Today’s guest post is by Pamela Hernandez. Pamela is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and an ACE Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach. This month, she writes about the wide variety of protein powders that available for folks who are looking for alternatives to whey protein powder. Pamela is the owner of Thrive Personal Fitness. Follow her healthy weight loss and fitness tips on twitter: @thrivefit. She is ThriveFit on DailyBurn Tracker. Enjoy! – Kate

In the fitness world whey protein is king. Everyone’s post-workout shake is whey. Everyone’s pre-workout shake is whey. Everyone is cooking and baking with whey. You would think it was the only kind of protein powder out there.

While whey protein is the most popular, it isn’t the only protein powder on the block. In fact, you may be missing the boat if you aren’t including some other protein powders in your nutritional arsenal. Depending on your lifestyle and goals, there may be a better fit for your nutritional plan.

Soy: A non-animal derived protein powder that is also a complete protein. Soy may be a better fit if you’re a vegetarian or avoiding dairy. A 2004 study at the University of Ohio indicated that soy could be better at protecting against oxidative stress than whey, making this easily digestible protein an alternative for your post workout shake.

Egg: Did you know that as many as 40 different proteins are present in egg whites? Drinking a shake with egg white protein powder can be an easy fix for those too busy to cook eggs but still want the benefits of this moderate digesting protein. You can also go straight to the source by making smoothies with pasteurized liquid egg whites. Blend them with fresh fruit or frozen berries for a non-dairy post workout treat or a quick breakfast.

Casein: Casein is also a milk derived protein powder but unlike whey it is a slow digesting protein. This means it will provide fuel for your body for a longer period of time, up to 7 hours. Give your body fuel while you sleep (and your body recovers) with a pre bedtime casein protein shake.

Hemp: Another plant based complete protein; hemp may be a great alternative for those with soy allergies. It has the added benefit of being a great source of essential fatty acids. I recently found a protein powder called True Vitality that a vegan blend of hemp and brown rice with DHA from algae that has become my post workout favorite.

Brown Rice: When we think of rice we think of carbs, right? Brown rice protein powder, however, is manufactured to separate out the proteins to create a powder that is about 70% protein. Rich in glutamine, which promotes muscle recovery, brown rice protein powder can also make a great post workout shake alternative.

Shake up your shake with one of these whey protein alternatives. Need a new great shake recipe? Try my Post Workout Pina Colada or Thai Chai Protein Shake.

Thanks for your insight, Pamela! Readers: what protein powder do you use and why?