• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Generation Iron

Generation Iron Fitness & Strength Sports Network

  • Movies
  • Original Content
  • Reviews
    • Supplements
      • Pre-Workout
      • Fat Burners
      • Testosterone Boosters
      • Creatine
      • Protein
      • BCAAs
      • Multivitamins
      • Omega-3
      • Joint Supplements
      • Super Greens
      • Meal Replacement
    • Recovery
      • Best Cold Plunges
      • Best Saunas
      • Best Foam Rollers
      • Best Massage Guns
    • Programs
      • Best Online Workout Programs
      • Best Workout Streaming Services
      • Best Home Workout Programs
  • Equipment
    • Cardio
      • Treadmills
      • Best Exercise Bikes
      • Best Stair Climbers
    • Fitness Accessories
      • Best Apparel
      • Best Gym Bags
      • Weightlifting Shoes
    • Strength
      • Best Dumbbells
      • Best Barbells
      • Best Kettlebells
      • Best Squat Racks
      • Best Weightlifting Belts
      • Best Home Gym Equipment
      • Complete Home Gyms
    • Training
      • Best Knee Sleeves
      • Best Wrist Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Wraps
      • Best Weightlifting Gloves
  • More
    • About Us
      • Our Team
      • Our Experts
    • Advertise
    • Franchise With Us
    • Exercise Guides
    • Athlete Profiles
    • Podcasts
    • Power 30
    • Bodybuilding Awards
    • Supplement Awards
  • Shop
Nutrition

The Ins and Outs Of Protein Powder For Beginners

by Austin Letorney Published on Mar 15, 2023 Fact checked by Dr. Jacob Wilson

pea protein vs. whey protein
This post may contain affiliate links (disclosure policy).

Protein powder is an incredible supplement that beginners need to know about.

We as experienced lifters may have an entire supplement shelf stacked with our favorites, but for those of us beginners who may not entirely know what to look for, start with protein powder. What these supplements can do are work wonders for your gains and allow you to thrive both inside and out of the gym.

As a beginner, you are still learning the ropes, and that is totally cool, but now it’s time to dive in and see what is out there to take your training to the next level. By putting an emphasis on protein and knowing just what protein can do for you, you will better set yourself up to see the best gains possible.

Let’s take a look at protein powder so you as a beginner know exactly what to do when it comes to building muscle and enhancing recovery. With the right approach as a beginner to all things protein powder, you will better set yourself up for the best gains possible.

protein

What Is Protein Powder?

Protein powder is a supplement derived from either whey (dairy) or a plant-based form (brown rice, pea, etc.) used to increase muscle growth, enhance recovery, and aid in those weight loss efforts.

Since protein is the building block of all muscle, by putting this into your routine, what you will find is a great supplement able to tackle all of those lifting and recovery wants and needs (1).

RELATED: How To Eat More Protein

A highly effective and safe supplement, a protein powder is exactly what you need to see the best gains possible, and as a beginner, the right powder on your shelf can make all the difference. It just takes knowing the ins and out of what a good powder can do for your gains.

protein powders

Benefits Of Protein Powder

The benefits of a protein powder are hard to ignore and it would be a disservice to do so. With the right supplement on your shelf, you will see the best gains in no time with no hassle or stress to you, your wallet, or your gains.

Benefits of protein powder include:

  • Great source of protein: Protein powders are packed with protein to give you that extra boost and serve as simple and convenient ways to get protein. This is with either a whey protein or a plant-based protein.
  • Serious muscle growth: Since protein is essential for muscle growth, having a powder that works to build muscle and enhance your gains is important as you look to build that shredded physique (2).
  • Enhanced recovery: Protein not only enhances growth but can help repair those damaged muscles. With a top tier protein powder, your recovery goals are right around the corner (3).
  • Help keep you full: These can help keep you full since protein does a great job with that. It will eliminate your desire to snack and help curb hunger by pumping you with other nutrients.
  • Aid in weight loss: By keeping you more full and curbing hunger, it will help with weight loss and enhance all those goals so you see that desired physique unfold. This can also help with your body composition as well (4).

protein powders

The Ins and Outs of Protein Powder For Beginners

Let’s get into some of the finer details and potential questions a beginner would have on protein powders as they look to progress further into their training and recovery process.

  • Why Protein Powder Matters

Protein powder matters because it is a convenient way to get protein immediately after a workout. Those grueling workouts exhaust us but with the right approach to training, all of our gains will be covered in no time and protein powder can fix that. For those on-the-go needs, like heading home from the gym, a protein powder is something that you will absolutely love to have for what it can do for gains.

  • What To Look For

There are a few key factors to look for. The first is whether you want whey or plant-based powder. For those following certain diets, or who are sensitive to dairy, a plant-based powder is a perfectly fine option for your protein powder.

Also look for reputability and honesty in the company. With a saturated market, some companies may be out there looking to make a quick buck but there are plenty who pride themselves on the honesty and transparency of their product which can seriously increase growth.

Of course, look for price. These supplements can start to get expensive but looking to price and how many servings you get is important as you look to build that muscle and enhance recovery all while having it be affordable.

RELATED: How Whey Protein & Oats Work To Build Serious Muscle

  • Is It Safe?

Protein powder is a safe supplement to take but it is always best to read the label and consult a doctor is you have questions. A widely studied supplement, there is plenty of scientific backing to give you the option to read up on the safety, effectiveness, and overall ability of what protein powder can do.

  • When Should I Take It?

The best time to take a protein powder is right after a workout. You’ve depleted your body and now its time to pump those nutrients back in to see the best growth, recovery, and weight loss efforts. Somewhere in the ball park of 15-60 minutes after your workout is good.

  • Is It Worth It?

Overall, yes, protein powder is worth it. It is healthy, safe, effective, and can work wonders for your overall training and performance goals, as well as health and wellness. The right powder is exactly what you need to see the best gains possible.

RELATED: Check out our list of the Best Protein Powders for more great muscle building and recovery supplements!

Wrap Up

Protein powder has the ability to help us greatly and with the right approach, all you need to do is find the right one and enjoy. Able to pump us with protein and enhance muscle growth, recovery, and weight loss, beginners will find this to more than helpful as they embark on their fitness journey today.


Let us know what you think in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. 

*Images courtesy of Envato

References

  1. Cintineo, H.; et al. (2018). “Effects of Protein Supplementation on Performance and Recovery in Resistance and Endurance Training”. (source)
  2. Pasiakos, S.; et al. (2015). “The effects of protein supplements on muscle mass, strength, and aerobic and anaerobic power in healthy adults: a systematic review”. (source)
  3. Pasiakos, S.; et al. (2014). “Effects of protein supplement on muscle damage, soreness and recovery of muscle function and physical performance: a systematic review”. (source)
  4. Leidy, H.; et al. (2015). “The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance”. (source)

About Austin Letorney

Austin Letorney is a writer, actor, and fitness enthusiast. As a former rower, he has shifted his focus to sharing his knowledge of the fitness world and strength sports with others.

View All Articles

Primary Sidebar

Get the Latest

Stay informed with the latest news, product reviews, & expert advice.

Popular Reviews

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • Performance Lab SPORT BCAA

    The Best BCAA For Bodybuilding Health & Performance Goals

Trending Articles

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

  • The Ultimate Mike Mentzer Workout and Diet

  • Chris bumstead's 2024 workout and diet plan

    Chris Bumstead’s 2025 Complete Bodybuilding Workout & Diet Plan

Popular Now

  • best protein powders

    The Best Protein Powder Supplements of 2025 (Tried and Tested)

  • Best Creatine Supplements For Bulking & Muscle Growth of 2025 (Personally Tested)

  • top x pre workout

    The 14 Best Pre-Workout Supplements of 2025 (MD Reviewed)

  • female fitness models

    18 Best Butts On The Internet (Updated 2024)

  • best citrulline supplements

    The Best Citrulline Malate Supplements for Performance and Pump

  • ronnie coleman the king workout

    Ronnie “The King” Coleman’s Complete Bodybuilding Workout

Generation Iron

Generation Iron is the first and only digital network delivering health, fitness, bodybuilding, and strength sports content. We deliver premium content with the biggest names in fitness and provide expert coverage, reviews on top brands, workout tips and trends in the worlds of fitness, health and strength sports.

Strongman Corporation
Vladar

Sections

  • Trending News
  • Original Movies
  • Original Content
  • Supplement Reviews
  • Equipment Reviews
  • Exercise Guides
  • Nutrition Guides
  • Athlete Profiles

More

  • About Us
  • Our Team
  • Our Experts
  • Advertise
  • Franchise With Us
  • Podcasts
  • Power 30
  • Shop

CONTACT

Generation Iron Brands LLC
134 West 29th Street Suite 902
New York, NY 10001
Email: [email protected]

Follow

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • X / Twitter
  • YouTube

© 2025 · Generation Iron · Disclaimers · Privacy Policy · Accessibility