Which should I choose?

bonnieminorjones

I have used Herbalife Protein Drink in the past and like the flavor. My trainer has suggested I use Spartan Whey Protein Blend Multi Stage Max Assorption. Any thoughts on which is the better product? Thank you!

TavistockToad

Are you unable to hit your protein goal with food?

Floydy89

Despite an overwhelming number of options, and despite this being seemingly obvious advice, just pick one you like! There’s less between them all than the multitude of choice would suggest.

I tend to go for the ON ones for what it’s worth.

nutmegoreo

For myself: I first try to hit protein through food. For choosing a supplement, the first thing I consider is who's making the profit. I'm not going to support an MLM like Herbalife. If your trainer or the gym is selling this recommended supplement, I'd likely not buy it.

I would look at what's in the product and if it will meet my needs. Also consider looking around for places that have sample packs so you can try the product without spending money on something you won't use because of taste or texture.

kgeyser

Ok, I'm not familiar with either of those personally, but I can google, so here are my thoughts based on seeing the nutrition labels online.

Calories: This is a draw, both are about 110 calories per serving, and the serving size is pretty close for both.

Carbs: Spartan 2g, Herba 5g, so meh on that. Not a big enough difference to worry about unless counting carbs is a big factor for you.

Protein: Spartan 25g, Herba 15g. This is what is sticking out for me, you are getting much more protein for your calorie buck with the Spartan.

Protein source: Spartan whey protein, Herba soy protein

Just looking at the labels, my personal preference between the two would be the Spartan purely for the protein count per calories. I can't attest to flavor on either one, but I will agree with you that flavor is a factor I consider. I've ditched some products with a "better" nutrition profile if I end up needing to add something other than water to make it palatable, because then I've added calories and it's no longer as worth the calorie to protein ratio.

Depending on your stats and goals, you might not need 25g of protein. I would ask your trainer whether a protein drink is even necessary, and how they see that fitting into your overall diet before investing further. If you are already hitting your protein goals, it likely isn't needed. Protein shakes have become of a bit of a fitness "habit" (and great marketing ploy) where people think they have to have a protein shake after they workout or they lose all the benefits of the workout, and that really isn't true.

Hope this helps.

bonnieminorjones

All your comments helped! Thank you. I did purchase the Spartan and the taste is good with both products. My trainer suggested a protein drink to receive more protein in my diet. I am going to investigate getting my protein with natural food not through a drink as one of the suggestions from this blog. Again, I do appreciate everyone taking the time to respond. This is a great resource! I am doing a 1200 calorie diet for now. I am 50 pounds overweight and have not excercised in a long time. I have started a weight program. My main motive is to be healthy. Again, thank you for your responses.

MichelleSilverleaf

1200cal may not be necessary depending on your stats, even with 50 to lose. You may find that a more reasonable rate of loss will be easier for you to get more protein in via foods. And don't forget to eat exercise calories back!

AnnPT77

bonnieminorjones wrote: »

All your comments helped! Thank you. I did purchase the Spartan and the taste is good with both products. My trainer suggested a protein drink to receive more protein in my diet. I am going to investigate getting my protein with natural food not through a drink as one of the suggestions from this blog. Again, I do appreciate everyone taking the time to respond. This is a great resource! I am doing a 1200 calorie diet for now. I am 50 pounds overweight and have not excercised in a long time. I have started a weight program. My main motive is to be healthy. Again, thank you for your responses.

If you prefer to get protein from regular food, this thread can be extremely helpful:

http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10247171/carbs-and-fats-are-cheap-heres-a-guide-to-getting-your-proteins-worth-fiber-also

It links to a spreadsheet that lists many, many foods in order by protein efficiency, most protein for fewest calories. Find foods you enjoy that are higher on that list, eat more of those in preference to foods that may not help as much with your goals. Gradual remodeling of one's eating can accomplish a lot, in the long run!

Best wishes!