why do people use protein powder?

xx_donna_xx

I see nearly everyone on here uses protein powder. Why is this?

ChristyU74

Let's start by saying I'm definitely no expert. But your body needs protein to help with muscle recovery and to build muscle after working out. I use it right after I lift weights. I like it because it's convenient, but I suppose if you just ate something with a lot of protein that would work too.

acresfield

Just to change the balance of your diet in a healthy way and fill your allotted calories with good stuff that Your body needs (protein) and reduce the stuff that you need less of like fat. Proteins help with muscle recovery after a workout and make you feel fuller for longer reducing the urge to snack.

I stand to be corrected as I am not an expert but that's my take on it

starscollidexo

protein helps build muscle. muscle boosts metabolism. personally, i know i have a VERY hard time getting all my protein - tofu just doesn't cut it and i'm a vegetarian/almost-vegan so i don't eat eggs unless they're in a recipe i'm mixing (the thought of what i'm eating if they're raw stops me from comsuming) and i don't eat chicken. that's why i need protein powder anyway.

prettytothinkso

To help me get most of my protein for the day, plus... it's chocolate flavored.

SirZee

Protein gives you a good "bang" for your calorie "buck". Its critical for muscle development. Whey protein is a good way to get a lot of extra protein.

DopeItUp

Protein gives you a good "bang" for your calorie "buck". Its critical for muscle development. Whey protein is a good way to get a lot of extra protein.

Exactly. Good protein powders can have something like <3g carbs, <3g fat and >25g of protein. Caloric efficient way of boosting protein intake. I have a shake every morning.

kayden625

for the days that you are on the go, after a workout, days you do not want to cook chicken or something
high in protein. As a supplement.

xx_donna_xx

Thanks everyone.

What do you think is the best one? Are they very expensive? I must have a wee look into this as I eat alot of eggs and chicken but could always do with a wee healthy boost

jennifer52484

I just drank 51g of vanilla whey protein and it was fantastic. I can't seem to get enough protein from foods so I supplement it with Whey powder/wheyshots/premade whey drinks.

ck1416

Protein gives you a good "bang" for your calorie "buck". Its critical for muscle development. Whey protein is a good way to get a lot of extra protein.

^^Like^^

Ninatoots

I just love it blended with plain greek yogurt and frozen strawberries or blueberries. Sometimes I put a banana. This is with the vanilla whey protein. If I use chocolate ( it's not my favorite) I'll add some unsweetened cocoa powder, and maybe a tablespoon of peanut butter.

Seanb_us

Once in a while, after a workout at the gym, I get a shake with 25g of whey protein in it. Why? Because I'd rather get calories from protein than carbs, as much as I looovveeee carbs.

It's not perfect, but I like to think it supplements my approach of using cardio to primarily burn calories and machines/weights to build a little strength.

Cheers,

Sean

ChasingSweatandTears

GNC has a 100% egg protein powder that I LOVE. It is made from egg whites, which I also snack on when I need more lean protein. It only comes in chocolate but the flavor is divine, it's minimally processed and whey protein gives me gas :blushing:

MissJay75

I see nearly everyone on here uses protein powder. Why is this?

I know a lot of poeple do, but I don't think it's nearly everyone. I don't use protein powder, I am building muscle tone using 5lb weights in circuit training but not doing any heavy lifting.

hiker282

Especially after working out (strength training, mostly), there is a short window where protein synthesis is most effective. There are certain amino acids required to build new muscle that the body can't produce by other means that are the most easily consumed from a protein powder, since it requires virtually no prep time other than throwing it in a bottle and mixing in some water.

I use Body Fortress Advanced Whey chocolate protein powder. I can't remember how much it costs, but it has a good flavor, dissolves well and has those essential amino acids needed to help repair and build my muscles after a session at the gym.

ChasingSweatandTears

Also, usually protein powder comes to about 1.00 per serving, which is much cheaper than meat! Just make sure if you replace any of your meals with it, that you are also taking a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement, as pure protein is missing criticial nutrients for it to be considered a "meal".

thistimeismytime

I use protein powder because my protein goal is around 150+gm of protein/day. While this is not impossible to achieve with food, I find it impractical for my lifestyle. I try to get most of my protein from real food, but I use protein powder as a dietary supplement. I've never achieved such fast results with training when I was younger, and the only real difference is that now I'm getting adequate protein to fuel my muscles.

wocko6092

I would recommend this website www.myprotein.com. to buy protein from

05suu

I'm a vegetarian so with the reduced calories find it difficult to get my quota of protein in a day..I can get 17g with one tablespoon, and if I chuck in some fruit and soy milk, and for a treat, frozen yogurt,it makes a good tasting smoothie....

gabbymom2

I use Muscle Milk Light or Pure Protein. Women have a harder time getting enough protein. I make a smoothie/shake everyday. You can mix the powder with water or soy milk, add any berries, and/or sugar free pudding or jello (just a small amount) or stevia. I just love them for breakfast and usually get 23-40 grams depending on what I use.

lucythinmint

To help me get most of my protein for the day, plus... it's chocolate flavored.

Yup. Like a chocolate milk snack. :drinker:

kristinL16

I've been wondering this, too. I also wonder how protein shakes factor in a "clean" diet? How processed are they? How many other chemicals? For the person that said they can't get enough protein with food alone...maybe your goal is too high?

My husband likes to have a protein shake for lunch (he uses Shakeology) but I wonder how healthy it actually is.

gamehen2

It's quick and easy, the protein helps rebuild muscle after weight-training, and it's a great way to get the needed protein without a lot of extra carbs and fat and therefore calories.

LasVegasTaxiDriver

I have 2 Protein shakes a day as a meal replacement used as my 2 snacks 120 calories each and I'm never hungry

ChasingSweatandTears

I've been wondering this, too. I also wonder how protein shakes factor in a "clean" diet? How processed are they? How many other chemicals? For the person that said they can't get enough protein with food alone...maybe your goal is too high?

My husband likes to have a protein shake for lunch (he uses Shakeology) but I wonder how healthy it actually is.

Look for ones with the fewest ingredients, the one I use is minimally processed. I'm a clean eater, but I make an exception for my shakes

xraychick77

i'm vegetarian, and i use it directly after my workouts..i lift heavy and try to build muscle while minimizing fat. to intake other sources of protein for me would put me way over my calorie goals for the day. protein powder is high in protein low in calories.

thebigcb

If money/cost is an issue, Nesquick Chocolate made with low fat milk is much the same thing as a whey protein shake. Just milk doesn;t travel well to the gym

Key to it is when you take, first 30minutes after work it is essential

xx_donna_xx

Thank you so much everyone i'm totally clueless lol

Is that true about nesquick, we have a strawberry one rotting away in the kitchen, i'll try that for now if it would be ok?

meerkat70

I use a soya based one, when I do use it. This boosts iron and calcium as well as protein.

And yeah, it's pretty much just soya in it, so pretty 'clean'. (Not that clean eating is something I lie awake at night worrying about... )

If you're in the UK, the one I get is just from Holland and Barrett, and it's reasonably cheap (about £11 for a month's worth). It doesn't taste very nice, and I wouldn't mix it with milk. I mix mine with fruit juice (sainsburys pineapple, passion fruit and mango blend works best for me) and it's fine.

thebigcb

Thank you so much everyone i'm totally clueless lol

Is that true about nesquick, we have a strawberry one rotting away in the kitchen, i'll try that for now if it would be ok?

Yes it is

You need to use milk with it. A friend of mine explained the science behind it all(whey is a by product of milk). For your body to absorb protein it needs carbs in a certain ratio, roughly 2.5 v 1. The milk gives you the protein, the nesquick gives you the simple carbs.