It’s early in the morning, and you’re rushing around the house to get ready for work.
Even though it's your last priority, you know how important it is to get a good, healthy breakfast.
Or, let's say it's not early in the morning. Let's say you just finished up an awesome workout with a friend.
You're sweaty, tired, and know you're going to be sore. However, you don't want to be so sore that you can barely walk up the stairs.
You open up your cabinet or gym bag to reach in and grab a protein shake to fit into either of these scenarios.
But, which one are you grabbing? Level-1 or Phormula-1?
If you aren’t sure exactly which one to grab, that’s okay! Let’s say you decide on one of them, but you aren’t sure exactly why it's better for a particular situation ... that’s also okay.
I had these same thoughts when I was first introduced to these products years ago.
However, I want to help you better understand which option is best for each separate scenario, and why.
Let’s start by covering what they have in common...
What Do Phormula-1 and Level-1 Have in Common?
Both Phormula-1 and Level-1 are premium, high-quality protein powders. Because of this, both of them are also very bio-available. This just means your body has an easier time absorbing and making use of the protein in them.
Phormula-1 and Level-1 also undergo low-temperature processing. This is a method that prevents the protein from being exposed to high heats during processing or manufacturing.
You see, high heats can denature and lower the bioavailability of the protein. Plus, that's all before your body even gets the chance to use it.
Think of a burnt chicken breast that looks like a hockey puck compared to a perfectly-cooked, juicy, and tender chicken breast. They're both chicken breasts, but the perfectly-cooked chicken has far more protein your body can utilize.
In addition, both protein powders are cross-flow micro-filtered. This means the carbs and fats are filtered out with natural ceramic filters instead of harsh chemicals.
These two methods are what makes 1st Phorm protein so exceptionally great. They aren't only higher-quality, but are also the best-mixing, best-tasting protein powder on the market.
With that in mind though, what makes Phormula-1 and Level-1 different from each other? Let's take a closer look at each protein.
What is Phormula-1?
Phormula-1, and Phormula-1 Clear, are rapid-digesting whey protein isolates. But, what does that mean?
Basically, a whey isolate is a whey protein that has a high percentage of pure protein (90% or above). They can be virtually free of fat, carbohydrates, and lactose (which make up the rest of a whey protein powder).
In the absence of fat and lactose, your body can digest the whey protein more quickly. In fact, it can digest it more rapidly than whole food protein sources! This is why whey protein isolate is recommended to take after moderate or intense training.
Its rapid digestion speed can help flood muscles with amino acids (the building blocks of protein) after a workout. Since we break down muscle during training, it's important to give muscle tissue what it needs to repair and build back stronger ... Well, that happens to be protein. Muscle tissue is made almost entirely of protein and water.
Basically, Phormula-1 can help support better recovery after a workout. This can help support better results, while also helping you recover for your next training session. Soreness? Phormula-1 can help support that too.
Although Phormula-1 is mainly for post-workout, it’s also a great tool before training. At least, this is true if you’re not able to get a meal first.
I don’t like to eat anything heavy before I train, which makes Phormula-1 a great option right before my workouts. Since it digests quickly, It doesn't sit in my stomach and makes me feel bloated or "weighed down" like a full meal can.
What is Level-1?
Level-1 is a high-quality protein blend that is designed to be digested more slowly. While that may sound confusing, let me break down why this is the case.
You see, Level-1 is meant to mimic the digestion of a whole food protein source, such as a chicken breast. You'll often hear proteins similar to Level-1 referred to as "meal replacement powders".
This is because your body breaks down the protein over a longer period of time. The benefit of this is that it can help feed your muscles with a steady stream of amino acids.
This helps give muscle tissue what it needs for repair and growth while preventing muscle breakdown.
Level-1 can be a lifesaver when you’re busy and can’t eat a meal for an extended period of time. It’s also typically the protein powder that you would add to a smoothie or use for baking.
Plus, it can serve as your mid-afternoon sweet-tooth fix, since it tastes incredible (Ice Cream Cookie is my personal go-to!)
One thing I always point out is that Level-1 is typically not a full meal replacement. Actually, it serves better as just the protein portion of a meal or mid-day snack.
The carb and fat content is relatively low, which makes it ideal to pair with some fruits, or a serving of nuts to complete your meal.
Now, let's say you follow a plant-based diet. We also offer a similar option to Level-1, Vegan Power Pro, which is made from plant-based protein sources.
Which One Is Better: Phormula-1 or Level-1?
So, now that we’ve covered “what” they are, let’s talk about which one is better.
Really, that answer depends on a number of factors, because neither option is better or worse. Actually, they’re both great for different situations!
Let’s go back to the scenarios we talked about earlier as examples.
If you’re rushing out of the house and can’t eat a whole food meal ... grabbing a Level-1 shake, and maybe a piece of fruit is probably the best option.
That’ll help keep you full and help promote your body being in a state that will maintain and build lean muscle while using carbs and fats for fuel.
If you’re at the office and someone brings in sweets for everyone, but you have a plan to follow ... You could drink a Level-1 shake instead to knock out those cravings!
When reaching into your gym bag after a workout, make sure you’re grabbing Phormula-1. That, or Phormula-1 and Ignition depending on what type of workout you did. That way, you can recover faster, and can optimize the results you earn!
I personally use them both daily. I train hard almost every day, so Phormula-1 after my workouts is a staple to help me get the best results!
That said, I also love to drink a Level-1 shake before bed to help me hit my protein intake for the day.
This helps with aiding in my body’s recovery while I sleep ... and like I said, Ice Cream Cookie is the bomb!
If you have any questions about protein, your nutrition plan, or anything else to help you earn the best results possible, just reach out!
We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches right here in St. Louis, Missouri. Just give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 or send us an email at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com any day from 6 AM to 10 PM Central. We'll be more than happy to help in any way we can!
