Yes another Protein Shake thread...

svanhoecke

What are the benefits?

How much protein is enough?

Is it okay to eat them as meal replacements? (OooOOOooo controversial! :noway: )

Should I have them before or after a work out?

What is the best value?

What is the best kind?

Should I even bother?

I don't ever get nearly enough protein if I am going by the 1g per 1lb rule. I am averaging like 50-60grams a day. Not enough for someone trying to lose their last 10 pounds I have heard....

Tell me your opinions/experiences! Has it helped any of your weight loss? I realize everyone and her sister has commented/posted a topic about this today. But I want more info.

amysj303

Ok, I'll bite, I think already shared that I am liking Gnc Pro Performance Amp - Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 - Vanilla
It's 280 calories and 60 grams of protein if you do three scoops but I don't. I usually do one in a breakfast shake and two after a hard workout. I always thought you were supposed to drink them after, not before, but I just read that on t-nation, so I don't know all the science on the recommendation.
I don't think you need a gram per pound, but a gram per pound of your lean body weight so if you know your body fat % you have deduct all the weight that is fat, and that is your lean body mass/weight so shoot for that many grams of protein.
I don't really think of them as "meal replacement" but I like to eat my calories. Maybe if I had three scoops it would count as a mini-meal, but I think everyone should eat whole foods where possible, a protein shake for every meal isn't very sustainable long term, but I think it does help me get in all the protein I need.
As far as value, I paid $26 for the bag at GNC and it has 20 scoops. Although, I just looked at it and it says to be consumed 30 minutes before workout or in the morning on rest days!
Wait and see if anyone can explain that before/after logic...

datzun

I'm no expert but...

Benefits: The majority seems to point to natural sources of protein being better for you than a protein shake. Facts behind it say that natural protein is absorbed by your body in a more efficient manner, while shakes/powders run through your system quicker. That said, a lot of us struggle to hit our protein goals and resort to shakes, as they are better than nothing. ;D

How much: If you're trying to add mass/muscle, go by the 1-1.5g per lb rule (I'm assuming this would count for women too). I'm sure if you're just trying to stay trim and lean, .75g per lb would be adequate.

Meal replacements: Can't answer that one.

Before or after workout: Lots of conflicting opinions here as well. Depends on what your 'workout' is. If it's weight/strength training, then yes...you'd want some before and directly after. If it's cardio, you'd want complex carbs and a little protein (I think the suggested ratio is 4:1) before and if you'd like some protein after. I do mostly cardio and go with a banana 1-2 hours before my run and a protein shake immediately after my runs and then some PB&J about 30 mins later.

Best value: No idea, but I wouldn't go too cheap. A lot of cheap protein powders/shakes have unwelcome ingredients.

Best kind: Matter of opinion too. Also, look at the stats for each. I started with Designer Whey. It had more sugar/carbs/fat than I wanted though. I now go with Gold Standard 100% Whey Double Chocolate and like it.

Should you bother? That's up to you. Can you get enough natural protein in your diet without resorting to shakes/powders? What are your goals?

I would say that it's helped me w/ my muscle gain (and to a lesser extent, my weight loss). Protein makes you feel fuller and helps repair muscles after a workout. It also helps me fill my calorie goals (have trouble hitting them).

aray379

I'm not an expert so I can't really speak to the benefits. For me personally the benefits are getting in extra protein with fewer fat/carbs/calories when I need it. It's also good for on the go and I like to drink them (1 scoop) before I go to the gym while I'm at work so I don't get hungry.

As far as how much, I've heard/read that you can't digest more than 20g of protein per hour and also there's some information out there about too much protein being bad for your kidneys. My boyfriend has weight gainer shakes though that have 1000+ calories and like 50g of protein so I'm not sure about the truth to all of that.

I use to use them as meal replacements but I find that I am more satisfied/have less cravings if I do not do that. Instead I use 1 scoop instead of two mixed in with smoothies or with almond milk as a "snack of sorts" (I eat 4-5 small "meals" a day so it's a bit different). It's really whatever works for you though.

Bodybuilding.com has some pretty good values as you can buy in bulk.

As far as the best kind, you have to try them out. LIke I said earlier my mom buys jillian micheals (maybe because of $ I'm not sure) so I have been drinking that while home for break but it's not my favorite. I like designer whey but am waiting to try some isopure from bodybuilding.com Just make sure that you get one that does not have artificial sweetners. (or you can if you don't care but I don't eat artificial sweetners) again, personaly preference I guess!