Kelsey HigginsonSports Nutrition Coach and Founder at Clutch Day Coaching

Should athletes use protein powder?

8 May 2025 · 1 min

Watch on YouTube

0:32

In this concise informational segment, the speaker addresses common questions about athletes' protein sources, emphasizing a food-first approach. He recommends that roughly 80% of an athlete’s daily protein should come from whole foods such as meat and dairy, which also provide essential micronutrients that support strength and recovery. Protein powders, particularly whey or a whey‑casein blend, are presented as useful supplements to help meet remaining protein needs, with a suggestion of one shake per day as a practical guideline. The overall message balances whole‑food nutrition with targeted supplementation.

Chapters

What protein sources should athletes be eating? Should they be only having meat? Should they only be having powders? What kind of powders should they be having? Number one, food first. I need 80% of your protein coming from meats, dairy, etc. Not only does meat and dairy products have protein in them, they have micronutrients in them that help keep the athlete's body strong and helps with recovery. But protein powders can be great too, especially a whey protein or whey and casein protein. Those can be very helpful in helping an athlete hit their protein needs for the day. So I'd say one protein shake a day is awesome as long as you're getting 80% of your protein from Real food sources.