How to Know You're Buying Quality Protein Your Body Will Use

Many people think of whey protein powder as a supplement, but it makes more sense to think of whey powder as another source of protein. And, in the same way you would seek out whole, natural chicken, beef, fish, or turkey you should look for the same qualities in your whey protein powder. Selecting natural, undenatured whey products provides the greatest benefits.

What is Whey Protein?

Whey protein is a mix of proteins found in the liquid part of milk (as opposed to the solids, which are typically used to make cheese). While whey protein is considered to be one of the best types of protein available, not all whey protein powders are created equal.


Types of Whey Protein

Depending on how the whey is processed, you’ll get a different percentage of protein and other ingredients which can affect digestibility and taste. Whey concentrate is about 70-80% protein and includes the greatest amount of other nutrients and micronutrients found in whey (like lactose and fat). Whey isolate has had most of the lactose and fat removed (a benefit if you suffer from lactose intolerance) and contains a higher percentage of protein (90% or more). Whey hydrolysate is pre-digested and is the form that’s absorbed faster, which isn’t necessarily better.



The less processing the better, meaning more of the coenzymes, cofactors and healthy fats are still there in order to get that protein to work quicker, more efficiently and effectively. If that's what you're after, a good quality whey concentrate is your whey protein of choice. Now when your talking grass-fed, well, this just gets better as you'll read below.



Grass-fed Whey Protein Reduces Cravings

An excellent supplement when it comes to aiding weight loss, whey protein helps you feel full. Feeling satiated reduces cravings that can lead to binging. Studies have shown that increasing the percentage of calories that come from protein each day and adding weight lifting to your fitness regime can have a significant benefit when it comes to weight loss.

Natural clean sources of protein

Look for clean sources, minimal ingredients and definitely no artificial flavours or colours. The nutritional label should be clear and tell you exactly what's in the product. Grass fed is better and a grass fed whey concentrate is ideal.

Whey Protein and Your Lifestyle

First you need to ask the question why are you taking a whey protein? Is it to use as Muscle Recovery, Lose Weight, Curb Cravings and/or Create a Healthy Lifestyle.

You may just want to add in another variety of protein into your lifestyle. Whichever your reason I’ll cover exactly how to do it and get the most out of it.

A Good Morning Smoothie

Once your ingredients are out on the bench, you’ll be drinking it in less than a minute. Smoothies are quicker than making a normal breakfast and efficient enough so you make sure you’re getting your optimal morning routine completed and you can drink your smoothie on on the way to work in the car.



But it’s how you make your smoothie work for you and get the most out of it. As long as you focus on these points below, you’ll be covering all basis.

  • Add all 3 Macronutrients into your Smoothie. These are Protein, Carbohydrates and Healthy Fats. This will assist in balancing blood sugar levels so you’re burning body fat for fuel. It will give you a range of nutrients and micronutrients you’ll need for a happy day ahead, not to mention energy levels, mental clarity and fat burning will be through the roof.
  • Add in a Green Vegetable like Spinach, Kale (don’t worry you won’t even taste it), Raw Broccoli or a Greens powder like 5 Greens.

But how do I choose my macronutrients? Actually what are they and how do I even identify them?

Carbohydrates are Fruits, Vegetables and Grain products and Fats are Nuts, Oils, Seeds and Avocado.

The best tip here is to begin using your favourite types so you’re making delicious smoothies straight up. Your goal is to create a sustainable good quality lifestyle, so when you’re beginning with your favourite, tasty food types you’re ahead of the game.

Using Whey As Pre Workout.

The real whey to prime your workout. Here’s what to do

  • Add a ⅓ to ½ serve of whey protein.
  • Add a small serve of your favourite Carbohydrate. Example such as a Kiwi Fruit or ½ cup Blueberries or just 15g of Oats or just 10g of Honey.
  • Add in a Healthy Fat. Such as 6 almonds, or tspn coconut oil or tspn MCT, or even a teaspoon of LSA.

Whey As A Pre Workout? I have never heard of this before.

Well this is going to balance your blood sugar levels before walking into the gym or starting your workout wherever you are. If you’re going for a run, you probably don’t want much food in your stomach so just choose a 'lower volume' carbohydrate like Honey (experiment which is best on your gut during training).

Once blood sugar levels are balanced, this is where amazing things begin to happen and you’ll be shocked as to how much better your workout will be.

Night time Dessert? Yes but not long after sundown.

You want your body in a relaxed state before going to sleep and most importantly with balanced blood sugar levels. Balanced blood sugar levels are important for a deeper sleep and to put you into a fat burning state.



Quality deep sleep with balanced blood sugar levels is what is going to impact and rapidly speed recovery and you’ll be giving yourself the nutrients it needs to do just that.


Meal on the Go or Mid Afternoon Meal/Snack

So if you’re needing a mid afternoon smoothie to curb cravings or just as another meal, keep a small blender or nutribullet at work and just bring your smoothie bottle to work with all your ingredient in it already. That way all you need to do is pour it in the blender, add some water and hit play. Super easy to do and you’ll notice the changes in your quality of life.

Now am I going to Bulk Up just by taking a Whey Protein?

The answer is no. In order to bulk up, your active lifestyle needs to be of one that aims for that result. Just by taking whey protein does not make you bulk up.

A massive misconception about whey protein bulking you up, especially among women. Saying whey protein will bulk you up is like saying chicken or fish will bulk you up.

How much Protein Powder should I have?

Well here’s the thing, we don’t really need too much protein. I ask you a question; how much of other sources of protein do you typically eat? Probably a small serving with each meal is what you’re doing.

Well I have already done the measurement for you. All you need is 1 scoop a day to help you meet your requirements.

Just add 1 scoop into your morning smoothie and if you’re having a mid arvo smoothie, just add 1 scoop to that.

Any of your small snacks or pre-workout snacks, you only need 9 to 18g of whey powder.


Why are Protein Powders so different in pricing?

Depends on what quality you want, if you’re not too worried about quality, you can spend less. For quality, you're more than likely going to spend a little more. Would you buy good quality Beef or a can of Spam? Would you buy quality Chicken or buy Chicken in a Can?

Just another reason why you should view your Whey Protein as a protein source. When you view it this way it eliminates any of the confusion about whey protein, why and how to use it and how to identify a quality whey protein.


The quality of the protein you eat today, determines the body you have tomorrow, remember this.

Your body, tissues, muscles, organs are rebuilt by protein and assisted by other nutrients and micronutrients you are putting into your body. Create a healthy lifestyle today so you can live a better quality of life tomorrow.

Whey Protein and Amino Acids

A complete protein has 20 amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Foods like carrot, broccoli etc have protein as well, but not all 20 amino acids, so they’re not classed a complete protein.

Imagine a chain with 20 links on that chain. Now each link is an Amino Acid. When you have consumed protein, your body will disassemble that chain (protein) during digestion and allow those amino acids to be absorbed into your bloodstream.

But what happens then?

Your body will put back together those amino acids and the different arrangements on those links on the chain (the amino acids to form a complete protein) will determine what that protein is now design to do. Whether that is to rebuild, transport or do any of the other various tasks protein is there to do.

There are Essential and Non-Essential Amino Acids

Essential Amino acids mean that our body doesn’t make them so we need to get them from our diet and Non-essential means our body makes them.



The Gold Standard Of Whey Protein

So how do you compare whey protein and know you’re buying the best? Well even though you’re reading this article, you’ll think it will be a little biased towards Life Grip and our products. I understand as I would think that too if I were you.

But take a step back and look at the products you’re buying. Compare the nutrition tables and ingredients list. The nutrition tables and ingredients list and where the ingredients are from will give you the story of the quality, not to mention the honesty and mission of the company you’re buying the product from.

I dare you to take any whey protein off the shelf and compare it to the new gold standard of whey protein found here at Life Grip.


Be careful of companies whom claim what they claim. Research into where they’re manufacturing their products and how.

You want a protein that is natural and in its rawest possible form (undenatured). Look for cold and low-temperature processing which will mean the whey protein has not been created using any heat whatsoever. There has been companies in the past and more so recently whom have chosen to move their manufacturing to China. With past history of issues with baby formula in China, how could you trust your Whey Protein to be free and safe from any of the same issues?

Look we just have far more strict rules and regulations here in Australia to control quality of the processes and ingredients used. There are companies whom go the extra mile to produce and supply a quality product that increases the health and wellbeing of its customers. But there's also companies whom go the extra mile (literally) by moving their manufacturing elsewhere just to increase profit margin and exploiting customers loyalty to the brand.

Grass Fed Whey vs. Grain Fed Whey - What’s the Difference?

Our bodies need a high quality source of protein to keep hair, skin, nails, organs and body systems healthy. Whey protein is made from milk and is a fabulous, easy to digest, nutrient-rich source of the protein your body needs for optimal health. But not all whey proteins are created equal. Understanding how the cows are raised is critical to knowing exactly what you are really getting in your whey protein.

Cows Are Not Designed to Eat Grain

Cows fed with grain are not eating a nutritionally optimal diet. Cows are ruminants and naturally eat grass, not grain. Yes, grain is a cheap source of calories, (which is why so many farms use it) but it just isn’t great for cows. To help offset the poor nutritional intake of cows fed a grain-based diet, producers regularly use prophylactic antibiotics. Most grains fed to cattle are genetically modified and many cows are also injected with hormones. All of those undesirable components wind up in the milk from which whey protein is derived. Not only that, the fatty acid profile of grain fed meat and milk (and whey) is different to that from grass fed cows.



Grass fed cows, on the other hand, are eating a natural diet rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Without a need for antibiotics or added hormones, dairy cows raised on grass produce a nutrient-rich, clean, high quality protein. With more omega-3 fatty acids (known to have anti-inflammatory properties) and fewer stress hormones (known to negatively impact health), milk, meat and whey from grass fed cows are simply better for you.

What Does High Quality Protein Mean for Your Health?

At Life Grip, we recognise that the quality of the foods you eat today determine the body you will have tomorrow. Good quality protein provides the building blocks your body needs to maintain healthy skin, bones, and muscles. Organ function is optimised and hormone regulation facilitated when you consume natural, high-quality protein. It’s not only your physical body that benefits. Numerous studies have linked brain health with good nutrition and adequate protein intake.

How Can you Tell What You’re Getting?

You’ve heard it before, but we’ll say it again. Get good at label-reading. Stay away from products with a lengthy list of unpronounceable chemicals and fillers. You don’t need them. Many of them aren’t good for you. Know where the contents come from and how they are produced. There is a huge difference between grain fed and grass fed cattle. Look for organic produce and buy local when you can (local and organic is the gold standard!)

Grass Fed is Good for All of Us

Though you may be drawn to grass fed whey for selfish reasons, when you choose a product like LifeGrip Australian Grass Fed Whey Protein, you are also doing the environment a favour. Grain fed (and artificially fattened) cattle are often kept in unsanitary and inhumane conditions. Conventional grain production often requires heavy inputs of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Organically-raised cows are gentler on the land and help keep our environment as clean and healthy as possible and that, ultimately, benefits all of us.



Your Whey Protein should help with Detoxification, here’s why.

Glutathione is a word you’ll want to remember and for good reason. You will live in a healthy body when you can remove waste (detoxification) efficiently and regularly absorb quality nutrients from the foods you eat. When you have these 2 going well and hydrating, moving your body and meditating on a consistent basis, you’re lifestyle, body, heart and mind are ahead of the game.

Glutathione is the body's Master Antioxidant and your body creates it, but you need to be supplying it the right nutrients in order for your Liver to create healthy amounts. Glutathione contains sulfur, a sticky substance and your waste and toxins stick to it, so it can be easily excreted from the body. It will be taken through the Liver Phase 1 and 2 of detoxification and excreted from your body.

Glutathione needs 3 amino acids in which are in abundance of Life Grip Australian Grass-fed Whey Protein. These amino acids are;

  • L-Cysteine
  • L-Glutamic Acid
  • L-Glycine

Just another reason why choosing a quality whey protein is beneficial. It isn’t just to build muscle, there are loads of other benefits you gain and what increases the value of the product. It’s a whole health product and not just a product that serves one purpose. This would mean you’re getting amazing value for your hard earned money.

So to cap this off what is a simplified way and process to choose your whey protein?

Ask yourself honestly, where does your personal health sit on your hierarchy of values?

The lower it sits, the lower the amount of research, time, money and effort you will spend in identifying the right whey protein for you.

The higher health sits on your hierarchy of values, the more research, time, money and effort you’ll put into identifying the right whey protein for you.


The Gold Standard Whey Protein. 

Looking for the perfect whey? The new gold standard? Check out our own premium whey protein option. You may have just found it

When you’re looking to add protein to your diet it’s important to spread the protein intake throughout the day. Create a tasty breakfast smoothie that includes whole foods and Life Grip Australian Grass Fed Whey Protein and you’ll wonder how you ever managed to get through your days without it!

Life Grip is walking the same path with you.

Living stronger, cleaner lifestyles.

Eat, Think & Live Clean.

Kind Regards

Adam Phillips – Founder of Life Grip