Protein Powder

Frappuzzino

I love making shakes/smoothies, so why not add extra benefits? I've never done research about protein powder so excuse the common questions!

How does it aid weight loss? What is the best kind of protein powder for weight loss? How do I know if I'm buying a quality powder? Are they all made similarly? I am thinking about picking some up next time I go grocery shopping, but want to do my research first.

funfitfoodie

This is a very basic answer but protein shakes rebuild/build muscle and an increase in muscle means that you're metabolism will work faster.

Naomi91

This is a very basic answer but protein shakes rebuild/build muscle and an increase in muscle means that you're metabolism will work faster.

Just drinking protein shakes wont build muscle.

protein powder can aid weight loss because it is a healthy tool to get more protein! Protein has a small thermo effect :] Protein out of all the macro nutrients helps you feel more full.

There are many different forms and not all are cheap. Isopure is low carb and has a ton on vitamins. VERY expensive.
Try getting optimum nutrition brand if you can afford it :] very delicious and has a good amount of BCAAs!

stanvoodoo

Yes, protein keeps you fuller longer, also need to add fiber or may get clogged up. Other ideas to boost your protein is too add it to other things like cereal, oatmeal, eggs, yogurt,, cottage cheese. In addition to smoothies you can mix it with Crystal Light.

The two brands that seem to be the most popular are Pure Protein and Jay Robb.

Good Luck!

LeelaLosing

i'm trying to up my protein for energy, muscle building, etc. to between 100-120g a day and I can't eat enough of it to get it all in, so I supplement most days with a shake. it's a powder made by a nutritionist locally (27g per scoop), but there are tons on the market.

cjjones007

There are SO many different theories out there, but a few things I've picked up that have helped me with the weight I've lost are:
Guys need more Whey protein than Soy
Girls generally do better with Soy
Using it as a meal replacement when you can't eat healthy rocked for me.
Adding Skim milk over water was so much better tasting it was worth the 80 calorie hit LOL
I liked American Gold Standard (Black bottle) found at most major food chains (HyVee in Iowa) - the Vanilla Ice Cream flavor and I add half a scoop to all my smoothies
I found it to be a great way to jump start my metabolism having one within 15 minutes of waking
I found I worked out better if I had one 45 minutes before working out...
GNC has several good protein powders - and they can show you which ones are better for muscle bulk vs. weight loss and vice versa...

Wow have I helped at all? LOL

farmgirl88

Protein powder also aids in weight loss when you use it as a meal replacement. Instead of having a giant stack of pancakes with butter, syrup, sausage, etc. for breakfast, you can just mix up a protein shake that will fill you up, get you the nutrients you need, and do it all for a lot fewer calories.

There are tons of different types and flavors of protein powder and different ones offer different benefits, so do some research to find out what kind of protein powder will be most beneficial for you!

funfitfoodie

This is a very basic answer but protein shakes rebuild/build muscle and an increase in muscle means that you're metabolism will work faster.

Just drinking protein shakes wont build muscle.

ooops I should of made that clearer.

bzmom

bump

Just to add Protein helps in muscle repair after a workout so it is great post workout

damonmath

Just a little info I picked up over the weekend about protein powders.

There are 3 kinds:

1) Whey Concentrate
2) Hydrolyzed Whey
3) Whey Isolate

Number 1 is the cheapest on the market and is used in about 80% of all powder on the market. It contains fat, cholesterol, and carbs.... Due to the way it is manufactured (cheaply) the most essential amino acids have been destroyed.

Number 2 is pre-digested and will get into your system faster... Because it has been pre-digested it contains glutamate (MSG) as a preservative, which can cause brain damage.

Number 3 is the most expensive and contains the most intact Amino Acids. It contains NO FAT, CARBS, or CHOLESTEROL of any kind.

warmachinejt

Hey I think you have it backwards, cause I seen hydrolized protein with no carbs or fat. In fact, it's the next one I'm getting from dymatize since I didn't like the scivation chocolate.

fteale

Increasing your protein won't make you lose weight. You'll just metabolise it into fat and put some strain on your kidneys while you're at it.

The only point in increasing protein intake is if you are working out hard and you need it to repair and build bigger muscles.

toxicat

WHY USE PROTEIN POWDER

Protein powder is used to replace or supplement food protein when food is inconvenient or unavailable. Generally, foods high in protein (chicken, beef, fish, etc) are costly and require cooking and preparation. A protein powder can be used at those times when you do not access to these foods or have the time to prepare and cook them. If protein foods are not your favorite and you tend to fall short on it in your diet, a powder can help you meet your needs. Protein powders tend to bring in fewer calories attached to the protein grams. A steak, due to its fat content, can add a significant number of calories to the protein in the meat. Protein powders often are just the protein calories. This is why a lot of bodybuilders or dieters may use them because they help to control excess calories. If you are eating sufficient calories and your protein intake is equal to or greater than what your body needs, there is absolutely no benefit to taking a protein powder.

TYPES OF PROTEIN

Whey Protein has a good amino profile and makes up about 25% of milk proteins. Take this type of powder when your body most needs it like before, during or after your workout because it is absorbed immediately.

Casein Protein is good but is more slower to be absorbed by your body so don't take it before or during your workout. Take it when your body has enough time to absorb it like in the morning with your breakfast etc.

Soy protein have had some controversy associated with it because some people think that it doesn't do your body much good and that it can sometimes be harmful. Either way it's safer to stick with the first two types since those types have been used the most.

Protein Powder is a good supplement to your diet and make sure that you use them wisely. But remember that protein alone is not going to help you build muscle and that killer body you dream of. You need proven workout and exercises along with a healthy diet.

**The best kind of powder will be ALL NATURAL. No artificial flavorings, fructose, coloring, etc. 100% natural. And if you think they're super expensive, combine the price with the price of your other ingredients and how many servings you will get out of it all. I paid $35 up front for one my favorite ingredients (whey, fruit) but it made a million shakes and only $1.80 each! What a bargain.