatine is thought to boost muscle performance, helping to build more tissue, more quickly.
Some powders are also centred around fat loss as much as muscle building. These powders may contain L-Carnitine, a substance which accelerates the rate at which the body burns fat during exercise.
Then there are powders labelled as Weight Gainers. These powders will contain a mix of carbohydrate and protein, and aren't for everyone. They come into their own when people struggle to put on weight while training. If people train every day, obtaining enough calories to bulk up muscle can actually be quite hard. Specialist weight gain powders resolve this problem.
However, if you can get your calories from dietary sources, weight gain powder shouldn't be required. Even so, it's a handy tool to think about if you need to gain muscle fast, and aren't worried about cutting fat quickly afterwards.
Powders are far from the only way to get the protein needed to build some serious muscle. And they might not even be necessary for people with moderate protein requirements. Here are some alternatives that can be found at hotukdeals:
Protein Drinks – Knowing that athletes like to whip up their own shakes based on protein powders, plenty of fitness brands have created ready-made protein-rich drinks that can do the job just as well. Grenade's Carb-Killa shakes are a popular option, with chocolate and strawberry options, but USN Diet Fuel and Nutramino's drinks are also delicious alternatives. You can often pick them up for less at merchants like Holland & Barrett. Using drinks instead of home-made shakes is going to be a costly option for most people, but if you find protein deals, you can stock up for a few workouts every week.
Protein Bars – If you just need to supplement your dietary intake every now and then, or don't have the energy to create protein shakes, why not take your protein in bar form? There are hundreds of brands to choose from when it comes to these convenient snacks. But beware: not all of these bars are equal, so exercise caution when using a protein bar sale deal. As a rule, look for products that are low in sugar, but high in protein. And don't be fooled by the use of plant-based sweeteners instead. Go for tried and trusted brands like MyProtein, Maximuscle, Prime, and Staxx. All of them should be available from merchants like Amazon in protein bar deals, so when you find one you love, feel free to buy in bulk.
High Protein Diets – Nutritionists will generally tell you that the best way to take in the protein you need is via a balanced diet. That's true, but it's not always easy to achieve. That's why we reach for protein powders and bars, after all. But if you consult cookbooks tailored to high protein diets, things can become more manageable. Many people will be familiar with Joe Wicks' work in this area, but he's not alone. Check out Amazon's listings for a range of other athletic cooks who specialise in promoting health and muscle building at the same time.
So, what is the best source of protein? After checking out all of those supplements, the answer is really down to you. Some people love experimenting with protein powders. Others prefer to graze on bars when it's convenient.
However, it's worth reiterating that none of these protein products should be used as substitutes for a healthy diet. The best source of protein is probably fresh meat, dairy products, and vegetable products with high protein concentrations. They won't just contain protein, but also micro-nutrients and fibre – things we all need to survive.
When you're trying to maximise your protein, it's not all about downing shakes and cramming bars into your mouth. To really live a healthy lifestyle and get the nutrients you need, it sometimes helps to outfit your kitchen with the right range of accessories. Here are some ideas that can really make a difference.
Protein Shaker – If you've opted to rely on powders to get the protein you need, a shaker will be absolutely essential. These elegantly simple accessories don't usually contain many moving parts. Instead, they act like cocktail shakers, allowing users to blend together powders, juices, and other ingredients in seconds. Fill them with water or coconut milk before heading on a run, and you can mix up a shake right after your workout – letting you recover as quickly as possible without waiting until you get home.
Electric Protein Mixers – If you intend to make thicker shakes with more fancy ingredients, some mechanical assistance may be required. If so, you'll find plenty of discounted protein mixers from merchants like Argos and Amazon. The Vortexx from PROMixx is a popular model, which resembles a shaker bottle, with an extra motor to handle larger chunks.
When you get into bodybuilding or gym-going, nutrition suddenly becomes a major issue. How should you get the protein you need to feel strong, recover from workouts, and keep building that precious muscle? As we've seen, fitness fans have plenty of options. But in no cases should they pay full price for the bars, shakes, or powders they desire.
Instead of heading to nearby health stores or buying from your gym, work out what you want, and check the hotukdeals list of protein offers. Our listings include all of the major powder brands, including Maximuscle and PURE, as well as cheap protein bars from Grenade, Trek, and Bounce. You'll even find protein noodles from Oomi, Bootea's chocolate shakes, and Upbeat's “protein water.”
Whenever you feel the need to stock up, just head to our listings. If there are bulk buys at Amazon, Poundstretcher, Tesco, or Holland & Barrett, we'll let you know. And if cheap protein is available from Bodybuilding Warehouse or other specialists, you won't miss out.
Generally speaking, protein deals appear all the time, but timing your purchase might help to save money. The New Year sometimes brings protein sale promotions to tempt those shedding festive pounds. And Black Friday in November is becoming a popular event for fitness retailers too. Just bookmark our listings, and you'll beef up your muscles without slimming down your bank account.
Without protein our bodies would shrivel away. These essential building blocks are what build our six packs, quads, and biceps. They make our sprinting explosive, enhance our core strength, and generally allow us to reach our potential. Finding the right protein supplements is all-important, and anyone can easily do so for less at the hotukdeals protein listings.
