Should I be drinking protein shakes?

dzilobommo
dzilobommo Posts: 73 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hello everyone!

I was wondering if I could get some advice on whey protein shakes as I have never tried them!

I'm a 5'2" woman currently weighing 123 lbs. I have about 10-12 lbs to lose, to get to a target BMI of about 20.5. I am on around 1000-1200 kcal a day, and I exercise most days of the week (running, weights/resistance training, boxing, swimming etc). I tend to eat most of my exercise calories back (NOT on principle, simply because I'd much rather eat more and just work for it!) :wink:

My protein goal is set at 30% of my daily calories, but I have trouble getting it up to anywhere near that. I am not trying to build huge amounts of muscle beyond what I've already built over the past months as a newbie to weight training (I am aware you can't really do that on 1000-1200 kcal a day, even if you are a shortie like me). However, I would like to make sure that my muscles get enough protein to repair themselves after regular training. On average, I get about 50-60g of protein per day and I am not sure this is enough - but there is only so much chicken and fish that I can fit into my diet! :smile:

Unfortunately I also have a major sweet tooth and find myself 'spending' a lot of my hard-earned calories on sweet treats. It has occurred to me that drinking protein shakes might kill two birds with one stone - increase my protein intake for muscle repair as well as satisfy my cravings for something sweet. I have been thinking of replacing my breakfast or a snack during the day with a protein shake and wonder if this would be a good idea.

I would welcome any balanced and unbiased advice on whether it would make sense to get started on protein shakes in my situation. Would I benefit much from it? Are there any drawbacks? (what about possible strain on kidneys?) What brands or flavours taste GOOD (as opposed to something that is a torture to get down :laugh: )

I should add that I'm in the UK so would particularly welcome advice from someone who knows the brands available over here :smile:

Thank you! :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • LottieLou13
    LottieLou13 Posts: 574 Member
    Protein shakes are good to have around to supplement your daily calories and protein quota if you aren't meeting your goal through food. I have one most days...not every day though if I manage to meet my 106g goal then I won't top up with a shake.

    I use MyProtein impact whey in chocolate nut flavour, its about £20 (with postage) and arrives quite quickly. Last time I had smooth chocolate. Both are yummy. My housemate has the same in vanilla flavour which is a bit too sweet for me, but if you have a sweet tooth it could be good.

    Use this code MP624501 to get a discount on your first order :smile:
  • cjs3001
    cjs3001 Posts: 273 Member
    I've started trying to substitute oodles and oodles of carbs for more protein (and I'm upping my exercise too so that helps) and I've been drinking www.thegoodwhey.com's protein shakes in the morning. I've got vanilla and banana and they are nice and sweet without being too sickly to have in the morning. They are only small and taste really good and they give you the extra protein boost (especially if you mix with milk) and they keep me much fuller. I was the same pretty much, struggling to get a lot in without eating too much meat and I really enjoy them. It might also be worth trying to get some plain protein and add a bit to some food? I know a lot of people make protein bars/pancakes/etc. so if you do that you could get your sweet treat and protein in one go? Now the only problem is is trying to make yourself stop at one... :tongue:
    Hope you find a balance that works for you, but I can definitely recommend The Good Whey :smile:
    Caroline.
  • dzilobommo
    dzilobommo Posts: 73 Member
    Thank you to both of you, this really helps! :flowerforyou:

    I have just tried a Wheyhey ice cream from Holland & Barrett (wanted to see what whey-based stuff tastes like before shelling out more money) - it was yummy, so I've made up my mind to invest in some protein powder indeed.

    I will be checking out the brands you recommend, they sound great! :smile:
  • julesoa
    julesoa Posts: 68 Member
    I have used whey protein form myprotein too, I like it, its good value and mixes well with anything. I tend to buy it without any flavour as I dont like sweeteners and then just add a banana or berries and milk and mix. Its plenty sweet enough that way, q. like the vanilla one too
  • bathsheba_c
    bathsheba_c Posts: 1,873 Member
    Does anyone have any advice for getting a protein shake that isn't powder-based? I want to get on the whole shake thing, but I am suspicious of the powders, and can't have too much soy, sugar, or fruit. If anyone has any ideas that are good for a subset of that, though, feel free to share so that others can benefit.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    Does anyone have any advice for getting a protein shake that isn't powder-based? I want to get on the whole shake thing, but I am suspicious of the powders, and can't have too much soy, sugar, or fruit. If anyone has any ideas that are good for a subset of that, though, feel free to share so that others can benefit.

    Make a milkshake with milk and greek yogurt and ice cream. Or make a shake out of chicken, tuna or some other protein
  • knockout3737
    knockout3737 Posts: 16 Member
    You usually want to get 1g of protein per lb of body weight, example... If you weigh 125lbs you're gonna want to get at least your body weight in protein (125g). But if you're an athlete and burn lots of calories then shoot for 1.5g per lb of bodyweight (187g) at 125lbs or you can adjust the numbers according to your weight.

    And yes taking protein shakes are fine, can take it with Fat Free or even 1% Milk OR with water. It's hard to get your bodyweight in protein from food sources so that's where the shakes come in, and they're great for when you're on the run.

    A Protein shake (WHEY) with 8oz of Milk (1%) Nutrition Facts...
    Protein: 56g
    Carbs:20g
    Fat: 4.5g

    And total caloies: 344
  • knockout3737
    knockout3737 Posts: 16 Member
    Almost forgot, taking protein is great for whenever. I read your post and yes you can def start taking protein shakes. As for the kidney question... No the protein will not affect you, as long as you are taking the amount your body needs and not over doing it you will be fine.

    And the best Protein powder i've had is the Whey protein by ON (Optimum Nutrition)... the vanilla, chocolate and cookies and cream is amazing.
  • dzilobommo
    dzilobommo Posts: 73 Member
    Does anyone have any advice for getting a protein shake that isn't powder-based? I want to get on the whole shake thing, but I am suspicious of the powders, and can't have too much soy, sugar, or fruit. If anyone has any ideas that are good for a subset of that, though, feel free to share so that others can benefit.

    Make a milkshake with milk and greek yogurt and ice cream. Or make a shake out of chicken, tuna or some other protein

    Up till now I've been drinking milk for protein when I can't face any more chicken, but oh the calories! (for a relatively low protein hit...) - not ideal for a low-cal diet, and milk/yogurt just doesn't seem to keep me full for long.

    Tuna shakes...I think you've got to be pretty hardcore (and averse to protein powders) do force that down! For me, tuna shakes would be a way to guarantee that my boyfriend never goes near the kitchen (or me) ever again :laugh:
  • dzilobommo
    dzilobommo Posts: 73 Member
    Almost forgot, taking protein is great for whenever. I read your post and yes you can def start taking protein shakes. As for the kidney question... No the protein will not affect you, as long as you are taking the amount your body needs and not over doing it you will be fine.

    And the best Protein powder i've had is the Whey protein by ON (Optimum Nutrition)... the vanilla, chocolate and cookies and cream is amazing.

    Thanks, that's helpful! I ordered a couple of flavours from MyProtein (choc & strawberry) last night, they have a 10% off voucher valid until tomorrow, so that pretty much cancelled out the postage costs. Can't wait to try them! :drinker:

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