Protein Shakes?

thelaurameister

I'm shooting for 40% carb/30% protein/30%fat. By the end of the day I usually have 50% carbs, 20% protein, and 30% fat and I feel like it's stalling my weight loss, so I bought some whey protein last night. For a shake it's not bad tasting and I feel satisfied. They say to have a protein-packed meal after workouts (I typically work out in the evening around 6pm), but I'm thinking I'm going to drink it for breakfast since I'm never really that hungry in the morning anyway. Is that okay, or should I wait until after working out? Would it be good to have it for breakfast AND post workout? There's 30g of protein in one scoop. I don't really intend to use the shakes as meal replacements necessarily, more as a supplement to increase my protein intake. I guess I'm just looking for the dos and donts...I'm kind of in the dark, I don't know much about it. I don't want to bulk up, but I doubt that this will make me bulk since I mainly focus on low weight/high reps when I do strength training. Input is appreciated, thanks ahead of time :flowerforyou:

Bobby_Clerici

I do not trust the supplement industry.
What you get is not always in line with those label claims. Eat lean meats instead.

epmck11

You can drink the protein shake whenever you want. The "drink protein shake after workout" idea is an old myth that won't die. As long as you get your intended amount of protein in the day, it doesn't matter when you get it. So if you want it in the morning instead of post workout, then just take it in the morning and you'll be fine.

seanorawe

Bump

chivalryder

I do not trust the supplement industry.
What you get is not always in line with those label claims. Eat lean meats instead.

I'll second that! Instead of eating "fake" food, try eating foods that are heigher in protein: Milk, lean meats, nuts, etc.

I don't know how active your lifestyle is, but 50/20/30 C/P/F is a good balance. If anything, I would suggest more carbs, and lower protein and fat. I go for 65/15/20 myself. Keep in mind that there is nearly double the number of calories per gram of fat than there is in carbs or protein, so even if you eat more calories of fat, you're actually eating fewer grams.

gymbunny1962

I have a scoop of protein mixed with about 125ml of 0% fat Greek yoghurt at breakfast rather than a shake. I usually add some fresh fruit to it as well.

taso42

Various misconceptions here. Your macros are not stalling your weight loss. Timing of when to have protein or a shake doesn't matter. And as for bulking up. Just no.

All a shake is going to give you is some quick, easy, and cheap extra protein. They are very convenient in that regard. And if you're having trouble hitting a protein target, they are a great solution.

Rae6503

Various misconceptions here. Your macros are not stalling your weight loss. Timing of when to have protein or a shake doesn't matter. And as for bulking up. Just no.

All a shake is going to give you is some quick, easy, and cheap extra protein. They are very convenient in that regard. And if you're having trouble hitting a protein target, they are a great solution.

This. But I try to limit it to one a day (or none), and get the rest of my protein from food.

LivingstonIpresume

I usually use Costco's cytosport (I think thats the spelling) whey protein. High protein, low sugar, lower calories. I also recommend higher consumption of lean meats and my favorite, light cottage cheese.

epmck11

I do not trust the supplement industry.
What you get is not always in line with those label claims. Eat lean meats instead.

I'll second that! Instead of eating "fake" food, try eating foods that are heigher in protein: Milk, lean meats, nuts, etc.

I don't know how active your lifestyle is, but 50/20/30 C/P/F is a good balance. If anything, I would suggest more carbs, and lower protein and fat. I go for 65/15/20 myself. Keep in mind that there is nearly double the number of calories per gram of fat than there is in carbs or protein, so even if you eat more calories of fat, you're actually eating fewer grams.

15% for protein seems ridiculously low for anyone who exercises.

Nutrition1st

I would definitely recommend post workout. And if you aren't getting what you need in the morning, drink another then. You can add some frozen fruit and put it in the blender to make a protein smoothie in the morning.

Bobby_Clerici

I do not trust the supplement industry.
What you get is not always in line with those label claims. Eat lean meats instead.

I'll second that! Instead of eating "fake" food, try eating foods that are heigher in protein: Milk, lean meats, nuts, etc.

I don't know how active your lifestyle is, but 50/20/30 C/P/F is a good balance. If anything, I would suggest more carbs, and lower protein and fat. I go for 65/15/20 myself. Keep in mind that there is nearly double the number of calories per gram of fat than there is in carbs or protein, so even if you eat more calories of fat, you're actually eating fewer grams.

15% for protein seems ridiculously low for anyone who exercises.

The muscle mags advocated for higher protein amounts to make it impossible to eat without buying the very worthless supplements in sponsorship to their publications.
Fancy that!
Any article from a magazine or website selling supplements is suspect.
Please review the science.
As for the right percentage, I usually go with around 30% at most and shoot for 20%.
I see value in higher protein but not the insane levels some peddle.
Good Luck!