Protein Shake Ingredients for Bodybuilding

"You grow in the kitchen, not in the gym." Among bodybuilders, this is a common saying that is meant to highlight the importance of nutrition. Protein is the building block of muscles. Most bodybuilders consume 1.5-2.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Rather than spend hours a day eating steak, chicken, fish, eggs and beef, most bodybuilders supplement their whole food with protein shakes. The contents of these shakes are meant to encourage muscle growth and fat loss.

Protein

• The four most common types of protein used in bodybuilding shakes are whey protein, whey protein isolate, casein protein and soy protein. Whey protein is the basic type of protein that many bodybuilders use. It usually contains a few extra grams of carbohydrates when compared to whey protein isolate. Casein protein is noted for being slow digesting. This type of protein is often taken before bed because it helps prevent muscles from entering a catabolic (muscle-burning) state. Lastly, soy protein is also very common among bodybuilders. Soy protein is derived from soy beans and contains more carbohydrates than casein, whey or isolate.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are sometimes added to bodybuilding protein shakes. Whether or not the bodybuilder adds carbohydrates to her shake depends on a few factors. If she is trying to lose weight, it is unlikely that she will add any extra carbohydrates. However, when she is "bulking" (trying to gain weight), she may add ground oatmeal or dextrose to the shake in order to increase the overall calories as well as the amount of carbohydrates.

Fats

• Certain types of fat may also be added to a bodybuilding shake. Whether or not a bodybuilder adds fat to his protein shake depends on his goals as well as how his body reacts to fat. Some examples of fat that a bodybuilder might add are olive oil, coconut oil, ground almonds and ground flax seeds.