Should I use protein powder?

dietingdanni

Hi,

Over the last couple of weeks I seem to of hit a plateau in my diet, despite exercising, keep control of my calories and ensuring I have a balanced carb, protein and low fat diet. After reading around the forum I believe that may need to increase my protein intake and reduce my carbs a bit. I have been looking into different food options to increase my protein, such as eggs, greek yogurt etc, but was wondering what people thought about using protein powder. I am completely new to using this and have always viewed it as something body builders use, so I am not sure if it is right for me. Will it help me feel fuller and lose weight? I was thinking of having a scoop of it with porridge.

Also, if it is a good idea, what protein powder should I use as I have seen so many different reviews about which is the best one or which taste good etc?

Thanks

BurtHuttz

Solicited advice: protein powder is a good way to increase your dietary protein intake. There are plenty of other ways to increase your dietary protein too, though; lean meats like turkey give you good bang for your caloric buck as do egg whites. I don't think you should worry about brands per se, but I've heard (purely anecdotal) that you get more mileage out of whey-type protein powders than soy-based protein powders.

Unsolicited advice: (Without knowing your height, age, and weight, this is just a guess, based on probability through my observations) I believe your caloric intake is too low for your body's needs. While eating less and exercising more helps you lose weight to a point, I've seen hundreds of people on this website describe plateauing as you have, and eating 1200 calories. For most people, I think it's insufficient nutrition. Please take a few minutes to read this: http://nbsfit.com/nutrition/weight-loss-isnt-always-about-eating-less-and-exercising-more/

BurtHuttz

Oh - and interestingly she also has a post about protein powders which I forgot about: http://nbsfit.com/nutrition/powdered-protein-supplements-how-can-you-tell-which-brands-are-safe/

dietingdanni

I have been thinking about increasing my calorie intake too, probably by another 100 or 150, bringing it up to 1300/1350kcal a day (myfitnesspals BMR gives me a value of about 1280kcal - i am only 5ft 1). But i think they best thing would be to increase those calories dominately by protein. Will protein powder still give you that feeling of being full?

Does anyone know any good brands available in the Uk and not too expensive? I had a look at Atkins, but it seemed pretty high in Fat, i have also looked at Whey Protein but dont know what it takes like?

BurtHuttz

Wow! That is a low BMR but it makes sense with your stature; please don't eat below 1280 so that your body has plenty of fuel to help you work out, as well as circulate blood, process toxins, and all that good staying-alive stuff.

Whey Protein itself doesn't have much of a flavor. There are a million and one flavors that they produce. An unfortunate side effect of the flavored whey proteins is that - - in order to keep the protein high and sugar/carbs low - - they might add sweeteners which impart a bit of an aftertaste.

Hopefully someone else who is more of a connoisseur of protein powders can come weigh in!!! Good luck :-)

Arkhos

how funny, must be protein powder day, I've posted this in like 4 other topics this morning, lol.


Syntrax Matrix 5.0 Whey Protein Shakes
http://www.si03.com/reg_index.htm

When I started with my personal trainer last year, she put me on these shakes. I think they taste pretty good, especially for a whey protein shake without adding a bunch of sugar or fat. She chose these because this is what a doctor would give bariatric patients. It contains sustained release protein and comes in a variety of flavors. I like the Orange Cream (if you like orange creamsicle) to start with, but they have plenty of choices: Banana Cream, Cookies and Cream, Creamy Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Mint Cookie, Strawberry Cream, Perfect Chocolate, and Simply Vanilla. Syntrax also has a version called Nectar that is a quick (rather than sustained) release protein, but has more of a fruit or sweet flavor.

Each scoop contains about (varies slightly per flavor):
23 grams of Protein
1.5 grams of Fat
2 grams of Carbohydrates
2 grams of Sugar
120 Calories

You want to take them before or after your workout, or as a meal replacement snack.

You can buy them at Vitamin Shoppe (not Cottage) or online. I pay about $45 for a 5lb bag that should last about a month (to 6 weeks depending on number of scoops) if taken twice a day every day. If you go to Vitamin Shoppe you can usually get either free or $2 sample packs of the different shakes to try.


The Problem: Protein powders that are low in quality, contain fat-inducing maltodextrin, taste horrible, require a blender to mix properly and contain only one very fast-acting protein. No doubt that most of these products are cheap, but who wants to gag something down day after day that's neither convenient nor beneficial?

The Solution: Matrix protein powders. Taking years to properly formulate, Matrix solves all of the problems currently afflicting those other low-grade protein powders. Most importantly, Syntrax completely stayed away from cheap, inferior protein sources, such as denatured sodium and calcium caseinate. They know that to be the best, they had to use only the highest quality protein sources, such as ultrafiltered whey protein, ultrafiltered milk protein, native egg albumin and glutamine peptides. The costs are much higher, but the rewards are significant. These proteins not only taste great, but they are unmatched in their ability to improve overall health as well as build critical bodily tissues and processes.
To make the highest quality product in the industry, Syntrax knew they had to do even more. They decided that they would no settle for anything but the best tasting protein powder on the market. After countless trials, they arrived at several delicious flavors that are pure ecstasy to consume.
Completing the solution to the problem, Matrix is thoroughly instantized so that every scoop dissolves perfectly in your favorite beverage. No more disgusting clumps or blenders that dirty your kitchen... with Matrix, you only need a spoon!

Syntrax Matrix 5.0 - The Facts

What is Matrix?
Matrix is a blend of the highest quality protein concentrates in the industry.

What makes Matrix higher quality than the competition?
Matrix contains a combination of 3 different high-quality proteins: whey protein, micellar casein and egg albumin (egg white protein).

Why a blend of different proteins instead of just one protein?
Indeed, there are several very high-quality protein sources, such as egg, casein and whey; however, none of them are perfect in every aspect. All of these protein sources are equal in terms of overall health and growth of lean body tissue, but each has its specific physiological strengths and weaknesses. For instance, egg protein is considered the gold standard protein source. Not only does it perfectly support lean tissue growth and maintenance, but it contains a host of growth factors and micronutrients. The downside is that it is very expensive. Whey protein, on the other hand, has been shown to be the fastest metabolized protein source and to have superior immune-stimulating abilities. Casein has been shown to be the slowest metabolized protein source, which makes it superior for providing muscle tissue with amino acids over an extended period of time. Thus, even though ingesting one protein source has many benefits, ultimately the best course of action is to consume several high-quality protein sources in order to minimize the weaknesses and maximize the strengths of each source.

When is the best time to consume Matrix?
Because it contains proteins which are metabolized both quickly and slowly, Matrix is an ideal protein source for any time of the day. Some people will consume a fast-acting protein source, such as whey protein, after a workout and consume a slow-acting protein source, such as casein, before bedtime. Since Matrix contains slow (casein), medium (egg) and fast (whey) acting proteins, it is ideal for any situation. It has the ability to bombard lean body mass quickly with amino acids as well as provide the body with these same nutrients over an extended period of time.

Is Matrix a superior protein for those with medical conditions, such as bariatric surgery patients?
Yes! Matrix's amino acid profile is best out of any protein on the market. Furthermore, because it provides the unique benefits of three different protein concentrates, it offers the best opportunity for increasing overall health and well being . . . from optimizing lean body mass and adipose levels to supporting an ideal antioxidant status to maintaining proper kidney and immune system function.

How can Matrix 5.0 be so economical if it contains more expensive proteins?
Notice that Matrix 5.0 is packaged in a high-quality laminated bag. There are considerable savings in packaging with this method, which consequently offset the increased costs of the proteins. Do not worry about freshness! The laminate used for Matrix 5.0's bag is an oxygen and moisture barrier structure which works as well or better than the typical plastic jug. Furthermore, it contains a recloseable zipper for convenience and uses less of our precious non-renewable resources.

missjeevious

I just started Eating More to Weigh less a few weeks ago- am eating 2150-2250 cals a day (5'9", 168 lbs., heavy exercise)- i took the 40/30/30 macros seriously and in order to get 30% of my cals from protein i needed to consider a protein shake, even with almonds, eggs, salmon etc ..
Problem is, as i started looking at them ,they are full of crap. I have made a choice to avoid processed foods, artificial sweeteners etc.. which is what got me off the low fat bandwagon, but here i was all set to buy a powder supplement full of junk.
I landed on Only Protein- it is made from the best stuff I could find. Tastes fine. It is Gluten Free, Grassfed, Organic and contains No antibiotics, No hormones, No artificial flavoring and No GMO- i would recommend it.

dietingdanni

Yer i have seen this in another post, but it pretty expensive as the cheapest you can get is £40, which is alot to spend when your new to using this stuff and not sure if you going to like it.

how funny, must be protein powder day, I've posted this in like 4 other topics this morning, lol.


Syntrax Matrix 5.0 Whey Protein Shakes
http://www.si03.com/reg_index.htm

When I started with my personal trainer last year, she put me on these shakes. I think they taste pretty good, especially for a whey protein shake without adding a bunch of sugar or fat. She chose these because this is what a doctor would give bariatric patients. It contains sustained release protein and comes in a variety of flavors. I like the Orange Cream (if you like orange creamsicle) to start with, but they have plenty of choices: Banana Cream, Cookies and Cream, Creamy Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Mint Cookie, Strawberry Cream, Perfect Chocolate, and Simply Vanilla. Syntrax also has a version called Nectar that is a quick (rather than sustained) release protein, but has more of a fruit or sweet flavor.

Each scoop contains about (varies slightly per flavor):
23 grams of Protein
1.5 grams of Fat
2 grams of Carbohydrates
2 grams of Sugar
120 Calories

You want to take them before or after your workout, or as a meal replacement snack.

You can buy them at Vitamin Shoppe (not Cottage) or online. I pay about $45 for a 5lb bag that should last about a month (to 6 weeks depending on number of scoops) if taken twice a day every day. If you go to Vitamin Shoppe you can usually get either free or $2 sample packs of the different shakes to try.


The Problem: Protein powders that are low in quality, contain fat-inducing maltodextrin, taste horrible, require a blender to mix properly and contain only one very fast-acting protein. No doubt that most of these products are cheap, but who wants to gag something down day after day that's neither convenient nor beneficial?

The Solution: Matrix protein powders. Taking years to properly formulate, Matrix solves all of the problems currently afflicting those other low-grade protein powders. Most importantly, Syntrax completely stayed away from cheap, inferior protein sources, such as denatured sodium and calcium caseinate. They know that to be the best, they had to use only the highest quality protein sources, such as ultrafiltered whey protein, ultrafiltered milk protein, native egg albumin and glutamine peptides. The costs are much higher, but the rewards are significant. These proteins not only taste great, but they are unmatched in their ability to improve overall health as well as build critical bodily tissues and processes.
To make the highest quality product in the industry, Syntrax knew they had to do even more. They decided that they would no settle for anything but the best tasting protein powder on the market. After countless trials, they arrived at several delicious flavors that are pure ecstasy to consume.
Completing the solution to the problem, Matrix is thoroughly instantized so that every scoop dissolves perfectly in your favorite beverage. No more disgusting clumps or blenders that dirty your kitchen... with Matrix, you only need a spoon!

Syntrax Matrix 5.0 - The Facts

What is Matrix?
Matrix is a blend of the highest quality protein concentrates in the industry.

What makes Matrix higher quality than the competition?
Matrix contains a combination of 3 different high-quality proteins: whey protein, micellar casein and egg albumin (egg white protein).

Why a blend of different proteins instead of just one protein?
Indeed, there are several very high-quality protein sources, such as egg, casein and whey; however, none of them are perfect in every aspect. All of these protein sources are equal in terms of overall health and growth of lean body tissue, but each has its specific physiological strengths and weaknesses. For instance, egg protein is considered the gold standard protein source. Not only does it perfectly support lean tissue growth and maintenance, but it contains a host of growth factors and micronutrients. The downside is that it is very expensive. Whey protein, on the other hand, has been shown to be the fastest metabolized protein source and to have superior immune-stimulating abilities. Casein has been shown to be the slowest metabolized protein source, which makes it superior for providing muscle tissue with amino acids over an extended period of time. Thus, even though ingesting one protein source has many benefits, ultimately the best course of action is to consume several high-quality protein sources in order to minimize the weaknesses and maximize the strengths of each source.

When is the best time to consume Matrix?
Because it contains proteins which are metabolized both quickly and slowly, Matrix is an ideal protein source for any time of the day. Some people will consume a fast-acting protein source, such as whey protein, after a workout and consume a slow-acting protein source, such as casein, before bedtime. Since Matrix contains slow (casein), medium (egg) and fast (whey) acting proteins, it is ideal for any situation. It has the ability to bombard lean body mass quickly with amino acids as well as provide the body with these same nutrients over an extended period of time.

Is Matrix a superior protein for those with medical conditions, such as bariatric surgery patients?
Yes! Matrix's amino acid profile is best out of any protein on the market. Furthermore, because it provides the unique benefits of three different protein concentrates, it offers the best opportunity for increasing overall health and well being . . . from optimizing lean body mass and adipose levels to supporting an ideal antioxidant status to maintaining proper kidney and immune system function.

How can Matrix 5.0 be so economical if it contains more expensive proteins?
Notice that Matrix 5.0 is packaged in a high-quality laminated bag. There are considerable savings in packaging with this method, which consequently offset the increased costs of the proteins. Do not worry about freshness! The laminate used for Matrix 5.0's bag is an oxygen and moisture barrier structure which works as well or better than the typical plastic jug. Furthermore, it contains a recloseable zipper for convenience and uses less of our precious non-renewable resources.

JennaM222

only if you snort it

Kelly_Runs_NC

I use Dynamize. Tastes delicious!!

erinsueburns

It is a supplementary food. So it may be a good option depending on what you are switching out for. I swapped out my heavy cream or half and half and sugars in my coffee for Greek yogurt and protein powder. That is a sustainable solution for me, as I am always going to drink my coffee.

For you, maybe try using protein powder in place of milk in your oatmeal, or make a protein shake instead of having ice cream. But I wouldn't substitute the calories from the protein powder for the calories from real foods like meats and veggies, IYSWIM.

Or, if you are looking to add more calories, just have your regular diet and add one protein shake.

dietingdanni

I have seen quite a few people mentioning about the extra 'rubbish' they put in protein shakes. I was looking at

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Double Rich Chocolate 450g
and
Maximuscle Promax Chocolate with sweetener- 454g

They both clearly have sweetner in. I am a bit of a sweet tooth so at the moment have tried to substitute sugar for sweetner. Is the fact they have sweetner in really that bad?

emzabee420

u might have to try a few till u fine one you like. I am happy right now with designers whey (100 cals/scoop with 18 g protein).it has stevia so its a little more natural... i think it tastes pretty good, mixes easily, and is versatile. ive been doing protein pancakes and protein pudding to try and make my snacks/breakfasts have more protein. i dont do low carb but more protein i think really helps you stay full

BurtHuttz

I have seen quite a few people mentioning about the extra 'rubbish' they put in protein shakes. I was looking at

Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey Double Rich Chocolate 450g
and
Maximuscle Promax Chocolate with sweetener- 454g

They both clearly have sweetner in. I am a bit of a sweet tooth so at the moment have tried to substitute sugar for sweetner. Is the fact they have sweetner in really that bad?

I've tried ON-Whey Double Rich Chocolate and it was alright. I just don't like artificial sweetners and can always detect them. I still ingest stuff with it, but I can just tell it's there in a not-entirely-pleasant way.

There's no science which definitively proves there's anything wrong with it. I don't think you can really go too far afoul here.

Arkhos

Yer i have seen this in another post, but it pretty expensive as the cheapest you can get is £40, which is alot to spend when your new to using this stuff and not sure if you going to like it.

I understand! Now if I'm doing it right, £40 would be $62. Not sure where you were shopping, but when I do a google search I find some for $38.50 or £24.81 here: http://www.allstarhealth.com/f/syntrax-matrix_50_sustained_release_protein.htm

If that helps?

dietingdanni

Yer i have seen this in another post, but it pretty expensive as the cheapest you can get is £40, which is alot to spend when your new to using this stuff and not sure if you going to like it.

I understand! Now if I'm doing it right, £40 would be $62. Not sure where you were shopping, but when I do a google search I find some for $38.50 or £24.81 here: http://www.allstarhealth.com/f/syntrax-matrix_50_sustained_release_protein.htm

If that helps?

I am shopping in the UK. I saw that website, but it works out cheaper because it is on sale there. In the UK the cheapest i have found is £44 :S

Arkhos

You may want to check local stores that sell Vitamin/Supplement stuff - do you have Vitamin Shoppe? Lots of times you can get little sample packs for free or for $2, then you can try multiple different ones to see if you like it! :happy:

erinsueburns

You may want to check local stores that sell Vitamin/Supplement stuff - do you have Vitamin Shoppe? Lots of times you can get little sample packs for free or for $2, then you can try multiple different ones to see if you like it! :happy:

Yes this, I have tried quite a few and many were unpalatable to me. And my favorites range from overpriced GNC Lean 25 to super cheap Simply Right (Sam's Club Brand). I found Muscle Milk Revolting, Designer Whey largely nasty, etc. Trying a bunch to see what you like and tolerate is a good solution.