Is Protein Powder Allowed on the Diet?
I am often asked if protein powder is allowed on Dr. Singleton’s anti-inflammatory diet. The answer is yes! Read on to learn which are allowed and during which Phase of the diet.
There are so many protein powders on the market. Some of them are pure, meaning they don’t have any other ingredients added, while others are mixed with sugar and flavoring, keeping them out of the diet.
Most of the multi-ingredient powders contain ingredients that are never allowed on the diet so when shopping for protein powder reading the label is essential. Look closely for sugar, which can be listed as fructose, sucrose, rice syrup, and a variety of other sneaky names.
Choose pure products which are usually called “plain.” I like to use products with one ingredient. This ensures that I’m not eating anything I’m not supposed to.
Below I list protein powders that are allowed on the diet according to diet Phase, including a link to the brand that I use.
Phase 1
Brown rice protein: 15 grams (1 heaping tablespoon) has 12 grams of protein
I use NutriBiotic Plain Rice Protein Powder, which is made from whole grain, sprouted brown rice.
Chia protein powder: 15 grams (1 heaping tablespoon) has 5 grams of protein
I haven’t tried it yet, but Foods Alive Chia Protein Powder Raw looks like a good option.
Phase 2
Pea protein powder: 15 grams (1 heaping tablespoon) has 12 grams of protein
I like Designs for Health’s PurePea Plain
because the powder is more like a fine dust which makes it mix into smoothies much better than the others I’ve tried.
Phase 3
Plain whey powder: 15 grams (1 heaping tablespoon) has 12 grams of protein.
Note: Use only if you can tolerate dairy.
I can not tolerate dairy, but if I could I’d use a pure product like Designs for Health Plain Whey Cool Powder to ensure there are no unsavory additives.
Phase 4
Hemp protein powder: 15 grams (1 heaping tablespoon) has 7.5 grams of protein
I use Nutiva Organic Hemp Protein
If I missed any you can use this general rule as your guide. Compare the list of ingredients on the product that you are considering with the list of Allowable Ingredients by Phase. If the product contains all allowable ingredients than you can add it into your diet. If there is a mix and some ingredients come in during later phases of the diet, then do not start using the product until you are in the appropriate Phase.
For example, I like Garden of Life RAW Protein Beyond Organic Protein Formula because it contains 11.5 grams of protein in one heaping tablespoon (15 grams) of powder. It also is made from raw sprouted ingredients and has enzymes and probiotics ramping up its nutritional value even more. It contains a few ingredients that are not allowed until Phase 3 though, which means this is not an allowable product until Phase 3.
You can add any protein powder to a smoothie, such as the Cherry Almond Vanilla Blast or the Coconut Berry Smoothie. Or make up your own yummy recipe!
If you’ve never tried protein powder, try a small amount in a smoothie before trying the full serving size. Some have quite a strong taste, like hemp powder, so it’s best to make sure you enjoy the flavor before adding too much.
Tags: 60 Day Challenge, Lyme Inflammation Diet, protein powder
