Protein Supplements for Women: You’ve Got Questions, We’ve Got Answers

Have you ever wandered down the nutrition aisle or scrolled through fitness content online and noticed that protein supplements are absolutely everywhere? They now come in powders, shakes, bars, cookies, and even popcorn – all promising to help you hit your health and fitness goals. As a woman, though, you might still have questions: are they really necessary, will they make you bulky, which protein supplements for women should you choose?

Fear not. This article includes some of the most frequently asked questions about protein supplements and their role in women’s health so that you can make the most informed choices:

women really need protein

Do Women Really Need Protein Supplements?

Let’s start with the million-dollar question. The answer is: not necessarily – but protein supplements for women can be helpful. Your body needs protein every single day to build and repair muscles, support healthy skin and hair, and keep your metabolism humming. Most women can get enough protein from whole foods like chicken, eggs, fish, beans, and nuts, but life happens. Busy schedules, skipped meals, and picky appetites can make it tough to hit your daily protein goals.

Supplements are an excellent way to bridge this gap. With a scoop or two of protein powder in a smoothie or shake, you’re ready to go. Just think of them as a backup plan: they’re not a replacement for real food, but they help ensure your body gets essential nutrients, especially on days when your diet falls short.

Will Protein Supplements Make Women Bulky?

This is one of the most common concerns that women have, and it’s completely understandable. The truth is that protein alone will not make you “bulk up”. Building big, visible muscles takes years of intense weightlifting, not to mention carefully structured diets and often, very specific genetics. What protein does is help your muscles recover after workouts, so they feel less sore and get stronger over time.

For women, adding protein is more likely to result in a look that’s lean and toned rather than extra bulk. If you’re strength training, it can help you build healthy muscle mass that supports fat loss and boosts your metabolism. Not lifting weights? Protein can still benefit your body by keeping you full and helping maintain healthy tissues.

Can Protein Supplements Help With Weight Loss?

Good news: protein can definitely play a role in weight management. It’s the most satiating macronutrient, which means it keeps you full longer than carbs or fat. Having a protein shake as a snack can prevent you from reaching for less nutritious options later in the day.

Additionally, protein helps preserve lean muscle mass when you’re eating in a calorie deficit. This is important because losing muscle can slow your metabolism and make it harder to maintain weight loss long term.

Having said all of that, supplements aren’t magic. They work best as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle. You’re best off thinking of them as one of many tools in your health and wellness toolbox, not the entire solution.

How Much Protein Should Women Take Daily?

This is where things get a little tricky, as there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The general recommendation for women who are moderately active is to consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. If you work out regularly, though – especially if you engage in weight lifting or do high-intensity exercises – you might need closer to 1.2 to 2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day.

Yes, we know that might sound like a lot. Once you spread it out over three meals and a snack or a shake, though, it’s completely doable. Our 2-in-1 Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder simplifies this immensely: one serving delivers 22 grams of protein. This is great for those who struggle to get enough protein from food alone. 

Do Protein Supplements Have Side Effects?

Protein supplements are generally safe for most healthy women, so long as they’re used as directed. The main thing to watch out for is overdoing it: taking in too much protein can cause digestive issues such as bloating or constipation, and in extreme cases, it can put unnecessary stress on your kidneys.

It’s also a good idea to read the label of your chosen protein supplement carefully. Some powders and bars out there are loaded with added sugars, artificial flavors, or unnecessary fillers.

You don’t have to worry about bloating or additives with our 2-in-1 Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder, though. We combine two high-quality complimentary plant-based proteins (pea and hemp), as well as additional glutamine, leucine, and digestive enzymes for a balanced amino acid profile. To this, we’ve added gut-supporting bacillus strain probiotics to help reduce bloating and symptoms of IBS.

That said, if you have any pre-existing health conditions – like kidney disease – or you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, we recommend checking with your doctor before adding any supplement to your routine.

When Is the Best Time To Take Protein?

You’ve probably heard about the “anabolic window” – the idea that you must drink a protein shake within 30 minutes of your workout or risk wasting your effort. According to recent research, though, this window is actually much bigger than initially thought, sometimes lasting several hours.

What this means is that you don’t have to chug a shake right after you put the weights down, but it’s still a good idea to get some protein in relatively soon after exercise to help with recovery. Many women also like using protein supplements as a quick breakfast option or as a pick-me-up in the afternoon.

Probiotic Protein Powder

Our 2-in-1 Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder is the Protein Supplement for Women You Never Knew You Needed

Protein supplements aren’t just for bodybuilders or professional athletes. They can be a convenient way for women to meet their daily protein needs, support their fitness goals, and feel their best.

Our 2-in-1 Plant-Based Probiotic Protein Powder is the best way to meet your daily protein needs, sans the bloat commonly associated with other protein powders. It’s available in two flavors: Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Silk. Head on over to this page to order yours today.