Whey vs. Soy – Which Should You Use?

Whey and soy are both different types of protein that a wellness and nutrition coach may have you supplement into your daily diet to support muscle growth, recovery, and general overall health. Wellness consulting often involves an overview of your dietary needs and dietary habits to determine where changes can be made to help support your personal fitness plan and goals. With so many choices offered, how do you determine which one is right for you?  In the simplest answer, it comes down to personal preference.  There are some differences between the two and learning about both whey and soy proteins can help you in the decision making process.

The biggest difference between whey and soy proteins are the products they are created from. Whey comes from milk and is a dairy based product. Soy comes from soybeans and is a vegetable based product. If you are lactose intolerant or have sensitivity to lactose or other dairy products, whey protein will not be your choice of protein powder. Soy products are gentle on the stomach to digest and are perfect for individuals wanting to keep a vegetarian lifestyle. Many vegetarians will supplement their protein needs with soy protein powder since they are not getting it in their regular dietary habits. 

Another difference between whey and soy proteins is the texture of the powder and the way that it blends. Whey protein powder is very fine and soft and blends easily. Many individuals are able to simply mix whey protein with a spoon into a glass. Soy protein is more granular and gritty in texture.  It does not always mix well can sometimes require a high speed blender to blend it. It can sometimes have a gritty texture when drinking it. 

Bodybuilders workout programs require more protein than other fitness nutrition programs. Whey and soy are great ways to fill in the nutritional gaps without having to consume a lot of extra calories.  Protein powders are the ultimate nutrition supplement for anyone participating in strength building and resistance training workouts. Both types of protein powders can help you recover faster from a difficult workout and help reduce soreness in the muscles. Sports nutrition for endurance also uses both whey and soy protein powders to support their intensive training programs.

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