help me understand protien shakes....

browneyes1022

Okay I'm confused about protein shakes Are they good for you or bad for you? I have read where some people say they are good and some say they are bad I know that they are for building muscle If I am working out walking, doing crunches, etc... will they help me or hurt me I don't want to gain more weight but I know muscle will help burn body fat. Somone please help me cuz I am so confused. I figured I could drink one after my workout as like a meal replacement not all the time but just once in a while. I just need more info or personal experince

aanddplusoanda

I would also like to know.

sammys1girly

me too! Just got some protein powder today and wanna be sure it's gonna work for me.

cinca

I would like to know as well. I'm a bit confused.

Fergieberg

bump

HisPathDaily

I would say bump ... but in the spirit of the Wings game tonight I'll say 'check'

cacrat

I'd like to hear from those that say protein shakes are a bad thing. More protein will not hurt, as long as you're under your daily calories anyway. Protein helps build and repair muscle, protein shakes help boost your daily intake of protein if you can't get it all in your diet from meats, dairy, fish, etc

finallyhappening2011

I am curious as well, wanted to purchase some.

lyn267

bump

mumma2boyz

Low calorie protein shakes are the key. Bdoy builders do use them to increase muscle mass, but they are also consuming high calorie diets. You will want to eat enough to supplement the protein you are eating (chicken, eggs, yogurt)...aim for 80-100g per day. This will aid in fat loss and build/,aintain muscle in the process. Don't worry about getting bulky. That's very difficult for avg woman.

melzteach

It's my understanding that if you drink a protein shake a few minutes before or after a workout it will help assist in muscle regrowth and repairing. It should also help prevent or reduce muscle soreness the following day.

Mrs_TrimWaistFatWallet

Ladies, this guy answered all the questions.

More protein will not hurt, as long as you're under your daily calories anyway.

Protein helps build and repair muscle, protein shakes help boost your daily intake of protein if you can't get it all in your diet from meats, dairy, fish, etc

Try whey protein instead of milk, creatine. Its a leaner protein and it's not meant for bulking up like the others are.

jamie1888

Protein shakes will not make you gain or lose weight... it's like everything else, you account for what you put in them. It's ideal to drink a protein shake with whey protein after your workout, to help your muscles start the recovery process. Whey is also great for helping to make your protein goals for the day.

jamie1888

I also add my chocolate whey protein to my greek yogurt; YUM! And I add whey when I make homemade popsicles, oatmeal, pancakes, etc.

dawnhite7778

bump

justinf67

It's my understanding that if you drink a protein shake a few minutes before or after a workout it will help assist in muscle regrowth and repairing. It should also help prevent or reduce muscle soreness the following day.

This is exactly right. As someone else mentioned, u need to get a whey protein shake formula that is lower calorie and not a "MASS GAINER" lower calorie and lower carb/fat with a high protein count is good. I use Optimum Nutrition gold. per scoop, its 120 calories, 1g fat, 3g carbs, and 24g protein. Thats what u want if ur wanting to lean up

GorillaNJ

I find that adding a pre-workout protein shake helps me keep my weight loss more steady. I take it before lifting to feed my muscles. I know a lot of women who add them in as a post workout "meal"

An added bonus if you get a really tasty one it acts as a healthy snack to tame a sweet tooth too!

browneyes1022

Thanks everyone I guess aslong as I continue to workout they will help

deathtaco

You will not 'bulk up' by consuming any protein product. You will not gain weight by consuming a protein shake which at most is 150 calories (with water).

If you are worried about becoming "too big," realize, that you have to eat ridiculous calories (talking 4,000+), spend countless hours in the gym lifting HEAVY weights, and spend countless months doing so.

I'm willing to bet you are eating 1200-1500 calories a day. Don't worry about becoming too big by consuming a protein shake. But, do yourself a favor and don't get GNC or EAS protein. They suck.

There are also a ton of protein choices that are just fine: Egg, soy, pea, whey(isolate), whey(concentrate), casein, blends. All of which are perfectly good sources and will never, ever cause you to gain weight.

willimh

I personally like the lean shake from gnc.

lclarkjr

Protein is good for helping to repair muscle tissue that gets damaged through exercise. Protein supplements are good if you aren't getting enough protein in your regular diet. Personally I get a lot of protein in my meals, but I like to use a protein supplement after I lift weights to start the repair process and minimize muscle soreness. Most of the time it is an hour or more before I make it home and am ready to eat following a trip to the gym so protein powder is something that is convenient to bring with me to the gym on lifting days. The only way I could see them as bad is if you are adding too many calories to them.