As a vegetarian or vegan bodybuilder, it can take quite a bit of research and preparation to fill the protein vacuum left behind after kissing meat goodbye. Even with a pantry full of all manner of canned beans and chickpeas, and a fridge full of tofu, tempeh, and seitan, I still find room in my repertoire for a good, solid protein shake at least once a day. Sometimes several times a day.
Anyone who has had more than a passing interest in weight training will be familiar with whey protein in its many incarnations, for those not familiar with it can visit the homepage of this website. Whey protein formulas are widely available at health food shops and supermarkets. If you use them on a regular basis, and unless you happen to be super rich, or happen to get some kind of bizarre kick out of burning cash, you probably will have found a better value supplier online.
I used Bulk Powders for several years before I ‘went veggie’, and in fact, I still have the same well-worn plastic shaker that they sent with my first order way back in 2006. After giving dead animals the sack for good more recently I wasted no time in ordering 1kg of their vegan-friendly Pure Series Hemp Protein supplement.
Hemp Protein You Say?
That’s right! It turns out that the same versatile plant that invented reggae music exponentially increased our enjoyment of video games, and made ice cream taste bloody amazing has yet another trick up its sleeve, in the form of a rather high concentration of our bodybuilding BFF – protein!
Hemp is a fantastic source not only of protein, but also of all 2o amino acids, Omega 3, Omega 6, and Omega 9. It is also loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
It is also free of all the nasties such as gluten, dairy, lactose, GMO, hexane, pesticides, herbicides, additives, and preservatives.
Bulk Powders Hemp Protein
The neat little box containing my 1kg bag of Bulk Powders Hemp Protein arrived at my London home the day after I ordered it, which was no real surprise. These guys are always banging on point when it comes to getting stuff delivered on time.
A handy little scoop that measures out the suggested 30-gram serving comes sealed in the packet, so there is no messing about.
Bulk Powders produce this protein powder using UK hemp seeds, and they claim that it is nutritionally the best hemp protein supplement in Europe, as well as being the best value. At £19.75 for 1kg, or £41.49 for 2.5kg I feel inclined to believe these claims, as on the high street you would be looking at closer to £30 a kilo.
Taste Test
I kind of knew what to expect from the green-brown color. It looks like plants. It comes from plants. The clue is in the name, specifically the words ‘hemp’ and ‘unflavoured’.
If you have tasted spirulina supplements then it reminded me of that.
It tastes like what it is. Plant-like, and actually quite pleasant.
Vegetarian Bodybuilding Diet Hack: Amsterdam Double-Stack
Mix 30g of Bulk Powders Hemp Protein with 30g of Bulk Powders Complete All in One Chocolate. The former also includes creatine for extra power in the gym, although be aware that due to its whey content it is not suitable for vegans. It tastes kind of like a hash brownie.
Performance
I have been using Bulk Powders Hemp Protein for about a week at the time of writing.
I am currently doing an intense full-body workout on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. I generally also cycle at a moderate pace for around an hour a day and play 7-a-side football once a week for 90-120 minutes.
If I don’t get enough protein then I really notice it, especially in my legs when they cop a battering via my Sunday cycle/football/cycle ‘duathlon‘.
This stuff really works; previously when I hit the gym on a Monday after the kind of Sunday just described I would really struggle on deadlifts. Some Mondays I would end up skipping legs altogether because they were torn to shreds – this was not the case this morning.
The Force was strong with this one, and I would recommend this protein powder to anyone to use either instead of or in addition to a regular whey protein supplement.
