If you’re reading The Good Mood Diet, you’ve probably noticed the Isolated Whey Protein supplement that I have you add to your smoothie for a morning snack. What is it? Why is it added? Here are the answers:
Whey protein is one of the two proteins found in dairy products; the other one is casein. Whey protein is high in tryptophan, the amino acid required in the diet for the manufacture of serotonin in the brain. Research has shown that when stress-prone subjects were supplemented with whey protein, they had a decreased stress response and improved coping skills. So whey protein is a great mind supplement.
Whey protein also contains the most ideal composition of essential amino acids for muscle cell recovery, repair and growth after exercise. Because it is quickly digested and absorbed, it is referred to as a “fast protein,” rapidly making it to the muscle cell after consumption. So whey protein is a great body supplement.
Isolated whey protein offers you only the protein, without the carbohydrate and fat that is found in a concentrated whey protein supplement. During the morning and right after exercise, all you need is the extra whey protein added to your milk (with the option of adding a fruit). The extra carbohydrate and fat from a concentrated whey protein supplement adds unnecessary calories if you’re trying to lose weight. And the fat slows down digestion.
Likewise, if you just add more milk to the smoothie, you will get more whey protein, but you’ll also get more carbohydrate. It also becomes a very big drink. To get the additional 14 to 21 grams of whey protein that you get from the supplement, you’d need to add another 2 to 3 cups of milk.
So put your food to work for you. Enjoy the shake either mid-morning, or ideally right after exercise. You’ll feel the difference right away, and again later in the day whey you don’t crash from fatigue because you didn’t feed yourself right after exercise.
Yours in a Good Mood,
Dr. Susan Kleiner