Whey protein powder

cxeex

Benefits? How do you use it? Currently on a weight loss journey and have had this recommended but a bit clueless

cmriverside

Just buy one and start experimenting. I use mine in smoothies, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, on popcorn. It's just a sweet powder. I buy vanilla.

Chelsea_Fulcher

Protein is great for helping us to feel satiated longer and is super important for muscle growth and recovery. I would really struggle to hit my protein goals without using a powdered supplement. I usually just add a whey protein powder to water and drink a shake with my breakfast each morning and then again after working out.

SuzySunshine99

Are you struggling to reach your protein goal through food alone?
If not, there's no reason to spend the money on supplements.
Why was it recommended to you?

cwolfman13

cxeex wrote: »

Benefits? How do you use it? Currently on a weight loss journey and have had this recommended but a bit clueless

Benefits? It's just a protein supplement that can assist you in hitting your protein targets if you're not doing so with food you eat. It's no more than that. It doesn't have any magical weight loss properties. For the most part I get my protein by eating fish, poultry, beef, pork, and smaller amounts in certain vegetables, grains, legumes, etc.

Whey specifically is just a byproduct of cheese production that has been dehydrated and had other additives put in.

xrj22

As others have said. A source of protein with very little fat or carb (and thus really no calories except what is in the protein). Most brands have some artificial sweetners and flavors. I can get plain, unsweetened whey powder in bulk at my co-op, which I prefer. But I don't use it much. I would rather get protein from real food sources. But it is good for a quick shake occasionally if I'm not getting much protein elsewere for some reason.

westrich20940

There's no certain way you need to use it. It's just a way to supplement to meet your protein goals. If you are able to do that through whole food...then you probably don't need one. There is evidence to suggest that a higher protein diet can support weight loss in that it can help you not lose as much lean muscle mass when you are in a calorie deficit (your body uses whatever the most efficient energy is at the time...not just fat). So, it can't hurt (unless there's a reason you should stay lower protein [like if you have kidney problems for example]).

As far as which one to use, I don't know that it really matters other than probably trying to shoot for one with a complete amino acid profile...so easiest way there is whey protein. Plant based ones will usually need to combine sources of plan-based protein in order to get a complete profile. But...get whichever one fits your budget and tastes good and mixes well (i.e. you'll actually use it).

I put mine usually just in a blender bottle with water or soy milk. I also put it in my oatmeal. Or I just smashed up a banana the other day, added a scoop of my chocolate protein powder and some peanut butter and spread it on an english muffin...it wasn't the most tasty thing but I needed a snack and more protein. It worked. Just experiment a bit.