WHEY PROTEIN

Strive2BLean

I notice that lot's of people use whey protein powder. Is there a dietary benefit to consuming this? I have never tried it and was wondering if I should. Does it stave off hunger? I don't do resistance work only cardio (mostly elliptical). Should I try it? and what brand is best? Thank you for responding.

BrentGetsFit

Protein does indeed promote satiety. Also, depending on where you read, you might need more protein in your diet and powder is an easy way to get it.

Edited to add: As for brand, I've tried several and the taste and cost vary wildly. Currently I use Body Fortress because it's inexpensive and they give out a monthly coupon on their FB page and it tastes good

melcowenfitness

There are a TON of different protein options out there. Educate yourself on the different types and what the pros and cons are of supplementation. This is a great article that talks about whey proteins: http://www.carldaikeler.com/2011/10/we-go-both-wheys/

Most people choose to do a protein supplement if they're having a difficult time meeting their daily protein requirements through natural food sources (i.e. through the foods you eat). Protein is needed to help build and repair muscle tissue. It's always best to get what you need through natural food sources, but when you can't supplements are a good secondary choice.

Hope that helps!

Mel

chantell7

wheys great as its high protein low fat n low suger. Its absorbed faster than food so its perfect after a work out to help with muscle recovery. I use balance whey wpi has digestive enzymes in it to add digestion

neanderthin

There isn't really any benefit unless someone needs to supplement their diet with extra protein.

jayb0ne

Couple of reasons to take protein shakes:

1 - If you're struggling to meet your daily protein intake, it's a good hit of protein. However, my shake gives me 24g of protein and I can get that from 100g of chicken breast a whole lot cheaper and also slow acting (whey is fast acting, more on that below)

2 - If you do resistance work, it's important to get protein into your body fairly quickly after a workout. This is to flood your muscles with Amino acids to give them the building blocks needed to repair and regenerate. When you lift heavy, you create micro tears in the muscles and the repair of these micro tears is what stimulates muscle growth. Whey is a fast acting protein so the amino acids in it reach your muscles within about an hour rather than within about 6 hours with whole food.

From what you're saying, I'd recommend trying to hit your protein targets through whole foods. If you're really struggling then Casein or a whey/casein blend may be better for you than whey as Casein is slow release. If you flood your body with masses of protein, with nothing for it to do - ie. no muscle tissue to repair - then a lot of it will be excreted or converted into adipose tissue as your body just has no use for all of that at once.

That's my take on it anyway... Although I'm sure someone will be along to tell me I'm wrong shortly... lol!

Jay

catniss

Hemp powder is a very good alternative as well (unsweetened, because some of them contain a ton of sugar--the same goes for whey powder--check the labels)

krypt5

Benefits:
1. Most superior amino acid profile compared to most protein sources..
2. Its a dairy derivative, so its rich in micronutrients (the common perception is that because it is processed its void of micronutrients)
3. Immunoglobulins and lactoferrins that boosts immune function.

krypt5

Hemp powder is a very good alternative as well (unsweetened, because some of them contain a ton of sugar--the same goes for whey powder--check the labels)

The ones that contains tons of sugars is typically marketed as weight/mass gainer.

dannylives

There is a "Biological Value" when it comes to protein. The BV is basically the quality of the actual protein. Higher quality protein is better for you, the highest BV is whole eggs I think. The only protein with a higher BV than whole eggs is Whey Protein which usually comes in the form of a protein powder. Whole eggs have a lot of cholesterol in them unless you only eat the egg whites. Whey protein powder is not necessary, unless you arent eating enough protein in your daily diet. For most people it's just an easy way of making sure they're getting adequate amounts of protein.

"Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey" has been around for ages and is probably the best BASIC whey protein powder. A new one is called Myofusion by a different company and tastes really good. At least just 1 scoop a day would be good for you. If you dont buy it, just try to pay attention to your protein intake.