Advice/opinions on protein shakes please

F1uffy123

2 years ago when I was due to get married, I was hitting the gym 4-5 times a week and 'thought' that protein shakes would help me.

I was taking Maxitone's Sculptress protein shakes but what really put me off them (maybe i was having too many) was that they made me feel sick, that 'backing up' feeling.

Now back at the gym, cardio and strength training and i wonder whether i need protein shakes? or whether enough protein in a diet is sufficient?

Thanks in advance

BarackMeLikeAHurricane

If you have enough protein in your diet without the shakes, even better. I get to maybe 30 or 40g without it so I have to supplement with powders. If your protein intake is sufficient through diet, there's no need to supplement unless you just enjoy the taste of your protein shakes.

BackTatJIM

If you can meet your protein minimum without shakes then there is no need for them. Most people will tell you 1 gram of protein per pound of lean body mass.

michellekicks

I found my weight loss was easy when I was eating upwards of 100g protein daily. Oftentimes I didn't though, and I paid the price by losing a good chunk of lean mass. Aim for 1g protein per lb of lean body mass daily. If you can do it with food and stick to your calorie target, great. If not, supplement. But it can take a while to adjust to and each protein powder is different.

I like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey powder and QuestBar protein bars. Neither upsets my stomach. Try different kinds. Maybe it was just the one you were using.

F1uffy123

Thanks for all your replies.

Maybe I was just using one that didnt suit me.

Although I 'try' to get as much protein as I can, its very difficult due to cost and calorie goals.

Maybe its time to try again!

F1uffy123

Just calculated my LBM and if I should aim for 1gm protein for 1 lb of lean mass, I need approx 107 gms of protein.

I certainly dont think I am currently doing this with diet!

Thanks again

RobynLB

I only use protein shakes to meet my protein needs. If you get enough from your regular diet ( I aim for around 100 grams per day on a 2000+ calorie diet), then don't add them. I have a "cake" made with cocoa, protein powder, and egg whites for breakfast every morning. The cooked protein powder doesn't upset my very temperamental tummy, but sometimes the powder taken in a drink does.

pholbert

I like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey powder and QuestBar protein bars. Neither upsets my stomach. Try different kinds. Maybe it was just the one you were using.
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I agree with Optimum Nutrition brand. I like the banana cream flavor and I mix it in with vanilla yougurt. Love it.

F1uffy123

Thanks again.

Im off into town in the morning, so will see if i can pick up some of the quest bars to start off with and see how i go.

Firefox7275

Protein foods don't need to be expensive - try canned oily fish, organ meats like liver, eggs, nuts or seeds. These are also rich in other essential nutrients which protein powders and bars generally don't unless fortified (like taking a multi).

Personally I find shakes easier to get down than bars and they are much cheaper, especially right after a workout when something liquid not dry is needed. You don't necessarily need the dose that is recommended nor all the additives nor to take the protein straight after training if you find your digestive system takes a while to accept food (exercise diverts blood from the gut to the muscles).

For after training I generally had a little whey mixed with skimmed milk powder (dairy serving, hydrating, may aid recovery), now I use a little in breakfast smoothies again often alongside some low fat dairy. If you do go that route just search the forums for recommendations on a really basic whey isolate, you don't need to pay Maximuscle prices.