Who doesn’t love the taste of a perfectly seared medium-rare steak or the smell of fresh ground burgers cooking on a hot grill? There’s something so primal and satisfying about biting into a big hunk of beef. It’s satisfying, filled with vitamins and minerals, and loaded with protein!
Bodybuilding and beef go together like peas and carrots. We tear down our muscles in the weight room and rebuild them with protein contained in our food. However, there’s other things tagging along with all the protein in beef when we eat a steak, namely lots of fats and cholesterol. Now, those aren’t bad, but they can increase the caloric load of a meal when really all we want are the benefits of the protein...what’s a beef-craving bro to do?
Enter beef protein powder!
What is Beef Protein and Where does it come from?
Although beef is loaded with valuable minerals, vitamins, and protein, sometimes you don’t want the caloric load associated with eating a 14 oz. ribeye to get all the muscle-building benefits. Beef protein is made from….BEEF!
The process starts with taking huge hunks of beef and boiling it down to produce a nutrient-rich liquid that contains vast amounts of the amino acids that comprise the proteins in the beef. Then, the liquid is skimmed to remove all the unwanted fat and cholesterol leaving a product that contains over 90% pure protein. Finally, the remaining liquid is dehydrated to create the powder that will form the basis for your flavored protein supplement.
Benefits of Beef Protein
Much like all protein supplements, beef protein powders boast a wide range of benefits::
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Complete protein boasting full amino acid profile
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High biological value
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Low in fat and cholesterol
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Loaded with vitamins and minerals
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High in BCAAs
What to look for?
When looking to purchase a new tub of protein powder there are several things to consider:
Each protein powder on the market will have a different ratio of fat/carbs/protein. So make sure to pick a powder suitable to your goals. If you’re bulking, you may want a powder that has higher carbs and fats to help with your increased calorie intake. If you’re cutting, you will want a powder that has very few carbs and fats and a higher total protein content.
What to watch out for?
When beef proteins first hit the market, they weren’t made from hydrolyzed beef at all. They were mostly comprised of collagen or gelatin. When shopping for a beef protein powder, look for one that says 100% beef with no added collagen or gelatin. This ensures you are buying a high quality powder and not paying for a cheap knock-off.
Additionally, the ingredient label should be rather limited. First, and foremost, it should list BEEF PROTEIN, typically labeled as hydrolyzed beef protein isolate.. Next would be the artificial sweeteners and flavorings (acesulfame-potassium, natural flavors, etc.) used to give the powder its unique taste. Finally, various thickeners and digestive enzymes will be listed (guar gum, xanthan gum, Protease A-S, lactase) to give texture and ease digestion.
If you start see individual amino acids listed such as or creatine or glycine, proceed with caution! This could indicate that the protein powder is “spiked,”.
Basically, the added aminos artificially inflate the protein content of your powder and your scoop may claim on the label to provide 24 grams of protein when it actually only contains 15-17 grams.
Beef protein is already a complete protein, there is no need to have any of these additional free-form amino acids listed.
When and How Much?
Meeting your protein macros is more important than timing. Calculate your caloric and macronutrient needs and then use whey to supplement your protein intake that you can’t get from whole foods. Drink your shake whenever it’s convenient or when you need a quick meal on the go.
Takeaway
If you’re tired of boring old whey, grab some beef protein and get all the high protein from beef with none of the fat and cholesterol!
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