Protein powder and protein-related supplements are consistently stocked up on shelves in stores all around. They allure athletes, young adults, and people seeking fitness in the gym. Some argue protein supplements are a marketing allusion to gain muscle, others argue the health benefits.
As a majority of students spend their days as athletes, or scheduling gym sessions, protein supplements are no strange concept to North Hollywood Huskies. As the football team is the most infamous sports team in North Hollywood, players need to be fit and have a complimentary protein diet.
North Hollywood Senior, and defensive lineman, Joel Garcia, proudly states that he frequently takes protein powder, mixing it to become a drink. He emphasizes the benefits of maintaining his physique saying, “It gives me more muscle mass, and helps me with my cholesterol levels.”
Garcia monitors his cholesterol levels every so often. He further explains, “If I want to eat a meal but it contains high amounts of cholesterol, I replace it with a protein shake.”
He adds, “Drinking protein shakes makes it feel as if I just ate a whole meal. I still get the benefits of feeling full and consuming protein, without the cholesterol.”
According to Garcia, the benefits of protein shakes are also present when he is at the gym, or playing on the field. He confidently informs, “Protein powder itself allows the fibers in the muscle to come together.”
Garcia exemplifies this instance saying, “I’ve had many injuries in football. However, protein shakes provide me with energy, so I was able to recover faster due to the fibers in my muscle coming together.
He recommends drinking protein shakes to others, explaining, “They will make you feel energized, and will increase your average intake of protein drastically.” However, Garcia is aware that some may dislike the overall taste of the supplement.
“There’s different companies and a lot of different appealing flavors. My favorite flavor of protein powder is Choco Fruity Pebbles, that’s the one for me,” Garcia proudly exclaims.
Some may be skeptical about the actual health benefits of supplements such as protein powder. Garcia mentions that he has had no negative experiences with protein supplements, and will continue to use them.
Moreover, Robert Villa, a Senior playing as center on the football team, uses protein powder consistently and stresses its significance in his daily life.
Unlike Garcia, Villa states that he drinks a protein shake every day. “I use it in the morning as breakfast because I don’t normally eat breakfast,” he mentions. Evidently, protein shakes act as a substitute for a meal, and are able to provide enough energy to an extent.
Villa has been using protein powder long term as he says, “I’ve been using protein powder for about a year, and will continue to use it.”
Like Garcia, Villa shares similar ideas regarding its health benefits. “Using protein powder allows me to recover faster, whether it’s to aid my recovery for football, and or lifting weights,” he shares.
Yet, Villa emphasizes his skepticism regarding certain brands of protein powder. He firmly states, “As long as it has 25 grams of protein per scoop and is backed by professionals, I’ll use it.” Villa does not have a favorite brand nor flavor, however he is eager to use protein powder if it falls under these specifications.
Although Villa recommends protein powder to those looking to increase their protein intakes, he urges, “However you shouldn’t rely just on protein powder. You should also be consuming real food with raw protein.”
Villa further mentions, “If you’re lactose intolerant, maybe try to get plant based protein to avoid being bloated and having to suffer the consequences of whey.”
Protein powder is not the only protein supplement one can take. There are multiple alternatives, one of which is favored by North Hollywood Senior, Alex Momjian.
Momjian has consistently been working out at his local gym for 2 years, and protein supplements are no stranger to him. He had started off his gym journey using protein powder, but has recently settled for an alternative to which he claims is, “Way more convenient.”
Momjian states that although he has protein powder at home, he rarely uses it. “I use protein gummies. They are way more convenient and simpler to use,” he says. Momjian continues to explain, “You just chew a gummy, and you’re set. There’s no need to spend time mixing protein powder into a shake.”
Yet cost and prices should be considered, right? With the advantages of protein gummies, some may assume that they are much more expensive. “They cost the same amount as a regular tub of protein powder so it really is just preference,” he comments.
While being on track with his goal of cutting weight, Momjian informs, “I think protein powder and the gummies are good for people who are trying to change their body composition, whether bulking or cutting. It’s rarely beneficial for people who don’t work out or partake in sports however.”
According to Momjian, there is seemingly a primary reason for the usage of protein supplements. Protein supplements compliment a consistent active lifestyle. The two factors work together to promote the body’s overall health.
Nonetheless, Huskies seem to favor protein supplements as they have proved to be reliable and beneficial to student athletes, and to those who are seeking a fit lifestyle.
There are a variety of protein supplements available that can be chosen based on one’s personal preference. Evidently, such supplements have helped Husky students with their physical performances, and have gotten them on track with meeting their physical goals.
