Protein powder, used by bodybuilders, vegans and anyone looking to boost their protein intake, often comes in large tubs that can take some people one year or more to use. Protein powder is a dry food and has a fairly stable shelf life.

Whey protein powder is used in supplement drink mixes and meal replacements aimed at reducing body fat and increasing lean muscle mass.

You can use chickpeas, also known as garbanzo or ceci beans, in dishes as varied as hummus, curries and falafel. They not only provide nutrients such as dietary fiber and potassium but are also good sources of protein.

Bodybuilders and athletes use protein shakes to increase their protein intake and to improve body composition. You can make the shakes at home or buy them as ready-to-drink beverages. Protein shakes normally contain whey or soy protein, both of which possibly have blood pressure lowering effects.

Whey protein is a popular and convenient snack on the go, particularly for those following a high-protein diet. When you are searching for new ways to prepare high protein meals, you might wonder whether whey protein is a possible addition to your morning oatmeal.

Body builders need more protein than the average adult to build and maintain muscle mass. To help them meet these needs, a wide variety of supplements are available, including protein shakes.

Protein is an integral macronutrient for women looking to maximize performance and aid recovery from hard training. One of the key times to consume protein is after a workout, when the amino acids that make up protein are used to repair damaged muscle tissue.

Whey protein is often included in supplements marketed for weight loss and muscle gain. A 2001 study published in "International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism"

If you're like most Americans, you consume more protein than you need, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

All three of the basic macronutrients -- carbohydrates, fat and protein -- are used as fuel in the body. Usually, the exact fuel your body is using at any given time is a mixture of the three, but the balance changes depending upon the circumstances.

Hemp protein, from the seeds of the hemp plant, serves as a high-quality alternative for vegetarians and those who suffer from lactose intolerance or dairy allergy. Even if you don't fall into this category, hemp protein is a valuable addition to any active person's diet, athlete and author Brendan Brazier told "Shape"

Whey protein is a nutritional supplement that adds high-quality milk protein to your diet. Whey protein can help you to add muscle mass as part of your overall fitness plan, and the timing of whey consumption can affect both muscle recovery and muscle building following a workout.