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National Level NPC Bodybuilder Mike Wozny joins Dr. John Jaquish to discuss variable resistance, pain reduction, testosterone use, and more.

In this video, Menno Henselmans joins Dr. John Jaquish to discuss the overuse of carbs and the effect of carbohydrate intake on strength training performance.

Both resistance bands and weights have been staples in gyms across the world for a long time. However, they’ve been viewed as having different functions until recently. Traditionally people looked at weights as a way to build muscle mass and viewed resistance band workouts as something used for therapy and increasing mobility or core stability. Today, there is a serious debate about which is better strength training—resistance bands or weights? Until recently, the easy answer was weights. But now, new innovative equipment designs have incorporated resistance bands to mimic traditional weight training exercises. Not only that, the resistance band exercises can be done more efficiently and safer while still giving users the strength gains they have come to expect with weight training. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at why resistance training is rapidly replacing free weights for strength training for both beginner and veteran weight lifters. Table of Contents What's the Difference Between Resistance Bands and Free Weights? Resistance Bands for Increased Strength Studies How do Resistance Bands Build Muscle? Resistance Bands vs. Dumbbells Why Variable Resistance is Superior for Building Strength Why Weight Lifting Causes Injury Resistance Bands vs. Weights: Which Burns More Body Fat? Resistance Bands vs. Weights: Cost Resistance Bands vs. Weights: Portability Best Resistance Bands to Replace Weights Best Resistance Band What’s the Difference Between Resistance Bands and Free Weights?# Understanding the functional difference between resistance bands and free weights is a good starting point before you make your decision to switch up your workout routine. Unlike free weights, resistance bands don’t rely on gravity to provide resistance. Because they don’t rely on gravity, this increases their potential use for more functional movement patterns that mimic both everyday and sport-specific activities. Free weights, on the other hand, can only provide resistance on a vertical plane—because gravity is stubborn. So if you do an exercise with a free weight on the horizontal plan—like moving your hand while holding a dumbbell from the left side of your body to the right side—there’s no horizontal resistance. When you’re working out with resistance bands, the horizontal plan is in play. You can perform exercises that involve twisting your body from side to side, and movements that mimic a baseball swing or basketball pass with the benefit of added resistance. This is really big for athletes looking to enhance performance and reduce injury. With X3, you train with greater force to trigger Greater Gains Buy Now Resistance Bands for Increased Strength Studies# One study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine showed that a group of collegiate tennis players who trained with resistance bands significantly increased their shoulder strength and the speed of their tennis serve when compared to a control group not using resistance training.1 Another study revealed that resistance band training strengthened the rotator cuff muscles of collegiate baseball pitchers more effectively than the same training with dumbbells.2 Horizontal-plane movements are a part of performing everyday tasks. Most people take these movements for granted, and it’s why a seemingly small movement can result in a “tweak” that causes you discomfort for days or weeks. Trusted by ProfessionalAthletes Worldwide Buy Now How do Resistance Bands Build Muscle?# The big question everyone has is: How can resistance bands actually build muscle mass? Most people associate big muscles with big weights. Those are the images we’ve grown up with on TV and in movies. But what most people don’t know is the reason why big weights translate to big muscles. Tension builds strength. More tension equals more strength, and bigger weights offer greater tension. That’s the “why” behind why big weights equal big muscles. So it poses the question: is there a more efficient and safer way to create tension for strength training? Yes. Resistance bands are the more efficient and safer way to produce the tension needed to build muscle mass. Resistance bands are not only more efficient and safe, but they provide a superior form of tension—constant tension. The continuous tension resistance bands bring to a workout result in the most efficient way to build strength. Efficient means getting the same work done in less time. Who doesn’t want to spend less time in the gym? Resistance Bands vs. Dumbbells# To show how resistance bands are superior to free weights we’ll compare them to dumbbells. When you lift a dumbbell in any direction other than straight up and down, the tension on your muscles is removed at certain points in the range of motion. Bicep curls require you to curl the dumbbell up, and at the very top of the movement, the dumbbell starts falling towards your shoulder. The tension on your bicep has been removed because it’s no longer pulling against gravity. However, when you perform the same bicep curl with resistance bands, the tension is present throughout the entire range of motion because the elastic band is engineered for constant tension. Resistance bands solve the gravity issue of traditional free weight training. The Ultimate Solution for MaximizingMuscle and Minimizing Body Fat Buy Now Why Variable Resistance is Superior for Building Strength# The more you understand the importance of resistance and the role it plays in building strength, the easier it is to see why resistance bands are a superior choice to free weights. The magic in resistance band training lies in variable resistance. As the range of motion of an exercise increases so does the resistance proved by the resistance band. Going back to our dumbbell example, resistance band curls require increased force as your hand gets closer to your shoulder. The more the resistance band stretches, the greater resistance it provides. With progressive resistance, more muscle fibers must be recruited in your targeted muscle to complete the rep. As more muscle fibers get used, the greater adaptations in muscle strength are achieved. Linear variable resistance and constant resistance are something free weights do not offer. Why Is X3 More Powerful Than Weights? Buy Now More Resistance Where Your Body is Stronger Less Risk of Injury Than Traditional Weights Easier On the Joints, Harder on the Muscle Complete Muscle Fatigue for Greater Gains Why Weight Lifting Causes Injury# Aside from being more efficient, resistance bands are a much safer choice when compared to free weights. Muscle gains are not a result of working on the weakest muscle range. Elite weightlifters know they must lift as heavy as possible to get big gains. The danger in this results in the weak range having to take the same load as the strongest range. There is no progression or variable resistance with free weights—the load remains the same at both your strongest and weakest points. As a result, elite weightlifters are plagued with sore joints and injuries. Common overloading injuries occur at the elbows, shoulders, and knees. These injuries often damage cartilage and lead to joint replacements later in life. Injuries are one of the reasons bodyweight training has re-emerged in recent years. But bodyweight training only provides as much resistance as you weigh, so its potential for big gains is limiting. Variable resistance training with resistance bands solves the overloading issue and reduces the risk of injury almost completely. Weight lifting is simply not a functional movement that humans would do in the real world. To safely and efficiently work out we must mimic the way we are designed to move. X3: All-In-One Home Gym Free Workout Program Buy Now Resistance Bands vs. Weights: Which Burns More Body Fat?# Both weights and resistance bands burn fat, but resistance bands are superior. Most people would agree that standing on a balance board is more challenging than standing on solid ground. What most people don’t know is that standing on the balance board increases human growth hormone (HGH) by 200-300%. One of the most well-known and studied benefits of HGH is the preservation of muscle mass while the body sheds excess fat. HGH regenerates healthy cells, protects your muscles and skin, and promotes fat loss.3 Resistance bands require stabilization throughout the entire movement. Exercises that combine higher forces with an enhanced requirement for stabilization have shown to yield over 2000% increases in HGH.4 Because resistance bands offer a progressive overload even when performing the same exercise as you would with weights your body is forced into continuous stabilization activating your stabilizer muscles and releasing more fat burning HGH. Resistance Bands vs. Weights: Cost# Resistance bands are more efficient and safe compared to weights, but what about cost? The price for free weights is determined by the pound. The heavier the weight, the more it costs. New, high-quality free weights can range from $1.50 to $2.50 per pound, depending on the brand and finished coating. On the high end, you’re looking at $100 just for one pair of 25lb plates. How much does a barbell cost? A well-made barbell averages around $200. Dumbbells cost between $1.75 to $4 per pound, so you might be looking at $50 just for a single pair of 10lb dumbbells. You don’t have to be a mathematician to see how expensive free weights can be. An “affordable” 5 to 50lb dumbbell set starts at $1,000. Resistance bands on the other hand are much more affordable. A selection of four bands that range from 15 lb to 65lb of resistance cost as little as $50 in total. That’s less than a single pair of 10lb dumbbells, and will give you far more weighted variation. One of the rightful criticisms about resistance bands was their limited weight limits compared to free weights. The heaviest bands topped out at 200lbs. That’s no longer the case with resistance bands like the X3 Bar, which boasts a max load capacity of 600lbs. When you buy resistance bands over weights, you don’t have to sweat the cost. X3 Fitness System Up to 600 lbs of Available Force Full-Body Muscle-Building Workouts Build Strength Faster Greater Gains In Just 10 Minutes a Day Buy Now Resistance Bands vs. Weights: Portability# When it comes to convenience and portability resistance, bands get an easy win compared to weights. For perspective, compare a 30lb dumbbell to a 30lb resistance band. The band weighs just 6 ounces and can fold up to fit in your pocket. Because of their light weight, the costs associated with shipping resistance bands are negligible. With weights, you can expect to pay as much as an additional 10% of the total cost for shipping fees. Once you’ve established momentum with a workout routine the last thing you want to do is break it and have to start over. Portability and ease of use translate to consistency. Life gets busy. Whether you’re working late nights in the office, traveling for work, or on vacation you can take your resistance bands with you. If you like to train at home the problem with weights is the amount of space they demand. If you don’t want to dedicate a significant amount of valuable real estate to your home gym or simply don’t have the space, resistance bands are the best option. Best Resistance Bands to Replace Weights# Because replacing weights with resistance bands is still catching on, we’d like to give you a list of what’s out there so you can choose the best option for your goals. Serious Steel Resistance Bands# Serious Steel’s resistance bands are made of a heavy-duty latex material that is designed for band-assisted exercises like pull-ups and dips. They are strong enough to support your body weight. Serious Steel has a number of bands to choose from. Their lightest resistance band offers two to fifteen pounds of resistance, while their heaviest provides eighty to two hundred pounds of resistance. The company offers pull-up resistance bands, hip and glute bands, and a wide range of band accessories. Serious Steel is a good source for lighter and medium strength resistance bands. EliteFTS Pro Strong Resistance Bands# EliteFTS is popular among serious weightlifters. The bands are designed for powerlifters and other elite athletes who want to push a lot of weight with confidence the bands will hold up. EliteFTS Pro Strong Resistance Bands are made of natural latex rubber. The thickness is (4.5mm), and has a width of 4.5 inches. With X3, you train with greater force to trigger Greater Gains 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee Buy Now EliteFTS Pro bands offer one of the highest levels of resistance, providing up to 275 pounds of total tension, making it the heaviest duty of the heavy-duty resistance bands after the X3 Bar. Rogue Monster Bands# The rogue brand is another favorite among big lifters. Rogue has made a name for itself with its CrossFit offerings over the years. The company makes high-quality squat racks, barbells, and pretty much any type of weight lifting equipment you can think of. Rogue’s Monster Bands are available in two different lengths - a 12" version which is good for glute bridges, and a 41" long version to help with pull-ups and other lifts. The 41" bands come in 8 different resistance levels. The silver band is the thickest and provides 200 pounds of resistance. WOD Nation Heavy Resistance Bands# WOD Nation produces jump ropes and weight lifting accessories along with their resistance bands. Their heavy resistance bands are made of all-natural rubber and are 41-inches long. They are more or less knock-offs of the more popular brands on this list but don’t sacrifice much in quality and thickness. Iron Bull Strength Heavy Duty Resistance Bands# Iron Bull Strength makes high-quality equipment, including their barbell hip thrust pad and line of bumper plates. Iron Bull Monster Resistance Bands are made with natural rubber and share a lot of the same features as the Rogue and EliteFTS bands, including a 41" length, a width of 0.25" up to 2.5", and lots of resistance options. The thinnest band (yellow) provides 15 pounds of resistance while the heavy-duty blue band can generate up to 175 pounds of resistance. X3 Fitness System 10 Minutes is All You NeedLift Heavier With Less Risk of InjuryA Full Gym Without a GymWorkout Anywhere Buy Now DYNAPRO Power Resistance Bands# DYNAPRO’s line of resistance bands are made of soft and heavy-duty latex rubber and provide a tension level of up to 170 pounds. DYNAPRO’s bands are made with natural rubber for maximum durability, are wide enough that they don’t roll up on you during use, and can be purchased individually or bundled as a set. UnderSun Fitness Resistance Bands# Undersun Fitness resistance bands are sold in sets of 2, 3, or 5. Bands offer a range of 5 to120 pounds of resistance. The 100% natural latex bands are more affordable than many others on the market. They aren’t as strong as some of the other heavy resistance bands on our list, but they do come with a lifetime guarantee. X3 Fitness System All-In-One Home Gym Buy Now Best Resistance Band# If you’re ready to say goodbye to weights and want to try adding resistance bands to your routine you’ll want a resistance band that allows you to perform all of the same exercises as traditional weights. For those who want all of the benefits of lifting heavy weights minus the cost, risks, and space requirements the X3 Bar is an easy choice. X3 comes with a 21.5-inch alloy steel bar designed to withstand over 600 pounds of force. Each side of the bar has ball bearings with a hook attached that allows the bar to rotate keeping the band’s orientation consistent and your grip secure through each movement. The ball bearings ensure the resistance bands never twist or kink during a set. The X3 system comes with four individual bands. Each band is made specifically for the X3 and features layered latex for superior strength. The four included resistance bands come in the following resistance ranges: Super lightweight: 10 – 50+ pounds as a single loop, 100 pounds doubled over Lightweight: 25 – 80+ pounds as a single loop, 160 pounds doubled over Middleweight: 50 – 120+ pounds as a single loop, 240 pounds doubled over Heavyweight: 60 – 150+ pounds as a single loop, 300 pounds doubled over For heavy lifters, the X3 Elite resistance band is sold separately and provides 110–300 pounds of resistance as a single loop and up to 600 pounds when doubled over. With higher resistance, the more difficult it becomes to anchor a resistance band by just standing on them. They tend to dig into your feet and put significant pressure on your ankle joints. To solve this issue, X3 comes with a stabilizing ground plate. The high-density polyethylene surface has a notched-out area on the bottom designed to keep the band in place while relieving your feet and ankles from pressure. The ground plate is engineered to withstand over 600 pounds of force, allowing it to keep up with the heavy-duty resistance bands. Aside from offering the highest quality full-body workout alternative to weights, X3 comes with a complimentary 12-week online training program to help you get the most out of every X3 workout. Resistance band training is designed with precision to maximize the recruitment of muscle fiber and trigger the perfect hormonal environment for muscle growth and fat burning. If you’d like to try a more efficient, safe, and affordable workout alternative to weights, the X3 is for you. See the X3 Bar System# No Weights, No Cardio Just X3 Buy Now https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9689369/ ↩︎ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16558251/ ↩︎ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3558728/ ↩︎ https://www.iomcworld.com/open-access/stabilizing-motor-reflexive-activation-and-acute-growth-hormone-response-asystematic-review-2157-7536-1000178.pdf ↩︎ ...

Dairy-free protein powders and shakes are more common than ever before. This means you have many options to find the perfect blend that works for your unique needs. A lot of people worry about getting enough protein after adopting a dairy-free diet. If you’re not getting enough protein from your daily meals, adding protein powder can be an easy and convenient fix to fill in the missing protein grams. In the past, protein powder was viewed as something only bodybuilders looking to bulk up would use. Today, protein powder and shakes have evolved to be healthy zero sugar meals and snack replacements. In this article, we’ll talk about some frequently asked questions about dairy-free protein powders and shakes and look at the best options available. We’ll cover the basics about protein powders, what makes each type different, and why in particular, dairy-free options are now in such high demand. Table of Contents Why Do People Use Protein Powder What Are The Health Benefits of Protein Powder? Types of Protein Powder How Much Protein Do You Need? Can you Get Enough Protein Without Dairy? What's the Difference between Whey, Lactose-Free, and Non-Dairy Protein Powder? Do Dairy-free Protein Powders Offer Complete Nutrition? What Is In a Dairy-free Protein Powder? Different Types of Dairy-Free Protein Powders The Best Dairy-Free Protein Shakes The Best Overall Dairy-free Protein Shake for 2022 Ready to Try the Best Dairy-free Protein Powder Why Do People Use Protein Powder?# Protein powder is one of the world’s most used nutritional supplements. Protein itself is an essential macronutrient that helps your body build muscle, repair tissue, and make enzymes and hormones. The reasons why people use protein powder range from gaining muscle and weight to losing fat and getting essential nutrients. What are the Health Benefits of Protein Powder?# Protein is a foundational nutrient that every human needs to survive. In the past, humans mostly got protein from hunting. After farming developed, humans started getting protein from plants and animals raised on those farms. Today the benefits of supplementing with protein remain the same, but we now have cleaner versions of protein customized and packaged for everyone to accommodate any allergy or philosophy on where you should source your protein. Protein for Weight Management# When you eat protein-rich foods or supplement with protein you’ll feel fuller longer. Feeling full keeps you from overeating when you do eat and curbs the urge to snack. The Journal of the American College of Nutrition conducted a 2018 review that showed supplementing with protein may reduce body weight and total fat mass in people who are overweight or obese.1 Protein for Muscles Gains# Muscle growth is impossible without protein. Athletes and gym enthusiasts have known this truth for decades, and it shows. An analysis of nearly 50 studies supported the use of protein supplementation for muscle gains. Protein supplementation for muscle growth is equally effective in both men and women. However, as people age, their protein requirements will increase to yield the same results when compared to younger people.2 Protein Powder for Nutrition# The recommended daily protein intake for people age 19 and over is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men. People who find it challenging to meet the daily recommendation through a whole foods diet often choose to add a protein shake to their daily routine. If you’re an athlete or older adult, you’ll likely need to exceed the recommended daily amount. Today’s protein blends also come with other essential nutrients you might not be able to satisfy through your daily meals. Types of Protein Powder# When protein powders first emerged, whey protein powder was essentially all you could find. But like all products, protein powder has evolved, and the types of protein powders on the market have expanded. Common types of protein powders you’ll find include: Whey Protein# This water-soluble milk-based protein is the traditional favorite among athletes and bodybuilders looking to bulk up and gain weight. It’s considered a complete protein, which means it contains all of the amino acids the human body needs. Most people can absorb whey protein without issues unless they’re lactose intolerant. Casein Protein# Casein is rich in glutamine, an amino acid that can speed up muscle recovery after exercise. Casein is a byproduct of dairy, so it’s not something that works for vegans or people with milk allergies. The body digests casein slowly, so it’s a good idea to take it at night. Soy Protein# Soy is a popular alternative to whey and casein for people who don’t consume dairy. Soy contains all the essential amino acids. Soy is a popular choice in Eastern countries. Pea Protein# Many plant-based proteins and dairy-free protein powders are made with pea protein. Pea protein is a high-quality alternative to soy and dairy-based proteins. Pea protein is a good source of amino acids; however many pea protein powders are high in sugar due to the processing methodology. How Much Protein Do You Need?# A Harvard Health article noted that a good rule for determining daily protein intake is multiplying your body weight in pounds by 0.36. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should aim for about 54 grams of protein each day. However, this is based on how active you are. If you’re not moving much, you’ll need less protein and the opposite if you’re working out and getting daily exercise.3 Can you Get Enough Protein Without Dairy?# If you’re new to a dairy-free diet, you might be worried about getting enough protein. Milk and eggs are staples for getting protein, but where will you get your protein if you cut those out? Don’t worry, there are plenty of protein sources for a dairy-free diet. Fish Beans Meat & Poultry Soy Quinoa Dairy-free protein powders What’s the Difference between Whey, Lactose-Free, and Non-Dairy Protein Powder?# Whey protein is sourced from milk, thus, it’s definitely not a dairy-free protein option. If you’re vegan or on a dairy-free diet you’ll want to skip whey protein. Lactose is the sugar found in milk. Just because a protein powder is labeled Lactose free protein does not mean it’s dairy-free. Lactose-free only indicates that the lactose has been removed from the product, but the source can still be dairy-based. Even if a product is labeled “non-dairy,” you should proceed with caution. The label of “non-dairy” means that the product can contain 0.5% or less milk by weight, in the form of casineates or casein. Only the label “dairy-free” means zero dairy in a product. Do dairy-free Protein Powders offer Complete Nutrition?# The term “complete nutrition” is in reference to a food that has an adequate amount of the nine essential amino acids your body needs. These essential amino acids are those that our bodies can’t produce on their own, forcing us to get them through food to stay healthy. Keep in mind that although you need all nine amino acids, you don’t necessarily need to get them all simultaneously with each meal. You can get them throughout your day over different meals. Whether or not your dairy-free protein powder offers complete nutrition will depend on the brand. Many dairy-free protein powders on the market today are created with complete nutrition profiles. What is in a dairy-free Protein Powder?# If dairy-free protein powders don’t contain whey or casein, you’re probably wondering where the protein comes from. Dairy-free protein powders come with a number of different ingredients that contribute to their overall protein profile. Most dairy-free protein powder will contain plant proteins like pea, hemp, pumpkin seeds, brown rice, soy, chia seeds, and other vegan-friendly proteins. Some are blends and others will use just one dairy-free protein source as its base. Different Types of Dairy-Free Protein Powders# With the number of dairy-free protein powder options out there, it can be difficult to know which is the best one for your lifestyle and diet. We’ve compiled a list of the best dairy-free protein powders options to choose from, categorized by their base ingredient. Pea Protein Powder# Pea protein powders are made by extracting protein from yellow peas. It’s one of the most widely used dairy-free protein powders because it’s plant-based, vegan friendly, and packs about 15 grams of protein for every 20 grams of powder. Hemp Protein Powder# Hemp protein is derived from the seeds of hemp plants and is a growing dairy-free source of protein. Hemp protein tastes nutty, is easy to digest, and has around 15 grams of protein for every 30 grams of powder. Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder# As you probably guessed, pumpkin seed protein powder comes from pumpkin seeds. The protein powder is nutty, and offers 20 grams of protein for every 30 grams of powder. It’s high in magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Pumpkin seeds are also a great source for omega fatty acids. Brown Rice Protein Powder# Brown rice protein is derived from extracting rice proteins from sprouted brown rice. It serves up 25 grams of protein for every 30 grams of powder. This protein is one of the highest plant-based sources of protein available. Some people find brown rice protein easier to digest compared with alternative dairy-free protein options. Soy Protein Powder# Soy Protein Powder comes from soybeans. Soy protein delivers 23 grams of protein for every 30 grams of powder. As much as people love soy protein, it’s become a controversial ingredient in recent years. Soy has been shown to affect your hormones, and if you have issues with your thyroid it’s recommended to avoid soy. Soy also contains phytates, which have been shown to decrease mineral absorption. Sunflower Seed Protein Powder# Sunflower seed protein is made by extracting proteins from sunflower seeds. Sunflower seed protein powder offers 15 grams of protein for every 30 grams of powder. The flavor is mild and nutty. The downside is this dairy-free protein alternative doesn’t offer much protein per serving when compared to the other options. Chia Protein Powder# Chia protein powder comes from extracting proteins from chia seeds and removing the oils. The high protein and high fiber powder has an earthy flavor but only offers 10 grams of protein for 30 grams of powder, making it one of the lowest protein per serving options on the list. However, chia does come loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sachi Inchi Protein Powder# Sacha Inchi is a seed that’s converted into protein powder. The lesser-known protein source provides complete nutrition and fiber, antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Each serving brings 16 grams of protein for every 27 grams of powder. Plant Protein Blend Powders# Plant protein blends are made by combining different high-protein plants. They may combine any protein powders on the list above, and often add other fruits and vegetables to create a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Collagen Protein Powder# Collagen is the most common protein found in the human body. It helps us keep our skin, hair, and nails healthy and many use it to help support joint function. Collagen protein powder is made from animal tissues, so it’s not vegan-friendly. Most collagen protein powders offer about 18 grams of protein for every 20 grams of powder used. The Best Dairy-Free Protein Shakes# Although technically a protein shake is just another name for protein powder mixed with liquid, some people prefer skipping the mixing and buying a pre-made protein shake. Protein shakes are great for grab-and-go meals and snack replacements. So what are the best dairy-free protein shake options in 2002? Let’s take a look. Orgain Organic Vegan Plant-Based Nutritional Shake# This dairy-free shake delivers 16 grams of protein in each 11-ounce package. The protein shake is made using the company’s proprietary protein blend that includes pea protein, chia seeds, rice protein, and other ingredients. The shake is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Vega Protein Nutrition Shake# This protein shake is dairy-free,vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. It serves up 20 grams of protein in its 11-ounce container. The shake is made from a combination of pea protein, coconut palm sugar, hemp protein, pumpkin seed protein, and other powders derived from fruits and vegetables. Garden of Life Organic Plant-Based Protein Shake# This vegan and dairy-free shake has 21 grams of protein in each of its 11 ounce servings. The shake is made mostly of pea protein. It’s organic, gluten-free, and non-GMO. Evolve Protein Shake# Evolve Protein Shakes give you 20 grams of protein in each 11 ounce container. Most of the protein in this shake comes from peas. Like the others on the list, it’s dairy-free, soy-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free. OWYN Vegan Protein Shake# This vegan and dairy-free protein shake contains 20 grams of protein for every 12 oz bottle. The protein sources in this protein shake are their own proprietary blend of pea protein and pumpkin seed protein. This is a great allergy-friendly option because it is gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, peanut and tree nut-free, egg-free, and has non-GMO ingredients. The Best Overall dairy-free Protein Shake for 2022# Fortagen# Nutrition per serving ( 1 scoop ) Sodium: 0 milligrams Protein: 50 grams Calories: 4 Carbs: 0 grams Sugar: 0 grams Fat: 0 grams Fortagen tops our list for the best dairy-free protein shake in 2022. Not only does Fortagen contain zero dairy, the vegan protein powder delivers the most protein crushing the competition at 50 grams of protein per serving. It also doubles as the ultimate fasting protein powder due to its low calories and zero sugar. Fortagen is a fermented protein source that is a far more efficiently extracted protein than isolates, concentrates, or hydrolysates. The fermentation process makes proteins more bioavailable, more gut-friendly, and lower in calories. Fortagen is designed to offer the perfect essential amino acid profile. This means EAAs are presented in the precise ratio your body uses to build muscle. Other alternatives may offer all of the EAAs your body needs but are often in the incorrect ratios. Perfect EAA Profile# Most dairy-free protein shake options lack one or more of the essential amino acids, or come loaded with nonessential amino acids your body already has a surplus of. Only when EAAs are delivered in the optimal ratio can the body make the best use of them. When EAA ratios aren’t optimized, your body may even borrow from muscle to help utilize branched chain amino acids you’re consuming in excess. More Bioavailability# When it comes to how your body reacts to different proteins, bioavailability is one of the most important metrics to consider. Fortagen is digested in under 30 minutes, while other dairy-free protein shake options can take up to 6 hours. Easy Digestion# Intestinal irritation to plant-based protein shakes is a common complaint. Seeds and legumes, when not fermented, can lead to bloating, gas, and discomfort. Fortagen is pre-digested through the fermentation process, resulting in smaller, more gut-friendly particle sizes. Minimal Calories# Many dairy-free protein shake powders come packed with calories and added artificial sweeteners. If you’re on a calorie-restricted diet or intermittent fasting, typical calorie-packed dairy-free and lactose-free protein powders will hinder your progress. Fortagen has the lowest calories per serving at just four calories. Insulin Response# If you’re trying to lose weight and keep muscle, having a zero-carb/zero-sugar dairy-free protein powder with 50 grams of protein per serving is a game changer. Controlling insulin response is the key to losing fat, and if you’re fasting you’ll need to keep your protein intake high to fight off temptations to break your fast. Faster Recovery Time# The better your body can synthesis protein post-workout the faster it can recover. The secret to making it happen is having a perfect essential amino acid profile. EAAs offset muscle fatigue that slow down gains, but only when they’re consumed in the right combination–like they are in Fortagen. Ready to Try the Best Dairy-Free Protein Powder?# See Fortagen # https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/07315724.2017.1344591 ↩︎ https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/6/376 ↩︎ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-protein-do-you-need-every-day-201506188096 ↩︎ ...