Protein shake recommendations?

AngelJenny74

I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced protein powder that is low carb and promotes weight loss. I was considering Shakeology, but $130/month is ridiculous. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Michael190lbs

walmart - Six star "whey protein plus" five pound jug is $39.00 and it has 150 servings of 30 grams protein per serving.

Shakeology has more stuff in it than just protein and the couple I have tried were delicious but expensive..

LeWahnderful

I like Atkin's protein Shakes the best. Also, premiere protein shakes, they're 30g protein 160 cal and both are low sugar and carbs.

dmbfan22

Do you have a preference on the type of protein? I prefer plant based - I use Arbonne's Vegan protein. It is a pea protein, very easily digestible, does not increase estrogen (soy), and does not cause inflammation in the body (Whey).

juggernaut1974

jennymac74 wrote: »

I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced protein powder that is low carb and promotes weight loss. I was considering Shakeology, but $130/month is ridiculous. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Just to clear up an apparent and common misconception in your opening post...

Protein shakes in and of themselves do NOT "promote weight loss"

Protein shakes are to supplement your protein intake if you're lacking in that macro. Period.

As for recommendations - this gets asked quite frequently on here, and my biggest takeaway from those threads is that there really isn't a standard recommendation. It's really a matter of personal preference. For every brand/type listed, someone inevitably will come along and say they "hate" that brand, and then list his/her favorite brand, which is then subsequently hated by the next person, etc.

aliscib

I read several articles comparing cost and value. I use the GNC lean shake. I really like them. I drink them before my runs. I used them before a 1/2 and a full marathon this year

TheCrawlingChaos

I just make my own shakes, thoigh they're usually post workout shakes just to get some protein in me. I usually do vanilla whey protein, vanilla almond milk, frozen fruit, flax or Chia seeds, and a little honey.

instantmartian

dmbfan22 wrote: »

Do you have a preference on the type of protein? I prefer plant based - I use Arbonne's Vegan protein. It is a pea protein, very easily digestible, does not increase estrogen (soy), and does not cause inflammation in the body (Whey).

Yay Arbonne! (Says a consultant of several years.)

vadersaysno

I'm a big fan of MusclePharm Combat. The flavors are on point and everything mixes super well.

AlphaCajun

Lean 1 from Nutrition 53.
$1.90 per serving if you order on amazon. Certainly one of the better tasting ones on the market and will sate your appetite for around four hours. Solid nutrition and 20g protein. I've been on and off of them throughout my 80+ pounds of loss, about 7 months or so.

AngelJenny74

juggernaut1974 wrote: »

jennymac74 wrote: »

I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced protein powder that is low carb and promotes weight loss. I was considering Shakeology, but $130/month is ridiculous. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Just to clear up an apparent and common misconception in your opening post...

Protein shakes in and of themselves do NOT "promote weight loss"

Protein shakes are to supplement your protein intake if you're lacking in that macro. Period.

Thanks! I didn't mean to insinuate that they promote weight loss, I was just trying to say my intentions are to lose weight and not bulk up.

AngelJenny74

dmbfan22 wrote: »

Do you have a preference on the type of protein? I prefer plant based - I use Arbonne's Vegan protein. It is a pea protein, very easily digestible, does not increase estrogen (soy), and does not cause inflammation in the body (Whey).

thanks dmbfan22, I wasn't aware of the "side effects" of the different types of protein...

AngelJenny74

aliscib wrote: »

I read several articles comparing cost and value. I use the GNC lean shake. I really like them. I drink them before my runs. I used them before a 1/2 and a full marathon this year

I was reading reviews on this one earlier today, there were some comments about it being too sweet tasting, but I guess you don't have an issue with that. Thanks for your feedback.

AngelJenny74

LeWahnderful wrote: »

I like Atkin's protein Shakes the best. Also, premiere protein shakes, they're 30g protein 160 cal and both are low sugar and carbs.

thank you for the recommendation, seems like a reasonable amount of cals...I've seen others that are 200 cals/serving

aStrongerSteph

I like the GNC Wheybolic flavors, they mix well and the flavor is strong enough that I can toss it in my shaker with 1/2 cup of cold coffee, 1 1/2 cups of cashew milk, and still taste the flavor. I like the extra liquid where some people like very little. Price is decent and the consistency is nice. I also have some MusclePharm that is pretty tasty but, a bit more thick. I use the Six Star Unflavored protein from Walmart to add to yogurt or hot tea and it mixes pretty well. There are sites where you can buy samples of multiple brands and try them out before deciding on a huge investment.

dlgood47

Hi,

I didn't care for Shakeology, not just for the cost, but also the GI system distress. In addition I think it's more of a meal replacement than a barebones protein shake.

My brother, who researches these things extensively, recommends the Quest Chocolate shakes because he thinks the protein in them is the best. That's what I'm using right now. Flavor is good, texture is meh - it's that viscous foam type that many shakes have, not my thing but I live with it.

auddii

juggernaut1974 wrote: »

jennymac74 wrote: »

I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced protein powder that is low carb and promotes weight loss. I was considering Shakeology, but $130/month is ridiculous. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Just to clear up an apparent and common misconception in your opening post...

Protein shakes in and of themselves do NOT "promote weight loss"

Protein shakes are to supplement your protein intake if you're lacking in that macro. Period.

As for recommendations - this gets asked quite frequently on here, and my biggest takeaway from those threads is that there really isn't a standard recommendation. It's really a matter of personal preference. For every brand/type listed, someone inevitably will come along and say they "hate" that brand, and then list his/her favorite brand, which is then subsequently hated by the next person, etc.

This. My best suggestion is to get samples of different kinds of protein and see what you like.

And most things sold through MLM (like herbalife and shakeology) make all sorts of promises they can't support, and are just way overpriced protein and vitamins.

DorothyIndelicato

The Jay Robb brand of Whey Protein is delicious! I am on a special diet and cannot use milk, but even made with water they are good. The vanilla is rich tasting, and the chocolate is not too sweet. I add just flaxseed oil and 5-6 frozen strawberries, sometimes using crushed ice to make it thick like a shake. It can be bought at GNC or on Amazon. My friend added yogurt and bananas and really liked that too.

auddii

jennymac74 wrote: »

dmbfan22 wrote: »

Do you have a preference on the type of protein? I prefer plant based - I use Arbonne's Vegan protein. It is a pea protein, very easily digestible, does not increase estrogen (soy), and does not cause inflammation in the body (Whey).

thanks dmbfan22, I wasn't aware of the "side effects" of the different types of protein...

Many people don't have these same kind of side effects. Try different ones and see what you like. I have had no issues with whey.

ew_david

Trutein. You can order samples from bodynutrition.com before you commit to a 2# tub. Vanilla Bean is my favorite, but I've had Cinnabun, Chocolate PB Cup, Pumpkin Pie, Red Velvet Cake, and Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookie (I didn't like that one).

eminemsbrotherskittles

I am a big fan of premier protein chocolate from Costco. 30 grams of protein and 170 calories. While not a powder, it is damn good and only 5 g carbs

earlnabby

I am partial to Body Fortress Advanced Whey. $18 per 2 lb at Walmart and 30 g of protein per scoop

truelight_photo_craig

Michael190lbs wrote: »

walmart - Six star "whey protein plus" five pound jug is $39.00 and it has 150 servings of 30 grams protein per serving.

Shakeology has more stuff in it than just protein and the couple I have tried were delicious but expensive..

I use the six star too. Decadent chocolate with 1% milk and a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter. 299 calories, 16g carbs, 2g fiber, 40g protein. Sometimes I'll add 1/2 a banana or some fresh berries.

SaraSteeves1993

I've been using Gold Standard Vanilla, light tasting mixes easy. Usually one a day depending on what I've already eaten and what I need to consume to reach macro intake.

must_deflate

Spirutein Unsweetened Vanilla protein powder, hands down. No crap in it whatsoever.

provencal73

juggernaut1974 wrote: »

jennymac74 wrote: »

I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced protein powder that is low carb and promotes weight loss. I was considering Shakeology, but $130/month is ridiculous. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Just to clear up an apparent and common misconception in your opening post...

Protein shakes in and of themselves do NOT "promote weight loss"

Protein shakes are to supplement your protein intake if you're lacking in that macro. Period.

As for recommendations - this gets asked quite frequently on here, and my biggest takeaway from those threads is that there really isn't a standard recommendation. It's really a matter of personal preference. For every brand/type listed, someone inevitably will come along and say they "hate" that brand, and then list his/her favorite brand, which is then subsequently hated by the next person, etc.

Perfectly said.

aSearch4Me

I make my own protein powders from scratch ingredients. It's WAY cheaper, and you can control your ratios of things like carb/protein/fat to meet your macro goals for that day. You also don't have to commit to an entire month+ of the same base flavor, you can make it what you want. There are all sorts of recipes online, and prices for the individual ingredients are usually pretty reasonable on Amazon or at health food stores.

Between trying to keep them lower-carb for health reasons, and the fact I can't have artificial sweeteners due to some allergy issues, buying pre-made ones is tough. I've adapted to not wanting them to taste like milkshakes/sweet, but you could always add your own preferred sweeteners (i.e. honey, fruit, sugar, agave, stevia, etc).

My current blend for an individual Meal Replacement shake (my cost per shake is around $1, because I price watch the ingredients. For an after-workout protein or something you may want to scale down ingredients):

• 3 T. Hemp Protein Powder (Nutiva brand-90 cal, 9gCarb, 8gFiber, 1gSugar, 15gProtein, 3gFat)
• 1 scoop Amazing Grass Green Superfood (AmazingGrass- 30 cal, 4gCarb, 2gFiber, 0sugar, 2gProtein, 1gFat)
• 2 T. Raw Cacao Powder (Truvibe brand- 48cal, 6gCarb, 3gFiber, 0gSugar, 2gProtein, 1gFat)
• 1 T. traditional cocoa powder (Trader Joe's- 20cal, 2gCarb, 1gFiber, 0gSugar, 1gProtein, 1gFat)
• Blended with 2 cups Flax Milk (Good Karma brand unsweetened- 50 cal, 2gCarb, 1gFiber, 0gSugar, 1gProtein, 1gFat)

Total nutrition for a shake: 238 calories, 23 g Carb Total, 15 g Fiber (net carbs= 8g), 1g Sugar, 20g Protein, & 11 g Fat [plant based]. Contains lots of filling fiber, "SuperFoods" (i.e. the Shakeology claim), and probiotics.

I also sometimes substitute Whey Protein Isolate for the Hemp Protein powder... but getting half of your daily minimum of fiber in one drink is pretty convenient, and my stomach likes the hemp better. You could also use traditional milk (skim, whole, etc), or other milk substitutes depending your dietary needs/goals.

I drink the above shake for breakfast, and it really sustains me & gives me a lot of energy. I keep a pre-mixed powder batch in my work fridge, to shake & drink on the days when I have really abbreviated lunch breaks.

Good luck finding something that works for you!

WheyProtienWey

Okay guys don't hate me here but I'm gonna bro it and say that optimum gold standard actually has some pretty good protein, the quality and taste, and obviously the macros are all competition worthy that'll give any other protein brand out there a run for its money, though it is a little higher in the price range aspect. Dymatize nutrition is worth mentioning and also has some of the best protein I've ever tasted, and was for a long time my "go to" protein, even better priced than Optimum. But I got 10lbs of gold standard for Christmas this year and I loved the stuff. Honestly I won't be going back to gold standard after I finish off this huge bag. I feel like a get more bang for my buck with Dymatize. And if the price of protein is what is holding you off, go check out myprotein.com, they'll beat any price. Use LAVADO at check out for 20% off. Dude you can get 11 lbs of protein for like 60-70 bucks.

Fithealthystrongafter50

I have had this same question, and it's easy to see why there isn't one best choice. First step is to determine protein needs, and then to determine when it will be consumed. I am looking for a protein shake that is a powder (transportable) that would be good for a post-workout recovery drink to have within 30 minutes of a strength/cardio workout. I don't eat a lot of meat, but have been averaging 76 g/day and I weigh 141. It seems based on protein requirements for active adults I would need 70 g/day. My MFP goal is 65 g/day, so I'm not in deficit. I use almond milk and would prefer a dairy free blend. Suggestions that taste good and meet those needs? Thanks!

edup1975

Try lean1 from smoothie king or order online.

Hornsby

Nothing bro about Optimum Nutrition. Some of the best tasting whey proteins in my opinion, and casein for that matter. That would be my recommendation, but as stated, it is mostly preference. The best thing you can do is get the most grams of protein per gram. So the smaller the serving with highest amount of protein will have the least amount of fillers. Some brands have more fillers (carbs usually).

And when it comes to bulking or losing weight, protein is protein so no need to look for different marketing tactics.