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Answers to Frequently Asked Vegetarian Protein Questions

Q1: What is vegetarian protein made up of and how does it differ from other proteins?

A1: Since protein powders are not derived from the meat of an animal, they are all technically considered vegetarian protein powders. However, there are different kinds of vegetarians, some of whom don't eat dairy products, others who avoid both dairy and eggs. Those in the former group might want to use vegetarian protein powders, while those in the latter group will want to use vegan protein powders.

Vegetarian protein powders derived from dairy and/or eggs include:

• Egg protein powder. Egg protein is a medium digesting protein that can be taken before bed, when you don't have enough time to eat, or between meals. Since egg protein is lactose free, it's also good for those who have sensitivity to milk.
• Whey protein powder. Whey protein is a fast-acting protein derived from milk that digests within 30 minutes, making it appropriate for post-workout consumption.
• Casein protein powder. Casein protein is a slow-digesting protein derived from milk that is best used before bed or when there is a long stretch between meals.

Vegan powders from plants include:

• Soy protein powder. Soy protein is a medium- to fast-acting vegetarian and vegan protein powder that is suitable for people who limit all animal proteins, including those derived from dairy and eggs, from their diet.
• Hemp protein powder. Hemp protein is a complete protein chock-full of amino acids, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and fiber.
• Rice protein powder. Rice protein powder is a fiber-full protein free of gluten, wheat, egg, milk, and soy, making it ideal for people with food allergies.

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Q2: How and when should vegetarian protein be taken for optimal results?

A2: Vegetarian protein powder or vegan protein powder can be taken in the morning, pre-workout, post-workout, between meals, and at bedtime. In addition, vegetarian protein or vegan protein can be taken at meals to make up for the lack of animal protien in the typical vegetarian or vegan diet.

When you take your protein, as well as what kind of vegetarian or vegan protein you take, will depend upon your particular goals.

If you are a vegetarian who eats dairy and eggs, try:

• Whey protein in the morning, as well as pre- and post-workout.
• Egg protein between meals.
• Casein protein at bedtime.

If you are a vegan who easts only plant food try:

• Soy protein in the morning, as well as pre- and post-workout.
• Rice protein any time.
• Hemp protein any time.

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Q3: What are the advantages and disadvantages of vegetarian protein?

A3: Vegetarian protein and vegan protein powders can be a great option for those with specific diets. In order to figure out whether vegetarian or vegan protein is right for you, you'll have to weigh the pros and cons.

The advantage of vegetarian and vegan protein include:

• Vegetarian and vegan protein powder is a good choice for people who want to avoid animal protein.
• Vegetarian and vegan protein powder is a good option for people with food allergies and sensitivities.
• Vegetarian and vegan protein powder includes healthy amino acids, fatty acids, and fiber.

The disadvantages of vegetarian and vegan protein include:

• Vegetarian and vegan protein powders are more expensive than other protein powders.
• Vegetarian and vegan protein powders are not as palatable as other protein powders.
• Vegetarian and vegan protein powders may not build muscle as well as other protein powders.

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Q4: I'm a vegan. Which proteins are right for me?

A4: By vegan, we assume that you don't eat foods derived from animal protein whatsoever. That means that egg protein would be out of the question, as would casein and whey, which are both derived from milk.

But being a vegan doesn't mean that you have to forget protein powders altogether. As a matter of fact, there are some really terrific vegan protein powders on the market in Canada that are fairly comparable to their non-vegan relatives.

Three popular vegan protein powders include:

• Soy protein powder. Soy protein is a medium- to fast-acting vegan protein powder that is suitable for people who limit all animal proteins.
• Hemp protein powder. Hemp is a complete protein that includes all the necessary amino acids, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and plenty of fiber.
• Rice protein powder. Rice is a fiber-full protein free of gluten, wheat, egg, milk, and soy, making it ideal for people with food allergies.

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Q5: Why is it so important for vegetarians/vegans to supplement with protein powder?

A5: That's a great question. There are lots of rasons why people choose not to include animal protein in their diet. Sometimes there reasons are philosophical, while other times these reasons are health related. While there are plenty of benefits to removing animal protein from your diet, many vegetarians and vegans have a hard time getting an adequate amount of protein to stay healthy, remain energized, and build muscles and cells.

Vegetarian protein powders like egg, whey, and casein, as well as vegan protein powders like soy, hemp, and rice, ensure that you get enough protein in your diet. Vegetarian proteins and vegan proteins are super healthy for you, contain all the amino acids your body needs, and are chock-full of essential fatty acids and fiber. Regardless of whether your goal is to to lose weight, maintain weight, or gain weight, there are plenty of vegetarian protein powders and vegan protein powders available in Canada that can help you attain your goals.

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