I’m asked almost daily to give feedback to fans and consumers on which protein they should take. Whether they post a picture of the protein they’re currently using or are asking which of the JYM proteins they should consume, I’ve noticed this is a BIG topic, so I’ll break it all down here.
What protein should you NOT take?
Let’s get this off the table first. A simple rule to follow is to look at the label of your protein powder. If it contains whey protein concentrate, toss it.
Why do concentrates suck? Because they lack protein!
The word you need to familiarize yourself with is “concentrate.” This type of protein is filled with lactose and only about 50%-70% actual protein. Contrary to whey protein isolate, it’s a subpar version of protein.
Whey protein isolate (WPI for short) contains 90% or more protein with virtually no lactose. If you’ve ever taken a protein shake and had stomach issues, the likely culprit is whey concentrate protein.
Concentrates are also cheap!
Whey protein concentrate is cheaper than other forms of protein (like isolates), so it makes sense why most companies opt for this subpar version without regard to the quality the consumers are getting.
My proteins—Pro JYM, Iso JYM, Plant JYM, even Mass JYM and my JYM Bar—will NEVER contain this type of material. No whey protein concentrates ever!
How to make sure your protein isn’t a concentrate: check the ingredients.
So, where exactly do you look to make sure this type of protein is NOT in your protein powder? Every label has an “Ingredients” list right below the Supplement Facts panel. Check to see if “Whey Protein Concentrate” is on the list. If the product is a good, quality protein powder, it won’t be.
Some products contain both whey concentrate and isolate—that won’t work either. Your protein should contain isolates only.
How to choose between Pro JYM, Plant JYM, and Iso JYM:
Now that I’ve given you the basics on what protein type to avoid (concentrates), let’s review what protein you should take and the options that are best for you.
When it comes to my protein powders, you’ll notice I offer three different options: Pro JYM, Plant JYM and Iso JYM.
The reason I offer multiple options is because I create solutions for both you and me. Note that all three JYM proteins are gluten-free, soy-free, and lactose-free.
Let’s get into each product so you can make an educated decision on which to choose based on your goals and dietary needs…
Pro JYM—a great protein powder blend before and after workouts.
Pro JYM is a blend of whey protein isolate, casein, and egg protein. (It also contains milk protein isolate, which is just made up of whey and casein.) Research shows that this type of blend is best for maximizing your results before and after training.
Why? It’s due to the way each protein source works. Whey is fast acting and spikes muscle protein synthesis (MPS), while egg is a medium-digesting protein that allows that spike to last even longer. Finally, the casein protein helps sustain that spike even longer.
Why do you want to spike muscle protein synthesis?
Because that’s how you build muscle and recover from intense workouts. More muscle = less fat. If you’re interested in building muscle, burning fat, and getting the best MPS spike around training, Pro JYM is for you!
Is Pro JYM best for everyone? Generally, yes, but many factors come into play. In recent years I’ve developed an egg allergy, which means no more Pro JYM for me. But as I said earlier, I offer solutions. And that’s where these next two protein powders come into play…
Plant JYM—the solution for food allergies and plant-based diets.
Why would you use a plant protein after all of the above points about Pro JYM? Simple: You’re on a plant-based diet or are sensitive or allergic to whey, casein, and/or egg, and you need a solution.
But not all plant proteins are equal. Nearly every plant protein on the market SUCKS. Why? A few reasons. First of all, most use protein concentrates and are filled with carbs. In fact, the carbs are often higher than the protein amount per serving. That’s a huge fail!
There are four problems with most plant proteins. I fixed all four with Plant JYM to make it even more anabolic than whey protein on its own. Here’s what I fixed…
4 problems with most plant protein powders:
- Problem 1: Most plant proteins have too many carbs.
- Problem 2: Most plant proteins have too little protein per serving
- Problem 3: Most plant proteins have a bad amino acid profile, thus making them less effective for building muscle than whey and other types of animal proteins.
- Problem 4: Most plant proteins taste awful! Let’s face it, all the facts in the world mean nothing if you have to choke down your protein.
How Plant JYM solves these problems:
I was able to create a plant protein powder that delivers 24 grams of protein per scoop, 0 grams of sugar, and only 5 grams of carbs.
Plant JYM uses a blend of rice and pea protein isolates, not concentrates. That means the carbs are removed, and it also eliminates the gritty texture to help create the best-tasting plant protein you have ever had.
Finally, in order to maximize the muscle-building potential of Plant JYM and create a worthy alternative to Pro JYM, I added many key amino acids (including BCAAs) to Plant JYM to match what’s in Pro JYM.
If you have an allergy, are vegetarian or vegan, or just want to add some variety and plant proteins to your diet, Plant JYM is for you!
Iso JYM—pure whey protein isolate for gaining lean muscle.
Finally, let’s cover Iso JYM. What is it? It’s whey protein isolate, nothing more. Why did I create it? Because, again, I create solutions for you, the consumer.
Iso JYM provides 20 grams of protein and only 1-2 grams of carbs per scoop! It’s the perfect option for those on low-carb diets looking to maximize muscle gains and fat loss—like someone getting ready to step onstage and needing to keep carbs in check while getting in much-needed protein. Or anyone just looking to get shredded and stay lean, period.
Whey protein that’s light, refreshing, and perfect for low-carb diets.
Iso JYM is a clear whey protein isolate available in light, refreshing fruit flavors, which means you can literally drink it and go play a sport, lift weights, or do any other physical activity without feeling full. All of my protein powders are great around workouts, but some people just can’t drink a thick shake like Pro JYM or Plant JYM and go train. Iso JYM is perfect for these people.
If you have a sensitivity to casein or egg, are on a low-carb diet, and/or need to bump up your protein intake without constantly feeling full, Iso JYM is for you!
3 great proteins to choose from!
Hope that clears up any questions you have on what protein to reach for. I understand it can be overwhelming, but that’s why I’m here to help. Make your choice on what protein best fits your goals—Pro JYM, Plant JYM, or Iso JYM—and start maximizing your results!
What else to take with your protein:
Whether you take Pro JYM, Iso JYM, or Plant JYM, I designed my entire JYM line to work as a system. Meaning, most of the time you’ll be taking at least one other product along with your protein powder.
Around workouts especially (pre-workout and post-workout), you’ll want to combine your protein powder with either Pre JYM (pre-workout) or Post JYM (post-workout).
Iso JYM, for example, can literally be mixed with Pre JYM before workouts or Post JYM after workouts. I have a Green Apple Gummy flavor for both Iso JYM and Post JYM specifically for mixing the two. Grape Iso JYM and Grape Candy Pre JYM also go well together.
If you’re using Pro JYM, you can mix the Tahitian Vanilla Bean flavor with Mandarin Orange Post JYM for a delicious orange creamsicle treat. Otherwise, you may not want to mix Pro JYM or Plant JYM with either Pre JYM or Post JYM. In this case, take Pro JYM around an hour before your workout and Pre JYM within 30 minutes of the workout. Then, take Pro JYM right after training and sip on Post JYM after that for the next half-hour or so.