Thinking about protein shakes? Do you?

slacker80

It.s very important to look at the labels as well become some may not be as diet friendly and i'm not refering to just weight gainers.

BSN's Syntha-6 protein is by far the best and richest flavor one can experience and enjoy. however, when I carb cycle every little gram counts, and even though the carbs aren't insanely high. I still have to go to my next favorite being Optimum Nutritions "Gold Standard 100% whey protein" not as deliciouis as syntha-6, but less calories per serving. My method of determining flavor is how rich it taste with plain water.

Artificial sweeteners can make or break the product. and BSN has nailed it! It does have different blends of protein and one of them being a bit of casein which is slow digesting so the protein continues to slowly, and steadily absorb throughout the next couple hours.

Many folks won't purchase this product do to the price, and, or availability of knowing where to get it with convenience.

Vitaminshoppe retail store in your city/town - ask for internet price, it is their policy to honor it. ($12 saving ) bringing a 5 lb. container down to! $41. That's a great deal! Or you can find any other major brand you're looking for and save some dough, because even with your GNC Gold Member card, that you use on the first week of the month you're still overpaying

Don't have a vitaminshoppe in your area, than you can still visit their site and save more because they don't charge tax online, and delivery of items over $25 is free most of the time. 3-4 day shipping.

vs1023

@sidesteal - You're going to trust government "research"? They line their pockets with whoever is willing to pay for information distribution. My wild stab in the dark here is that the soy lobby had a little coin exchange to get the "research" they needed to sell more product. The government is responsible for the woefully inadequate FDA recommendations and atrocious prescription medicine addictions/deaths, among many other horrors. You believe what they say?

ITA with this. I always do my own research and then make my own informed decisions before taking the govt's word on anything!

With that said, yes I do use protein shakes (Jay Robb brand). I used them previously and they really helped since I was doing a lot of weight training. I try to get all my protein from whole foods but some days it's really hard with being a mom to 2, working, etc. Sometimes I mix the protein powder with a little coconut milk and greek yogurt instead of a shake.

mahidac

the protein in protein shakes isnt some super protein - its just a meal replacement for people who need protein but don't have time to cook (I take some to the library/hospital all the time). If you can its always better to get your protein from a lean meat, the whey protein (despite claims on the tub) is not something better for you that through German engineering will give amazing results - its simple a meal substitute

N_BEAST_MODE_24_7

Well I don't have an issue with cutting and gaining at the same time, its very hard but it can be done. I'm a boxer, and stay in shape year round. I'm also a certified personal trainer, and would say anything is possible and for those that can do it, good job....
quote]

I use Visalus protein, low calorie shakes! 90 total calories, 12 grams of protein, which I take 3 shakes a day and eat 2 meals. It smells like cake mix and tastes great with almond milk. It greatly helps me with cutting weight and building muscle. Its a plus for those that wants to lose weight or tone up.

You can't cut weight and build muscle at the same time unless you're one of the "special" people. It's usually one or the other.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
[/quote]

KCarpenter83

I drink protein shakes because I set my macro ratio to 40/30/30 carb/fat/pro and I have a VERY hard time hitting that 30% protein if I don't.

Same here- i drink Unjury (whey isolate, low carb low sugar) protein just mixed in water everyday to keep my protein level up.

jskaggs1971

I do protein shakes almost every day for breakfast. Today's shake? 8 oz milk, 2 scoops EAS vanilla, 2 shots of espresso, ice. I get my caffeine boost and AM protein shot in one go.

Normally, my smoothies consist of orange juice, frozen fruit, and unflavored NZ whey powder, but I bought the vanilla EAS when I ran out of the unsweetened stuff, and it's too sweet in a fruit-based smoothie.

rebeccap13

I usually have one after a workout if my protein for the day is low. I am a big fan of Isopure Zero Carb, some coconut milk and frozen fruit of choice. It's quick and easy. Plus the coconut milk helps keep my fat levels where they need to be too.

RonSwanson66

I was not aware....thanks for the info...new here and trying so hard!!

Dude-
men shouldnt really take in soy. google it...the general rule is the estrogen in soy is counter productive to mens testosterone...its a big debate but I would advise against soy for men

It is a big debate. I personally wouldn't worry about Soy consumption at all. To quote Alan Aragon on this issue (it's good to get info from several sources but for the record I find Alan to be top of the list for reliable info):

Not likely to be a concern. However, if you have thyroid issue excessive soy consumption could exacerbate them or interfere with thyroid meds. Back to the question though, the evidence doesn't indicate its detriment on androgen levels in a population relevant to us:

"CONCLUSION: This investigation shows that 12 week supplementation with soy protein does not decrease serum testosterone or inhibit lean body mass changes in subjects engaged in a resistance exercise program."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17908338

Very true. However soy is an inferior form of protein with regard to bioavailability and amino acid profile. Unless you are a vegan or don't tolerate whey, there's really no reason to supplement with soy protein when there are better choices available.

iKristine

wow....right on target, i've been sick and needed to increase protein, as I haven't had much of an appetite....so just made myself this shake:

1. Weight Watchers - Creamy Chocolate Smoothie Mix, 1 packet (26 g)
2. Silk Soy Milk - Vanilla Light 70 Cal Per 1.5 Cups
3. Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Cookies and Cream - Protien Powder, 0.5 Scoop

255 calories, 31 grams of protein, 24 carbs, 14 sugar - a bit pricey but tastes good! Next time I will skip the WW powder, but had it here and wanted to give it a whirl...

Dude-
men shouldnt really take in soy. google it...the general rule is the estrogen in soy is counter productive to mens testosterone...its a big debate but I would advise against soy for men

I would! All soy is GMO. All of it. Whey isn't. If you can dare find a Soy based protein non GMO it's ridiculous expensive. Not to mention the estrogen dealio. Trust me, in American diet, your getting your soy. Pick up a label. Any label.

Sidesteal

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17908338

Very true. However soy is an inferior form of protein with regard to bioavailability and amino acid profile. Unless you are a vegan or don't tolerate whey, there's really no reason to supplement with soy protein when there are better choices available.

I absolutely agree with you. I was only posting it so the person using soy didn't fear that he would grow boobs and lose his man parts.

Charlottejogs

QUOTE:

So on the topic of protein shakes- I have never really thought I had a need for this but I am interested in your personal reason for making them. What kind of results you have had, and which you like. I am considering it as I have had the longest ever plateau but am interested in your thoughts. As far as my daily log goes I am not deficient in protein but I know many that use it are not either- thanks for the feedback!
A plateau is 6 weeks or more of no weight loss after being consistent with food and exercise. If not it's just a stall. 2 things to change first. Your exercise routine then eat maintenance calories for a couple of days or so.



Thanks for the great info! I do feel fairly sure this counts as plateau- a few years ago I had a lung disease that required months of steroid treatment. I was at about 142lbs at my highest and got to about 125 a year or so again. I have been about there ever since- right now I am about 121 but you know how a few pounds up and down can be. I have changed up some exercise and such over time. In October I started replacing breakfast with fresh vegetable juice so I certainly feel healthier but no change in weight. I have been reducing portion sizes and that seems to help some (meaning I haven't been back up to 124ish for awhile). I have also just added running to usual circuit training routine so hopefully that will help also. My ultimate goal is to be as healthy as I can- I am vegetarian so protein is something I am always keeping my eye on. So- that is my story:) Thanks for the feedback!

fiberartist219

Here's a question for those of you that have tried protein shakes:

Do you think consuming more protein helps reduce the soreness after working out?

One of my biggest problems with exercise is the exhaustion and soreness that I feel afterward. I do stretch, drink water and I think I consume enough protein, but after reading that many trainers recommend 100 grams a day, it makes me wonder if it would help or not.

iKristine

Here's a question for those of you that have tried protein shakes:

Do you think consuming more protein helps reduce the soreness after working out?

One of my biggest problems with exercise is the exhaustion and soreness that I feel afterward. I do stretch, drink water and I think I consume enough protein, but after reading that many trainers recommend 100 grams a day, it makes me wonder if it would help or not.

Absolutely. If I'm sore, it's cause I didn't eat enough protein. I take 52g shakes twice a day and hit the sack. When I awake I am no longer sore. Drinks lots, consume 100g + protein and get good sleep. That's all it takes.

fiberartist219

Hmm.. I will try to eat more protein and see how it affects my working out. If it goes well, I might invest in some shake powder.

littleleers

I love the Biochem Whey Protein powder, chocolate fudge (vanilla isn't bad, either). I am 5'0 tall and weight 106 lbs. I do weight training (alternate upper and lower) 3x per week. I am heavy on cardio, doing aerobic dance or my own version of zumba style dancing 4 days per week.

I found that I was fatiguing quickly during my weight training and at times during my cardio. I now make sure that I have a good breakfast about 90 minutes before a workout such as a bagel with almond butter or an egg, yogurt, and fruit. I also buy GU-chomps (you can find these on Amazon.com or at a health food store). They are tasty gummy bear type treats loaded with amino acids and a boost of caffeine. I eat 4 of these before a workout and then right before the cardio I take sips of my protein drink. I also make about 12 ounces of a drink using a couple of squeezes of lemon, sugar/agave syrup and a couple dashes of salt and mix with water. All of this has helped me tremendously with energy. I generally do a 2 to 2 1/2 workout 3 - 4x per week.

Also, for anyone who continues having problems with fatiguing, get your ferritin (iron stores) checked. Ask your M.D. to draw the lab and you should see your results between ( 50 - 100 or so). For women, this is very important. You do in fact, break up blood cells when doing impact exercise. The low iron or iron deficiency/anemia can sneak up on you. I get tested once a year and need to take iron supplements.

rentrikin

bump very interested in doing this as well

marujita

My husband and I drink a protein shake almost every morning as our breakfast. We've done this for a couple of years. Aside from Whey protein, I load it with super foods. I add water, frozen blueberries and strawberries, golgi berries, acai powder, flax seed, maca power, and spinach (you cannot taste spinach when it's blended with berries). I add some water, blend it in in one of those Magic Bullets and....you have a SUPER breakfast! I've been drinking it for so long that now when I drink it I don't feel the extreme energy boost that I used to BUT when I don't have it for breakfast, my body misses it. I don't feel as good.

It really fills you up and helps you feel full all morning. I attribute that to the whey. You can also get 3 or 4 fruit and veggie servings just at breakfast alone.

My husband had high cholesterol. The only thing he changed was drinking this for breakfast (didn't exercise, didn't calories, didn't restrict diet, ate lots of meat and he doesn't like veggies much). By ONLY changing this, he brought his cholesterol levels to normal. He swears it was because of this drink.