How to use/do protien drinks

Protein drinks are a convenient way to add protein to a diet that is low in protein.

Getting sufficient protein is important when you're losing weight because it helps you to retain more of your muscle mass.

Protein shakes are a great and easy way of adding more protein to your diet. Protein is used for the production of muscles - getting your macros is important! I don't eat a lot of meat so I like to use protein shakes to get extra protein in my diet. I wouldn't use it as a meal replacement personally, but I definitely use it as a supplement!

It's recommended that after a work-out is one of the best times to consume protein, so that the it can be delivered to your muscles and begin the healing of muscle 'micro tears' - these are tiny tears in the muscle tissue, caused by intense contraction of the muscle during your work-out. Since solid food takes longer to digest and to break down the protein and send it to the muscles, it can be best to take a protein shake immediately following a workout (I read somewhere that protein shakes only take about 30 minutes to reach the muscle after ingestion). Wham-bam! :-)

I use NSI Vanilla Whey protein powder (22 grams of protein per serving: 2 scoops) -- it's relatively plain but I prefer it since it's a bit more versatile than other flavors; (I like adding my own flavours such as cocoa, pb2, berries, etc.

My go-to post workout shake is: 1.25 cups of unsweetened almond milk, 1 or 2 scoops of vanilla whey powder, 1/2 frozen banana, 1 tsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened), and I'll sometimes add pb2 (powdered peanut butter) as well for a yummy peanut butter taste.

I use it as both a supplement and a meal replacement. In the morning I blend a scoop of vanilla whey protein with iced coffee, it's like a healthier Frappuccino. ;-) And then most nights for dinner, I have a smoothie - usually some type of protein powder (right now I'm using hemp) mixed with 1 cup blueberries, 7oz spinach, a banana and a cup of almond milk, sometimes some ground flax too.

Not to be gross, but I'd recommend finding one with isolated protein (my body really has trouble processing some supplements without creating some embarrassing byproducts).

I've been using mine because I have trouble figuring out what I want for lunch so the protein smoothee I make is a no brainer and easy. Everyone has an opinion on it. I like them for snacks, or right after a workout too, just for a "supplement" meal.

denise:drinker: :drinker:

They can also satisfy a "sweets craving"... as they taste just like a milkshake!

oh YES!

It always satisfies my sweet tooth. You could also add some ice to it and blend it up...make it a frape!

Depends on the kind you purchase. If it's a whey protein, it isn't ideal to use it as a meal replacement. You should purchase a blend, such as whey, casein and egg whites, a tub of casein, or buy a meal replacement supplement such as Real Grains. If you do want to use whey, make a shake out of it or add milk to slow down the digestion rate to keep you fuller longer.

So yes, you can use protein drinks as meal replacements.

Not to be gross, but I'd recommend finding one with isolated protein (my body really has trouble processing some supplements without creating some embarrassing byproducts).

I have heard that before. I was also told that women shouldnt eat products with too much soy due to some effects of estrogen and could lead to causing cancer...:frown: So I just try to find ones that are especially for women & organic if possible. Right now I use one called Thinberry Opti-curb, a brown rice protein that I found in Whole Foods. I mix it with 1 or 2 fresh fruits in the blender after a morning workout. Takes me thru to an afternoon snack or small lunch..

Good luck!