What’s best?
amioc
Posts: 175 Member
I want to start upping my protein and I’ve been looking at different shakes.
What do you all think is best whey or plant based? Also I want something that’s filling and tastes nice. I’m in the uk so ideally something I can buy hear.
I’d really appreciate any help/advice you can give me 🙂
What do you all think is best whey or plant based? Also I want something that’s filling and tastes nice. I’m in the uk so ideally something I can buy hear.
I’d really appreciate any help/advice you can give me 🙂
0
Replies
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Whey-based protein is generally going to be more protein-dense (more grams of protein for a given amount of calories), but since you're looking at "shakes" (which means the manufacturer has added in their own idiosyncratic mix of other ingredients in varying amounts), you're really going to have to look at labels.
"Tasting nice" is a personal thing. What tastes nice to one person may not taste nice to another.
Personally, I don't buy shakes. I make my own shakes or smoothies, using plain whey-based or plant-based protein powders or partially defatted peanut meal, adding whatever flavors I'm in the mood for (generally fresh or frozen fruit, plain cocoa powder) and thickeners (frozen fruit, especially bananas help here, plus fresh or frozen avocado and yogurt) and dairy or nondairy milk to achieve the right final consistency. I generally do it for a high-protein alternative to a lean meat and eggs breakfast, or as a justifiable indulgence after a heavy workout. Not an everyday thing for me, as most days I'm satisfied with my protein intake.3 -
I use a no carb, unsweetened whey protein to supplement so I can doctor it up how I want. I generally drink it in some macadamia nut milk, but without the “extras” in it, it allows me to do all kinds of things with it from making a thick almost frozen yogurt textured dessert to adding it to a dinner recipe.1
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I'm not vegan nor vegetarian (anymore) but milk products and I don't get along. So vegan protein it is.
I'd suggest a blended, unsweetened option (with different vegan sources of protein).
That way, you can then doctor up the flavours to your liking and consider them for baking or other meal prep.2 -
Protein supplements are an experiment in progress. It can take decades for the consequences of food products to show up because the digestive system is so resilient. Certainly persons with a medical need to supplement protein in the face of legitimate dietary restrictions, should consider them, but this whole movement reminds me of that miracle product, margarine, which didn't turn out so well.2
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wilson10102018 wrote: »Protein supplements are an experiment in progress. It can take decades for the consequences of food products to show up because the digestive system is so resilient. Certainly persons with a medical need to supplement protein in the face of legitimate dietary restrictions, should consider them, but this whole movement reminds me of that miracle product, margarine, which didn't turn out so well.
I missed the bulletin. What’s wrong with margarine?4 -
My "best" is naked whey protein from the Protein Works. I'm absolutely fine with milk products - not much of an experiment for a mammal to conduct....
It's sweetened with Stevia instead of sucralose (which I dislike), good flavours and mixes well. Good protein to calorie ratio.
They are in the UK and are a bit like DFS - there's always a special deal on so don't pay full price.
Maybe worth getting some samples to see what is your "best"? It's disappointing to buy a big tub and find you hate it (yes Holland & Barrett, I'm talking about you).2 -
springlering62 wrote: »wilson10102018 wrote: »Protein supplements are an experiment in progress. It can take decades for the consequences of food products to show up because the digestive system is so resilient. Certainly persons with a medical need to supplement protein in the face of legitimate dietary restrictions, should consider them, but this whole movement reminds me of that miracle product, margarine, which didn't turn out so well.
I missed the bulletin. What’s wrong with margarine?
It has trans fat. We're all going to die now.
(No.)6 -
I want to start upping my protein and I’ve been looking at different shakes.
What do you all think is best whey or plant based? Also I want something that’s filling and tastes nice. I’m in the uk so ideally something I can buy hear.
I’d really appreciate any help/advice you can give me 🙂
One trick I use is to mix a protein shake that I like (currently Glucerna Creamy Strawberry Carb Control) with two or three cans of sparkling water.
No, it won’t fill you up like a meal. But it tastes close enough to an egg cream*, and is delightful on a hot day.
*a soda fountain drink made with milk, flavored syrup, and seltzer water. It originated in the late 1800’s among Yiddish-speaking Eastern European Jewish immigrants in New York City. And was a favorite treat in my mother’s Brooklyn childhood.2 -
Plant based for me. I get acne outbreaks and less long term reduced hunger from the alternative. I use low calorie almond milk to make it less calories too. It's a matter of preference taste wise and digestive system difference.2
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From a muscle building perspective, whey > plant based with all things being equal. Whey has less calories. From a flavor perspective, i generally find whey to be a better texture compared to plant based one. But you have to experiment.
Brands i like PEScience, Kaged Muscle, Quest Nutrition, and Optimum Nutrition.4 -
I have tried a lot of proteins over the years and plant protein is definately my choice.. My go to is Sunwarrior. I also use Plant Fusion, Nutrex plant and few others- natural pea protein in green drinks, hemp protein, sunflower protein and pumpkin. Combination plant proteins are best because they have all the essential amino acids.
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wilson10102018 wrote: »Protein supplements are an experiment in progress. It can take decades for the consequences of food products to show up because the digestive system is so resilient. Certainly persons with a medical need to supplement protein in the face of legitimate dietary restrictions, should consider them, but this whole movement reminds me of that miracle product, margarine, which didn't turn out so well.
This is so unnecessarily alarmist and fear mongering
Regarding the OP, like others have mentioned it depends largely on the intended use and goals of the user. It's hard to beat Whey for cost and bio-availability if you have any physique/performance-related goals. Those who struggle with dairy might have digestive issues, though for the people I know who don't get along with whey concentrate, do fine with a whey isolate. However, whey concentrate or isolate are relatively fast to digest and therefore not ideal as meal replacements, as it would appear some commenters have tried to use it for. In that case I'd recommend casein protein or a protein blend that includes casein. For those unfamiliar, this is a protein found in foods like cottage cheese that basically functions as a slow-release protein and would be more suited for a meal replacement. It's also a favorite of body builders for an overnight protein source to protect them sweet sweet gainz from evaporating while you sleep.
I'm a big fan of the retailer MyProtein and have used a variety of their products for years.5 -
Whey protein gave me horrible constipation and stomach pain so I go with plant based which tends to have more fiber.2
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I usually don't repeat myself because it is irritating. but, you folks have to know that diarrhea constipation, headaches flatulence, nutrition challenges requiring lots of pills etc. are signals which should be interpreted as a warning that dietary supplements instead of actual food are a potential problem. Just eat less of a balanced diet, plant based or not and everything will be fine.1
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wilson10102018 wrote: »I usually don't repeat myself because it is irritating. but, you folks have to know that diarrhea constipation, headaches flatulence, nutrition challenges requiring lots of pills etc. are signals which should be interpreted as a warning that dietary supplements instead of actual food are a potential problem. Just eat less of a balanced diet, plant based or not and everything will be fine.
The purpose of using a protein powder is supplementation to help a person fill nutritional gaps, help with getting enough, as a replacement for a sweet craving, surgery recovery, fitness goals. I have seen a lot of issues with whey but many who benefit. I have great success and use for plant protein. It helps with recovery.
Your comments are bias and incomplete. Some people have health conditions that protein powder or other supplements provide benefits.5 -
wilson10102018 wrote: »I usually don't repeat myself because it is irritating. but, you folks have to know that diarrhea constipation, headaches flatulence, nutrition challenges requiring lots of pills etc. are signals which should be interpreted as a warning that dietary supplements instead of actual food are a potential problem. Just eat less of a balanced diet, plant based or not and everything will be fine.
After a couple of weeks, possibly. *Manageable* differences in digestive symptoms (mild change in texture of stool, flatulence) are typical signs of digestive system adaptation, and may resolve fairly quickly. That kind of adaptation happens to people increasing fiber from negligible levels (via food) to recommended levels, sometimes, for example, and not because "fiber is a problem". Sudden huge dietary changes are riskier in that way than a gradual phase-in of new foods/supplements, where phase-in is possible. And for sure, some people are sensitive or allergic to actual whole foods, as well. Bad symptoms are bad, food or supplement.
I'd also agree - subjectively speaking - that getting nutrients from food is a preferable strategy where practical, vs. turning to extractive-type supplements. Lots of people do fine with such supplements, though, it seems, and find them valuable as well as digestively tolerable. I don't feel like everyone must adopt my "preferably food" approach.
That said, there's always:
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10247171/carbs-and-fats-are-cheap-heres-a-guide-to-getting-your-proteins-worth-fiber-also
I'm vegetarian, food gets me to 1g per lb LBM daily and usually over. (That goal is also an opinion, not a "fact"). I don't enjoy protein shakes, so I don't eat them. They seem to make lots of people happy, though. 🤷♀️3 -
wilson10102018 wrote: »I usually don't repeat myself because it is irritating. but, you folks have to know that diarrhea constipation, headaches flatulence, nutrition challenges requiring lots of pills etc. are signals which should be interpreted as a warning that dietary supplements instead of actual food are a potential problem. Just eat less of a balanced diet, plant based or not and everything will be fine.
One of my biggest problems is that I tend to not eat enough. So your advice absolutely does not work for everyone.3 -
Have a look at Bulk Powders and their Pure Isolate 90 - I’m not saying it’s fantastic tasting, but it’s one of the more affordable on the market, can order varieties online (direct or from Amazon) and it’s one of the few which doesn’t upset my stomach. I stick to plain old chocolate or vanilla.1
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Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?0
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wilson10102018 wrote: »Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?
Man, you need to open your eyes. I have 6-8 different types of protein powder in my house at all time. I don't even struggle to hit protein goals, i just like to finish my day with protein milkshakes.
You consistently being opposed to protein supplementation is noted. But let it go and move on. Other people struggle to get protein, others just want more protein and others want convenience.6 -
OK, you like supplements. I get that. I question supplements. You get that. But, do you really want to control my opinions?1
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wilson10102018 wrote: »Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?
Internet?1 -
wilson10102018 wrote: »Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?
Why does it matter?
Whey protein is just a food derived from milk. Not a "miracle" or an "experiment".
That some people find it convenient to supplement (which means adds to or enhances - not replaces as you seem to think) an extremely bio-available and useful nutrient that is both calorie and price efficient should be a matter of complete indifference to you.
There are times when whey supplementation is a great option for me, easy to digest, quick to prepare. When I get back to my car or home from a multi-hour cycle ride a chilled protein milkshake is a great way to start my recovery.
I'm maintaining on a very high calorie allowance but when I was dieting low calorie protein supplementation was a really sensible choice to keep protein intake at an optimal level with a relatively low amount of calories.5 -
wilson10102018 wrote: »Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?
Why does it matter?
Whey protein is just a food derived from milk. Not a "miracle" or an "experiment".
That some people find it convenient to supplement (which means adds to or enhances - not replaces as you seem to think) an extremely bio-available and useful nutrient that is both calorie and price efficient should be a matter of complete indifference to you.
There are times when whey supplementation is a great option for me, easy to digest, quick to prepare. When I get back to my car or home from a multi-hour cycle ride a chilled protein milkshake is a great way to start my recovery.
I'm maintaining on a very high calorie allowance but when I was dieting low calorie protein supplementation was a really sensible choice to keep protein intake at an optimal level with a relatively low amount of calories.
I think you have made the best case for supplements, and expressed it perfectly, and which I have always acknowledged is a reasonable choice given what we know about their long term effects, which is not much. But, it is an experiment without monitoring due to the rules that exempt protein supplements from FDA oversight. Its OK as long as people know that not much information is available about the long term effects.0 -
wilson10102018 wrote: »wilson10102018 wrote: »Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?
Why does it matter?
Whey protein is just a food derived from milk. Not a "miracle" or an "experiment".
That some people find it convenient to supplement (which means adds to or enhances - not replaces as you seem to think) an extremely bio-available and useful nutrient that is both calorie and price efficient should be a matter of complete indifference to you.
There are times when whey supplementation is a great option for me, easy to digest, quick to prepare. When I get back to my car or home from a multi-hour cycle ride a chilled protein milkshake is a great way to start my recovery.
I'm maintaining on a very high calorie allowance but when I was dieting low calorie protein supplementation was a really sensible choice to keep protein intake at an optimal level with a relatively low amount of calories.
I think you have made the best case for supplements, and expressed it perfectly, and which I have always acknowledged is a reasonable choice given what we know about their long term effects, which is not much. But, it is an experiment without monitoring due to the rules that exempt protein supplements from FDA oversight. Its OK as long as people know that not much information is available about the long term effects.
I'm confused here. Isn't whey protein a milk derivative---like cheese? What's to experiment? Or, are you saying that there are additives to be concerned about? What are they?2 -
snowflake954 wrote: »wilson10102018 wrote: »wilson10102018 wrote: »Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?
Why does it matter?
Whey protein is just a food derived from milk. Not a "miracle" or an "experiment".
That some people find it convenient to supplement (which means adds to or enhances - not replaces as you seem to think) an extremely bio-available and useful nutrient that is both calorie and price efficient should be a matter of complete indifference to you.
There are times when whey supplementation is a great option for me, easy to digest, quick to prepare. When I get back to my car or home from a multi-hour cycle ride a chilled protein milkshake is a great way to start my recovery.
I'm maintaining on a very high calorie allowance but when I was dieting low calorie protein supplementation was a really sensible choice to keep protein intake at an optimal level with a relatively low amount of calories.
I think you have made the best case for supplements, and expressed it perfectly, and which I have always acknowledged is a reasonable choice given what we know about their long term effects, which is not much. But, it is an experiment without monitoring due to the rules that exempt protein supplements from FDA oversight. Its OK as long as people know that not much information is available about the long term effects.
I'm confused here. Isn't whey protein a milk derivative---like cheese? What's to experiment? Or, are you saying that there are additives to be concerned about? What are they?
Please don't try to make me the scientist. Or, probably yourself. If you don't see the difference between milk and whey based protein supplement then you have no questions to ask. And, if, for example, whey protein is a harmless substitute for real food, why not 100% supplements? Or, 75%.0 -
wilson10102018 wrote: »snowflake954 wrote: »wilson10102018 wrote: »wilson10102018 wrote: »Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?
Why does it matter?
Whey protein is just a food derived from milk. Not a "miracle" or an "experiment".
That some people find it convenient to supplement (which means adds to or enhances - not replaces as you seem to think) an extremely bio-available and useful nutrient that is both calorie and price efficient should be a matter of complete indifference to you.
There are times when whey supplementation is a great option for me, easy to digest, quick to prepare. When I get back to my car or home from a multi-hour cycle ride a chilled protein milkshake is a great way to start my recovery.
I'm maintaining on a very high calorie allowance but when I was dieting low calorie protein supplementation was a really sensible choice to keep protein intake at an optimal level with a relatively low amount of calories.
I think you have made the best case for supplements, and expressed it perfectly, and which I have always acknowledged is a reasonable choice given what we know about their long term effects, which is not much. But, it is an experiment without monitoring due to the rules that exempt protein supplements from FDA oversight. Its OK as long as people know that not much information is available about the long term effects.
I'm confused here. Isn't whey protein a milk derivative---like cheese? What's to experiment? Or, are you saying that there are additives to be concerned about? What are they?
Please don't try to make me the scientist. Or, probably yourself. If you don't see the difference between milk and whey based protein supplement then you have no questions to ask. And, if, for example, whey protein is a harmless substitute for real food, why not 100% supplements? Or, 75%.
Well--Mr. Wilson. I guess I'm trying to get information from you--since you seem to know something I don't. You see I pushed my husband to supplement his diet with whey protein since he doesn't eat meat (only fish), and doesn't eat much of anything. He's 67 and very thin and I was desperately trying to cook him things that would up his protein, but kept falling short. He's very active. So several years ago I convinced him to add in whey protein and it's worked very well for him with many health benefits.
Excuse my curiosity. (I am an Interior Designer and Homemaker, so no, not a scientist)5 -
This all just has me musing about food.
We visited friends in a village in rural Ukraine. They pined for the selection and grocery stores we told them about.
I pine for their fresh food from the garden, wood stove baked bread, and homemade cheeses. Moody cow and all.
I guess it’s all in perspective.
I prefer my protein from foods but have begun dabbling in adding whey protein to foods to amp up the protein. I just feel better on higher levels. And that’s what it all boils down to, isn’t it?1 -
MargaretYakoda wrote: »I want to start upping my protein and I’ve been looking at different shakes.
What do you all think is best whey or plant based? Also I want something that’s filling and tastes nice. I’m in the uk so ideally something I can buy hear.
I’d really appreciate any help/advice you can give me 🙂
One trick I use is to mix a protein shake that I like (currently Glucerna Creamy Strawberry Carb Control) with two or three cans of sparkling water.
No, it won’t fill you up like a meal. But it tastes close enough to an egg cream*, and is delightful on a hot day.
*a soda fountain drink made with milk, flavored syrup, and seltzer water. It originated in the late 1800’s among Yiddish-speaking Eastern European Jewish immigrants in New York City. And was a favorite treat in my mother’s Brooklyn childhood.
This sounds interesting...I usually mix mine with cold coffee...I'll have to try it out when not in a coffee mood0 -
wilson10102018 wrote: »wilson10102018 wrote: »Are there remote places where real food is not available but powdered supplements are?
Why does it matter?
Whey protein is just a food derived from milk. Not a "miracle" or an "experiment".
That some people find it convenient to supplement (which means adds to or enhances - not replaces as you seem to think) an extremely bio-available and useful nutrient that is both calorie and price efficient should be a matter of complete indifference to you.
There are times when whey supplementation is a great option for me, easy to digest, quick to prepare. When I get back to my car or home from a multi-hour cycle ride a chilled protein milkshake is a great way to start my recovery.
I'm maintaining on a very high calorie allowance but when I was dieting low calorie protein supplementation was a really sensible choice to keep protein intake at an optimal level with a relatively low amount of calories.
I think you have made the best case for supplements, and expressed it perfectly, and which I have always acknowledged is a reasonable choice given what we know about their long term effects, which is not much. But, it is an experiment without monitoring due to the rules that exempt protein supplements from FDA oversight. Its OK as long as people know that not much information is available about the long term effects.
What science experiment? What long term effects?
This shows a fundamental misunderstanding of what Whey is. Or are we trying to say since they have sweeteners that it creates some fictitious lab experiment? Please, and i truly mean this, explain this narrative?6
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