Protein shakes to lose weight and tone

Mandi3009

I do Cardio and weights 4- 5 times a week. and have lost weight steadily. Its time that I start toning my body. I am a vegetarian, thus people have been suggesting for me to add whey protein shakes into my diet.I am confused as I have read lots of articles many of which say its good to add the protein shakes. My dilemma is when do I take them during the day? What brand should I buy? I do not want to bulk up. I want to get toned along with losing another 6-10 lbs.
Any suggestions?

lovinmysoldier

I'm far from an expert, but my understanding is for your muscles to get the nutrients they need to repair you should take a whey protein, perferrably one with soy in it within an hour of strength training.

Whey, because it's the most broken down so it is as readily available as possible for your body to ingest and start using. Within an hour of working out because that is when your muscles are starting to repair themselves.

Check out www.intense-workout.com , he explains it way better than I can.

lovinmysoldier

And that website recommended Optimum Nutrition. He gives his rationael on his website but that's the one I got and I like it.

thepetiterunner

You're not going to bulk up.

I take my protein shakes post-workout, usually within 30 minutes. I use the GNC AMP Wheybolic Extreme in Chocolate or Strawberry. The chocolate is amazing. I just mix with water and drink.

lizard053

Getting "toned" is how women "bulk up" for the most part. Women do not have enough testosterone to build up a lot of muscle. So lift heavy and enjoy your protein!

Rae6503

A. bulking requires an excess of calories. "Bulking" to "body builder" levels requires excess testosterone which we don't have.

B. You don't NEED protein shakes. If you are able to get adequate protien (1 gram per pound of lean body mass) through food alone you don't need them. I like to drink one just to make sure. I blend it with a half cup of milk and put it in my coffee.

HeidiMightyRawr

Bulking up is the result of heavy lifting, a surplus of calories and decent testosterone levels (something most women don't have)

Protein shakes are just a supplement, an easy way of getting the protein you would normally get through certain foods, but without all the extra calories. You don't "need" them, but if you are on a lower calorie diet, it can be hard to get what you need through food alone, especially with lifting.

I use Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey.
110-130 cals per scoop, 24g protein, 1-3g carbs, ~1g fat.
Easy to mix with easy water or milk, and tons of flavours that actually taste nice.

Mandi3009

Thanks much for all the info guys!