Yes, 'whey' -- an interview with the CEO of Designer Whey

There's a great deal of talk about protein these days. The different kinds, the amount we should be eating, the best time to eat it, and so on and so forth. So, to help get to the bottom of it all, I decided to reach out to David Jenkins, CEO and Founder of Designer Whey protein. Here's what he had to say.

T.F.: Many weightlifting magazines often write about the need for serious trainers to get a high amount of protein in their diet. Do you agree that this is necessary?

D.J.: Of course, but the key is that these are SERIOUS trainers. If they don't fuel the muscle there will be loss. Muscles during intense workouts need protein for fuel, whey protein is digested very quickly and delivered to the muscles quickly and easily, as opposed to eggs, milk or soy which take longer.

T.F.: How much protein should an exercise newbie consume? And does this differ depending on the gender and age of the exerciser?

D.J.: The average person's daily calorie consumption should consist of 30-40% protein. Gender and age do not matter.

T.F.: With so many protein products available, what are some tell-tale signs consumers can look for to determine if what they are buying is the real thing (or if it's a bunch of worthless powder)?

D.J.: A great way to tell if a protein powder is worthless is to look for cheap fillers like maltodextrin, polydextrose, or sugar. A good measure of a protein powder is by gauging how you feel during and after your workout. If by taking a protein before and during a workout you feel substantially nourished and satisfied, like you can do one more set or go a little longer, than your protein is working for you! Another body sign that your protein is working for you is muscle soreness after a workout, if you are continually sore after your workout and it takes days to recovery than you are probably using an inferior protein powder.

T.F.: How important is it to consume protein after a resistance training workout? How about before?

D.J.: Protein should be consumed immediately after a workout and if not immediately within the 30-45 minute range. The metabolism is elevated following a workout and when the metabolism is elevated nutrients and absorption is enhanced. Research shows the quicker protein is ingested following the workout, the quicker the body can begin to repair and grow. Just like you stretch before an activity to prevent injury, or warm up before working out to prepare your body for what's to come, you have to equip your muscles with adequate nutrition for optimum performance. It's like fuel for an engine, and the quicker the protein gets to the muscles the better, before and after the workout.

T.F.: Are there any known dangers of consuming too much protein?

D.J.: Consuming excessive amounts of protein can be hard on the kidneys and the whole digestive system. Healthy individuals should not have any problems in the 30-40% range of calories from protein. However, protein should be consumed with a adequate to high dietary fiber intake to ensure proper digestion. Water is also very important to digestion, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day if you are consuming 30-40% protein per day.

Thanks, David, for answering our questions and helping to clear up some of the confusion surrounding using protein safely.