protein powder

sorry if this is a duplicate topic, just after some advice really...

i have a great protein powder which i make into milkshakes on days i go to the gym, the tub has no guidance on it as to how frequently it should be used.

i was just wondering if you guys had any advice on how best to use it for maximum effect- some people tell me it should be every day, twice a day and others say just on excersize days.

any input welcome,
thanks guys

Replies

  • Charweezie
    Charweezie Posts: 115 Member
    bump! I get confused too.
  • pestopoli
    pestopoli Posts: 111 Member
    Hi! There is no one-size-fits-all answer, because this all depends on your personal goals!

    So! first -- If you're really needing to add muscle to your frame (I don't mean get super buff, but actually build a bit of tissue), you want to be consuming about 1 gram of protein per body weight per day. If you weight 120, 120 grams.

    If you just need to help your existing muscles recover and tone up after your workouts, you can go .5 grams per body weight per day (If you weigh 120, around 60 - 70 grams). To guess by your profile, I'm guessing you're in this category (me too!).

    The Protein Powder: If you're not getting the levels of protein you need in your regular diet, top it off with a shake. I try to get .5 grams per pound a day, and I usually need 1 shake a day to help me get up there. The more protein you want to intake, the more frequently you should supplement with the shakes. Good luck!

    Edit - just want to add, it doesn't matter whether it's a workout day or not. The general idea is to keep a steady level of protein in your diet each day.
  • My husband and I have a 3 fruit protien shake every morning within 30 mins. of waking up. Our doctor says this kick starts your metabolism.:wink:
  • ChrissyC1985
    ChrissyC1985 Posts: 406 Member
    thankyou Pestopoli, that's really helpful. my diet is often deficient in protein, so i would be ok to use it then too i guess when i need more protein.

    i use it as a recovery mostly at the moment, like you and it's great , and i will certainly be using it more now.
    thanks again
  • ChrissyC1985
    ChrissyC1985 Posts: 406 Member
    lauralund1- that sounds lovely, i may give something like that a go!
    thank you
  • You are very welcome. Since starting this I have lost 25 lbs.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    Protein powder isn't medicine.

    It's food.

    This is like asking "how often should I eat chicken breast?"

    The answer is "eat it whenever you want." The idea of protein powder is an easy to consume, quick way to get protein into your diet. That's it.
  • ChrissyC1985
    ChrissyC1985 Posts: 406 Member
    You are very welcome. Since starting this I have lost 25 lbs.

    wow! congratulations, i just upped my calories to kickstart it again.
  • ChrissyC1985
    ChrissyC1985 Posts: 406 Member
    Protein powder isn't medicine.

    It's food.

    This is like asking "how often should I eat chicken breast?"

    The answer is "eat it whenever you want." The idea of protein powder is an easy to consume, quick way to get protein into your diet. That's it.
    thank you, never really thought of it like that- it makes sense though.