Protein Powder - Muscle & Size Gainer - Really?
euronorris
Posts: 211 Member
Hi,
I'm currently shopping around for a cheap source of protein powder so I can try out some recipes. Hubby and I are not trying to gain, we are losing weight whilst attempting to retain as much muscle as possible. So we're keen to keep our protein intake at optimum levels.
I came across the low calorie protein cheesecake recipe on here, that hubby would like to try, and it requires protein powder. But my God, there are so many varieties and brands, and they are all pretty expensive.
I've seen one on offer, but it's called 'Precision Engineered Muscle & Size Gainer Powder'. Is it really any different to any other protein powder? Or is it just making some somewhat dubious claims about it's ability to give you bulk/muscles?
I just don't want to hinder our weight loss journey.
Cheers.
I'm currently shopping around for a cheap source of protein powder so I can try out some recipes. Hubby and I are not trying to gain, we are losing weight whilst attempting to retain as much muscle as possible. So we're keen to keep our protein intake at optimum levels.
I came across the low calorie protein cheesecake recipe on here, that hubby would like to try, and it requires protein powder. But my God, there are so many varieties and brands, and they are all pretty expensive.
I've seen one on offer, but it's called 'Precision Engineered Muscle & Size Gainer Powder'. Is it really any different to any other protein powder? Or is it just making some somewhat dubious claims about it's ability to give you bulk/muscles?
I just don't want to hinder our weight loss journey.
Cheers.
0
Replies
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I'd have to look up that particular product to say for sure, but most "gainers" are higher calorie supplements, typically with more than just protein (meaningful amounts of fats and/or carbs too).
Protein powder should be almost exclusively protein.2 -
Look at the nutritional labels - find something with as little carbs and fat as possible. My WPI has minimal amounts of both, it's predominantly protein.0
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Rather than use a powder just increase your protein macro compared with the others and make sure you eat plenty of lean protein and do enough resistance exercise to maintain muscle.4
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Thank you. I'll have a look at labels and compare to find one that suits our needs.1
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Surely just eating more protein rather than carbs or fats doesn't convince your body to preserve muscles and burn fat instead in the absense of strength training? I do stand corrected if this really IS the case.0
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Surely just eating more protein rather than carbs or fats doesn't convince your body to preserve muscles and burn fat instead in the absense of strength training? I do stand corrected if this really IS the case.
Your body needs amino acids to make stuff work. If you don't give them to your body through food, it has to get them from somewhere...0 -
honestly im stupid im sure i just get a cheap no name brand protein powder from grocery store for baking with >.> I eat healthy enough elsewhere for me its just a baking ingredient for protein angel food cake and occasionally added into nice cream so it works for me. Im sure its crap and people should be slapping me and telling me to pay out for quality though lol.0
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Surely just eating more protein rather than carbs or fats doesn't convince your body to preserve muscles and burn fat instead in the absense of strength training? I do stand corrected if this really IS the case.
@yirara
You stand corrected.
Just ingesting protein does increase muscle protein synthesis. Remember both breakdown and synthesis are normal parts of life and not just related to exercise.
A higher protein diet and no exercise would still be significantly better for muscle retention in a deficit than a low protein diet and no exercise.
Not as optimal as exercise + protein of course.
A couple of interesting videos linked here....
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10657380/mps-2-part-youtube-video#latest1 -
Surely just eating more protein rather than carbs or fats doesn't convince your body to preserve muscles and burn fat instead in the absense of strength training? I do stand corrected if this really IS the case.
@yirara
You stand corrected.
Just ingesting protein does increase muscle protein synthesis. Remember both breakdown and synthesis are normal parts of life and not just related to exercise.
A higher protein diet and no exercise would still be significantly better for muscle retention in a deficit than a low protein diet and no exercise.
Not as optimal as exercise + protein of course.
A couple of interesting videos linked here....
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10657380/mps-2-part-youtube-video#latest
So best is
Protein+exercise
Worst is Low protein no exercise
For 2/3 is Low Protein+exercise better or worse than High protein+sedentary?0 -
You can find a third party ranking of protein powders here: https://labdoor.com/rankings/protein
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stanmann571 wrote: »Surely just eating more protein rather than carbs or fats doesn't convince your body to preserve muscles and burn fat instead in the absense of strength training? I do stand corrected if this really IS the case.
@yirara
You stand corrected.
Just ingesting protein does increase muscle protein synthesis. Remember both breakdown and synthesis are normal parts of life and not just related to exercise.
A higher protein diet and no exercise would still be significantly better for muscle retention in a deficit than a low protein diet and no exercise.
Not as optimal as exercise + protein of course.
A couple of interesting videos linked here....
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10657380/mps-2-part-youtube-video#latest
So best is
Protein+exercise
Worst is Low protein no exercise
For 2/3 is Low Protein+exercise better or worse than High protein+sedentary?
Where's Lyle McDonald when you need him?
I would guess that the type and volume of exercise would also complicate the question further.
As would the size of deficit and the length of time that deficit is sustained.
Plus what made up the rest of the low protein diet could be a factor - carbs tend to be protein sparing during exercise for example.1 -
JaydedMiss wrote: »honestly im stupid im sure i just get a cheap no name brand protein powder from grocery store for baking with >.> I eat healthy enough elsewhere for me its just a baking ingredient for protein angel food cake and occasionally added into nice cream so it works for me. Im sure its crap and people should be slapping me and telling me to pay out for quality though lol.
I'm no expert, so couldn't comment either way! lol. But I'm UK based and our grocery stores only stock a very limited range of protein powders (some don't stock at all), and I haven't come across any that sell a cheap, no name version. Even with sales etc that I've been looking at, it's going to cost me £19.99 for a tub of 908g. The bulk and gain version was on sale at £7.99, so you can see why I asked about it! The price difference was nothing to be sniffed at.
Like most people, I have to balance between quality and price, but I am glad I asked today about the difference between the bulk and gain powders and the standard ones. I was honestly thinking it was a bit of a selling gimmick, so I am very glad I checked!
FYI, we are planning on exercising also, including some resistance training. But hubby is currently working on building up some basic fitness, after spending way too long being sedentary, so it's walks for him. And I am working on repairing my diastasis after pregnancy (I have a program to follow to help heal the gap).
Thanks everyone 1 -
I'm in the UK too.
Worth checking out The Protein Works as they have a good range.
And a bit like DFS they always seem to have a sale on....
One I would recommend avoiding is Holland & Barrett - their banana one tastes like iron filings.1 -
Oh thanks, I'll check it out!
H&B seem really overpriced anyway!1 -
Surely just eating more protein rather than carbs or fats doesn't convince your body to preserve muscles and burn fat instead in the absense of strength training? I do stand corrected if this really IS the case.
@yirara
You stand corrected.
Just ingesting protein does increase muscle protein synthesis. Remember both breakdown and synthesis are normal parts of life and not just related to exercise.
A higher protein diet and no exercise would still be significantly better for muscle retention in a deficit than a low protein diet and no exercise.
Not as optimal as exercise + protein of course.
A couple of interesting videos linked here....
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10657380/mps-2-part-youtube-video#latest
Thanks that's why I love this community 
3 -
If you want value for money and a lab tested powder, go online to Myprotein.com and order the impact whey isolate or cheaper impact whey protein... it’s a no gimmick powder, flavoured or flavourless ... reputable company3
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If you want value for money and a lab tested powder, go online to Myprotein.com and order the impact whey isolate or cheaper impact whey protein... it’s a no gimmick powder, flavoured or flavourless ... reputable company
Thanks for that hint. Just ordered some of it since I'm running out and was annoyed that there's no flavorless powder to be found in shops around here.
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Thanks for the recommendations. I have something on order from MyProtein now. Hubby is very much looking forward to trying the cheesecake! lol1
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I'm in the UK too.
Worth checking out The Protein Works as they have a good range.
And a bit like DFS they always seem to have a sale on....
One I would recommend avoiding is Holland & Barrett - their banana one tastes like iron filings.
Good to know as I was thinking of trying H&B0
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