Protein Powders- please explain

Acg67

You're going to get a thousand answers.

Because someone said "If you exercise a lot you need more protein. I use (insert brand/type). You should try it because look at how great I am."

I think it's a waste of money. Most of it literally gets "pissed" down the drain. But what do I know. My degree was in Human Performances and Health Sciences (with an emphasis in Sports Medicine). I spent several years as a L.A.T. So I'm sure someone else will come along and debunk me before the night is over.

Spend your money on something else, like new clothes.

By your comment that most literally gets pissed away, are you referring to the notion that the body cannot use more then 30g of protein in 1 sitting?

As for protein supplements themselves, you are discounting the the high BV of the protein powders and price per g is pretty cheap compared to whole food sources. But i do agree most people should try and consume whole foods to get their protein in

sabrinafaith

I put protein unflavored powder in my smoothie every morning with a greek yogurt, 1/2 cup skim milk, a ton of fruit, and some agave syrup. It comes out to like 400 cals and 49 grams of protein. I started this about 2 weeks ago and love it. I am 37 weeks pregnant and was becoming ravenous an hour and a half after breakfast before I started this. I'm definitely continuing this morning treat after my baby is born!

onedayillbamilf

You didn't read the conclusion before you posted your nutshell, did you? Tsk tsk

To those of you that have NEVER read up on anything regarding protein supplements. From the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (26 Sep 2007). Obviously there have been more studies before and after, but the data hasn't changed nor has the opinion of most PROFESSIONALS. All the bloggers can disagree - since they are the experts.

CONCLUSION: It is the position of the International Society of Sports Nutrition that exercising individuals need approximately 1.4 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of bodyweight per day. The amount is dependent upon the mode and intensity of the exercise, the quality of the protein ingested, and the status of the energy and carbohydrate intake of the individual. Concerns that protein intake within this range is unhealthy are unfounded in healthy, exercising individuals. An attempt should be made to obtain protein requirements from whole foods, but supplemental protein is a safe and convenient method of ingesting high quality dietary protein. The timing of protein intake in the time period encompassing the exercise session has several benefits including improved recovery and greater gains in fat free mass. Protein residues such as branched chain amino acids have been shown to be beneficial for the exercising individual, including increasing the rates of protein synthesis, decreasing the rate of protein degradation, and possibly aiding in recovery from exercise. In summary, exercising individuals need more dietary protein than their sedentary counterparts, which can be obtained from whole foods as well as from high quality supplemental protein sources such as whey and casein protein.

In a nut shell - don't take protein supplements unless you have a medical need. You can get all the protein you need from whole foods. Do yourself a favor (I've typed this a few times) SEE A DOCTOR. Get blood work and determine if you really need to spend money on protein supplements. What you LEARN may surprise you.

poustotah

I have a protein shake after I work out so that I can keep my protein up and because I've noticed that when I have some protein after I workout, I'm not as sore the day after whereas before I added a protein shake into my diet, I would be sore for 2-3 days after my workout. My trainer recommended it so I tried it and for me, that works.

From my anatomy classes, I've learned that an influx of protein after any strenous activity will help to increase the production of lactic acid which helps to rebuild the muscle quicker. While I agree that it's better to get protein from whole foods, most people find it difficult to meet their daily requirement without adding in a supplement.

eolivero

Plant based proteins are a much better quality of proteins to ingest and absorb. I'm trying to give insight from a clinical perspective. YOU can do what you want. The title of the blog is "please explain".

I'm providing documentation that supports both sides. I'm not an idiot. Obviously there are reasons to take protein supplements. The post was submitted by a 37 year old wife & mother trying to lose 47 lbs and wants to know "why" people use protein supplements. I would think it's safe to assume she is concerned if SHE needs to do so.

This article was based on COLLEGE ATHLETES.

It's not needed for EVERYONE. However, because she is noticing that MOST of her friends are taking it she is curious. Trying to be helpful. Again, if anything - SEE A DOCTOR. Get a blood work up and determine if you really need it.

taso42

Plant based proteins are a much better quality of proteins to ingest and absorb.

Ah, now the agenda is becoming clearer.

Dave198lbs

Plant based proteins are a much better quality of proteins to ingest and absorb.

Ah, now the agenda is becoming clearer.

my thoughts exactly

eolivero

I have no agenda. Eat whatever works for you.

onedayillbamilf

And he back pedals too folks!!! Amazing!

Plant based proteins are a much better quality of proteins to ingest and absorb. I'm trying to give insight from a clinical perspective. YOU can do what you want. The title of the blog is "please explain".

I'm providing documentation that supports both sides. I'm not an idiot. Obviously there are reasons to take protein supplements. The post was submitted by a 37 year old wife & mother trying to lose 47 lbs and wants to know "why" people use protein supplements. I would think it's safe to assume she is concerned if SHE needs to do so.

This article was based on COLLEGE ATHLETES.

It's not needed for EVERYONE. However, because she is noticing that MOST of her friends are taking it she is curious. Trying to be helpful. Again, if anything - SEE A DOCTOR. Get a blood work up and determine if you really need it.

Acg67

Plant based proteins are a much better quality of proteins to ingest and absorb. I'm trying to give insight from a clinical perspective. YOU can do what you want. The title of the blog is "please explain".

In terms of digestibility they are not, in terms of BV they are not, so what exactly do you mean by that statement?

taso42

eolivero has deactivated their account.

ETA: :laugh:

onedayillbamilf

I have no agenda. Eat whatever works for you.

Wait, weren't you the guy talking about how amazing juice fasting is? Remember? I swear it was you saying you've been doing it for 30 or sixty days or something and you're going to shoot for 90. Right? Wasn't that you? The "Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead" inspired guy?

CoderGal

Who else stopped reading comments and still scrolled through for the pictures of abs

engineman312

eolivero has deactivated their account.

ETA: :laugh:

rileysowner

eolivero has deactivated their account.

ETA: :laugh:

I would consider it a success if he had realized his misrepresentation of the science and stayed here. Having his leave is a semi-failure in my mind.

Inebriated

1. Convenience.
2. It tastes good.
3. It keeps me full.
4. It gives me energy.

polegirl23

I take a protein shake (Maxitone Definity) after my work out as it helps with my recovery, gives me a quick protein 'hit' and keeps me from feeling hungry whilst I shower, feed the dogs, sort the house out and then sort out my dinner! If it wasn't for my shake I'd be rushing to grab something to eat while I was starving after exercising and it would probably be not very healthy and nutricious!!

thepetiterunner

I started (and continue to) take protein powder as a recovery drink for my workouts (both runs and weight liftinig) after my personal trainer suggested it. As she explained it to me, these easily absorable protein isolates are better for immediate recovery than eating it in other foods. Whether or not this is exactly true, I can't say for sure, but since I've been using it post-workout, it seems to work for me and I'm happy with the results.

I also like it because:
(1) it's cost effective for me (1 scoop of protein versus buying a small piece of lean chicken meat)
(2) it's convienent (I can just pack a bit of powder with me, throw it in a water bottle and I've got a 90 calorie protein snack)
(3) it tastes good
(4) I have a hard time getting enough protein in my diet otherwise

It's not mandatory for weight loss or muscle growth/revoery - you can do it through whole foods. You just need to find what works for you and what doesn't. Try it and if you don't like it stop. It's that simple.

monbeaucher

Is there a certain protein powder I should get? I'm looking to start using some! My boyfriend drinks Myoplex but I really can't stomach that stuff.

Bentley2718

I'm vegetarian and can't hit my protein goals without these supplements. Who can eat 3.5 blocks of tofu a day?

You can get sufficient protein on a vegetarian diet, you just chose to use supplements (this is not a judgement because you chose to do so, I just want to be clear about needs). If you are ovo-lacto you have plenty of low-fat, low-carb, high protein options, like egg whites, non-fat yogurt.

Similarly, it is entirely possible to get sufficient protein on a vegan diet, but your options are a little more limited and are more likely to come packaged with carbs and/or fat. If you're not restricting calories, and do a reasonable amount of planning, this isn't an issue. However, if you're restricting calories it can get tricky. In most whole plant foods (except fruit), the protein to calorie balance allows you to get enough protein, if you're eating enough calories. However, if you're eating, say, a 500 calorie a day deficit, it can be a little more difficult to get enough protein--it is still possible, it just requires more planning. Personally, I use protein powders because they're more convenient, and allow me to hit my macros more easily.

rileysowner

Is there a certain protein powder I should get? I'm looking to start using some! My boyfriend drinks Myoplex but I really can't stomach that stuff.

One that tastes good to you and doesn't cost a lot. Or, you can go to a place like Bulkfoods.com to get an unflavoured whey protein isolate and just flavour it the way you want to with some fruit and stevia.

monbeaucher

Is there a certain protein powder I should get? I'm looking to start using some! My boyfriend drinks Myoplex but I really can't stomach that stuff.

One that tastes good to you and doesn't cost a lot. Or, you can go to a place like Bulkfoods.com to get an unflavoured whey protein isolate and just flavour it the way you want to with some fruit and stevia.

Thank you!

sewerchick93

I was told by my doctor and nutritionist that I needed to add protein in the mornings.....and since protein powder tastes WAY BETTER in my oatmeal than fish or chicken I add it to my morning oatmeal.

alaska11

1. Convenience.
2. It tastes good.
3. It keeps me full.
4. It gives me energy.

My reasons exactly!! I have over 100 recipes I can use with my shake mix so I never get bored!! I love my shake for breakfast mixed with frozen fruit. Then post workout shake is usually an almond joy (shake mix, coconut extract, almond milk, unsweetened chocolate powder and a couple of almonds for a little crunch) or key lime pie (shake mix, milk, lemonade concentrate and 1/2 a graham cracker). These keep me full and post workout helps with muscle recovery.

blondejillie

I love Tera's Organic Whey protein, all natural. A bit pricey but worth it in my opinion. You can find it on Drugstore.com