would it be a good idea to add a protein shake?

kimtpa1417

I am 8 lbs to my goal and work out 5 to 6 days a week. Although my weight is coming down I still have alot of problem zones from being overweight. My waist is still bulky and so are my inner thighs.

I average about 50 -60 g of protein a day. ( i am 5'9 and weigh 158 as of this morning and trying to get to 150lbs) Once I am done I will try to maintain and tone. I am not looking for any meal replacements as I already have a issue with hitting my calorie goal.

Also a added bonus would be something that would help with fatigue. I am currently taking a multi and usually wait until 12pm to take it so I am not sleeping at my desk at work. Some days this works and most it doesn't.

And I am not looking for the negative Anti-protein drink responses. I am fully aware that you can get all the protein needed from whole foods but with my calorie limit I can never meet them.

ashnm88

I've use protein shakes in the past. I've read in articles that you need around .36g of protein per pound..so that is roughly 57g for you. I don't think it hurts to go a little over your daily need but I think your doing fine when it comes to protein.

After my work outs I try and eat something high in carbs. Since its just cardio, you need more carbs then protein, now if your doing HIIT and/or strength training/ weigh lifting you need more protein.

Though I have had the same trouble areas as you, I found full body exercise like for eg. elliptical has helped with the inner thighs and the mid-section.

MikeSEA

Assuming you don't go over your caloric goal, adding protein wouldn't be a bad thing.

I doubt it'll do much for your problem areas, though. It may help with energy levels and workout recovery.

JPDad

I add protein powder to my morning fruit and vegetable smoothie every morning. I wouldn't start my day without it.

Switching to a greek style yogurt is also good as there is more protein compared to regular yogurt.

Pebble321

If you aren't getting in enough calories, then some kind of shake sounds like a good way to bump up the cals.

Just make sure you read the label and know what the ingredients are - some of them have very long and scary looking ingredient lists or are full of artificial sweeteners (specially the stuff labelled lo carb, high protein). If you like what's in it, go for it.

The other option would be to make your own smoothie with milk and fruit and peanut butter or ground almonds - yummy and a more natural option if that's what you prefer.

If you aren't getting enough calories in, that might be contributing to the fatigue, so increasing calories in any way should help.

LolaVaantz

I don't actually have anything useful to say about a protein shake, but I did notice the issue with mid afternoon fatigue and that a multivitamin helps a bit. You may want to check with your doctor and have both your levels of Iron and your levels of Vitamin D. Some warning signs of having low levels of both of these can be that draining fatigue, and if you are generally restricting your calories you may not be getting enough of those specific nutrients. I'm perpetually low in both of these and can really tell the difference when i've got a higher level supplement. Don't just take them randomly though, make sure you are low if you go for a mega supplement as it can have bad side effects.

geonomix

Have you heard of BodyByVi protein shakes? It's a soy protein with 75gr of sodium, 90 calories and it tastes like cake mix. It is affordable and you can get a sample at http://trybyvi.sampleshipping.com