The Truth About Protein Powders for Women According to Sarah Bowmar

It’s no secret that women have different needs compared to men. But is the same true when it comes to protein requirements?

One of my closest friends recently picked up bodybuilding and wanted to learn how protein intake can help her maximize her muscle gain. She tried doing her research online but was generally unsatisfied with the lack of credible literature that focuses on women. Why are there protein powders that claim to be tailored for women? What is the difference between these and the ones that men take? Will choosing one over the other really have a huge effect on her progress?

I sat down recently with Sarah Bowmar, fitness expert, published author, and founder and CEO of highly successful sports nutrition brands, Apex Protein Snacks and Bowmar Nutrition, and decided to take advantage of the opportunity to ask her if there really is a difference between the protein needs of men and women.

Are protein powders really good for you?

Our body needs protein to function properly–it helps develop muscles, repair tissues, and create essential enzymes and hormones. When you look at protein powders, you need to think of them as protein sources, much like eggs or meat. So generally, yes, they are beneficial but it also depends on the brand or source of protein powder. Protein powders are a great way to get in more protein throughout the day and meet your requirements if you don’t get in enough from whole food sources.

What do protein powders actually do?

Protein powder is simply another source of protein. Think of it no different than eggs or beef. It is meant to fill nutritional gaps. So in a sense, protein powder does everything that other protein sources do. For people who exercise, of course, this means muscle muscle growth and workout recovery. For those who want to better manage their calorie intake but still meet their macronutrient needs, it can also help with that. There are some protein powders that are infused with other nutrients but at the end of the day, it really is just a protein source.

Should I take protein powder every day?

I always tell people to only use supplements like protein powder if your diet needs it. The best protein sources really are from whole foods. Again, look at your protein powder as another source of protein to meet your requirements, and not an actual daily requirement. Some days I don’t need to supplement with protein or collagen and other days I do. 

Is there a difference between men and women when it comes to protein requirements?

Generally speaking, men need more protein, but it’s still a case to case basis. A lot of factors come into play when it comes to determining your protein requirements like your goals, metabolic age, weight, height, etc. The best way to know, really, is by consulting with a certified nutritionist. That said, if the question is meant to determine the difference between how a man and a woman’s body processes protein, there really is none. Protein is protein and provides the same benefits regardless of gender. 

Which protein powder brand is best?

I would say that the best protein powder brand is the one that fits your lifestyle and preferences best. My suggestion is to do your research–learn about the different types of protein powder and decide which one you think works best for you. Then try different brands to also learn which tastes the best for you. At Bowmar Nutrition, we take pride in developing protein powders that utilize the best technology available today and are based on heavy research and consumer feedback. From the amount of protein per serving, taste, etc. we make sure that our products work to make it easier for you to achieve your goals. In addition to protein powders, we also have a myriad of products that are meant to help you hit your protein requirements in a very enjoyable way, including protein bars, high-protein nut spread, and meat sticks, among many others.

In addition to being a fitness expert, Sarah is also a Postpartum Fitness Specialist who received her certifications from the American Fitness Professional Association (AFPA) and the American Fitness Professional Association (AFPA). She has both an undergraduate degree and MBA in Marketing from Ball State and is the author of the Amazon bestseller, “Zero to a Million Without Showing Your Butthole”. She is also a blogger and, together with her husband, Josh Bowmar, hosts the podcast, The Bowmar Show. She also owns her own jewelry business, Brack and Pine.

To know more about her, you may visit her blog www.sarahbowmar.com or follow @sarah_bowmar on Instagram.