Protein Shakes for Newbies...

bump...I'm looking for info on this as well

I buy some protein shakes from a local fitness expert who is on Dr. Oz a lot. I like the chocolate protein shake the best. It's very tasty and fills me up. I always have one for breakfast and for lunch or snack. www.lisalynfitness.com. They help me to stay in control and it has a lot of protein!

I've purchased a few samples from Sprouts:

Jay Robb - Vanilla which was yuckky, chocolate & strawberry have not tired yet.
Amazing Meal/Grass - Vanilla Chai Infusion which was actually not bad at all.
Vega One -Chocolate, Vanilla Chai & Berry have not tried yet.

I've tried vanilla, peanut butter and mocha flavors(not the brand you mentioned). All were decent but the flavor got very old quickly, the chocolate flavor I mentioned above has lasted with out me growing tired of it.

I'll try to answer what I can but these are purely my own opinions.

1) I personally don't use them as a meal replacement. I either add it on to a meal or have as a snack to up my protein.
2) I like to have them first thing as they can help suppress my appetite for the rest of the day (that's just me though, might not be the same for you).
3) When combined with healthy eating and exercise yes it can. Specifically if you're doing strength training as you'll need the extra protein to help repair your muscles.
4) Depends how many calories I have. I usually just mix it with water and shake it and it's fine. Also takes the least amount of time. If I have a few extra calories then I'll use soya milk. I know a lot of people mix them with fruit but I prefer not to.
5) Don't know where you are in the world but I've been using Prograde. Just ordered some different ones from the UK though as it's cheaper.
6) Try them and see how you like it. If you can stomach it with just water then do that. If you prefer to mix fruit in or whatever then do that. Just try out a few different ways and see which works for you. There's no right or wrong way really.

Remember these are just my personal opinions. You'll only really know the answers to some of these until you try it. Good luck!

a local fitness expert who is on Dr. Oz a lot.

Dr. Oz and expert can not be in the same sentence.

1. Do you use them as a meal replacement or a snack?

I usually do a protein shake for breakfast. I don't eat and drink at the same time so this is all I have for breakfast.

2. If used as a meal replacement, how long does 1 shake typically keep you feeling full?

It keeps me full until the next time I need to eat (3 hours).

3. Do you think consuming a protein shakes help you lose weight?

Protein shakes weren't an option for me. I can only eat small amounts so they help me reach my high protein goals (120g per day).

4. How do you prepare them?

Light soy milk, protein powder, instant decaf coffee, unsweetened dark cocoa powder, and sugar free flavored syrup (I have about 20 different flavors). It's like having my very own Starbuck's each morning.

5. Which do you use?

I prefer the Vanilla Jay Robb Egg White protein. I can't tolerate any of the whey protein smells. Egg white protein was ok'd for me by my doctor. It has no smell and weirdly enough, I love the vanilla. Generally, I'm a chocolate lover.

6. Would you recommend a certain way to start consuming a protein shake for a newbie?

First you have to find a protein powder that you like. Protein is very subjective. What I love, other people hate. People rave about the Syntrax Nectar protein powder - the smell of it makes me sick.

If you like Starbuck's-type drinks, I'd start there. If you have more questions let me know!

Good luck!

Hi! Just to give you some context -- I'm a 26 y/o male. I'm not in the midst of taking protein shakes, since I'm training for a marathon, but I'd be happy to share my experiences.

(1) I used protein shakes as post-workout snacks. They're best when you take them -right- after a workout or before you go to bed-- both are times when muscles are looking to repair themselves.
(2) It depends what you mix it with. I used 1% milk and since the lactose makes your stomach expand -- you feel a bit fuller, longer. With water - you don't feel nearly as full, but you don't absorb the calories of milk. I would say a few hours.
(3) Indirectly, consuming portein helps you lose weight. It allows your muscles to regenerate and repair faster, so you can workout longer (i.e., burn more calories), and the more muscle you have on your body -- the higher your metabolism and the more calories you will burn. However, adding muscle will also cause you to gain weight on the scale, and muscle weighs more than fat.
(4) I would use the Chocoloate "MuscleTech" whey protein. I would add in some 1% milk, crushed ice, and some Bolthouse "berry blend" and toss it in the blender so it's similar to a frappe. Bolthouse Berry Blend It's a smoothie addititive you can get at the grocery store. With proteins or supplements - always go simple on the flavors (chocolate or vanilla). In my experience, the more complex the flavor -- the worse tasting. So leave the Kiwi Chocolate Banana Explosion Surprise for another day... :-)
(5) MuscleTech Whey Protein -- Here's a link: http://www.samsclub.com/sams/muscletech-premium-whey-protein-chocolate-5-lbs/prod3890134.ip (You may have to copy and paste the link...). I can only use this one. Others contain supplements or additives that make it difficult for me to sleep.
(6) It depends if you're looking to add muscle or not and how much protein you have in your diet. If you have specific questions, let me know.

A few things to be aware of...
They may make you burp a little bit...
And, if you're taking excess protein... it comes out the other end and it's not pretty. Sorry to be graphic, just letting you know.

Hiya

I know there have seen a few posts about Protein Shakes, although the ones that I have found don't seem to answer my questions.

1. Do you use them as a meal replacement or a snack?
2. If used as a meal replacement, how long does 1 shake typically keep you feeling full?
3. Do you think consuming a protein shakes help you lose weight?
4. How do you prepare them?
5. Which do you use?
6. Would you recommend a certain way to start consuming a protein shake for a newbie?

I've purchased a few samples from Sprouts:

Jay Robb - Vanilla which was yuckky, chocolate & strawberry have not tired yet.
Amazing Meal/Grass - Vanilla Chai Infusion which was actually not bad at all.
Vega One -Chocolate, Vanilla Chai & Berry have not tried yet.

I'd appreciate any constructive feedback. Thank you in advance!

1. Do you use them as a meal replacement or a snack? Both. I typically would make one if it was too late to make/eat a real meal after a late workout, or if I'm not really that hungry, but I know I need to eat something.

2. If used as a meal replacement, how long does 1 shake typically keep you feeling full? Not very long. A few hours, maybe.

3. Do you think consuming a protein shakes help you lose weight? I think they're a delicious, high protein, low calorie option to fill the void of other things you might grab in certain situations, so yes…they'll help. Of course, if you drink too many, they won't help.

4. How do you prepare them? I actually don't use protein, per se. I use plain greek yogurt, milk, frozen fruit, and some low-sugar juice. The greek yogurt and milk provides a lot of protein, reasonable calories, low fat, and thickens up the shakes. The frozen fruit allows me to skip adding ice.

5. Which do you use? No powder mixes for me!

6. Would you recommend a certain way to start consuming a protein shake for a newbie? I prefer them after a workout, or as a last resort for days that I don't have time to make a meal.

Bump :drinker:

I drink the Total Lean 25 shakes. They're very tasty! I mix them with almond milk. I drink them as my lunch, usually WITH something like veggies or fruit. I find myself to be hungry again a couple hours after lunch, but I always have an afternoon snack, and I typically eat dinner by 6:00 so it's fine for me. I find it helps get in more protein and it's quick and convenient without consuming a ton of calories in the middle of the day. They work for me. I've been drinking them for 4 months, and I've lost 30 lbs...NOT from the shakes...but because I log everything on MFP, I do P90X (started with Power 90), and I stick to a 1200 calorie diet most of the time. I really just like the convenience factor, but they're not for everyone!

The others have said most of what I'd say as well: I use them to up my protein, and drink them after every workout. If I'm low on protein one day but have limited fat & calories left to spend, I'll have one to help get that protein in. My favorite so far is the Optimum Nutrition (whey) Double Chocolate. I agree with you that the Jay Robb vanilla is horrid.

1. Do you use them as a meal replacement or a snack?

I don't differentiate between meals and snacks, I eat when I'm hungry. I generally make them to be 150-300 calories

2. If used as a meal replacement, how long does 1 shake typically keep you feeling full?

When I was doing intermittent fasting, I could make a sub-300 calorie shake at night that kept me full until my feeding window 14 hours later.

3. Do you think consuming a protein shakes help you lose weight?

As previously mentioned, they are a decently low cost, easy way to get in protein. And I actually find them to be quite filling, although I understand why some people prefer to eat their calories.

4. How do you prepare them?

http://dashingdish.com/recipes/shakes/ has a lot of shake recipes.
I like peppermint extract, so I use that a lot.
I also use protein powder in non-shake things like protein pancakes and homemade protein bars.

5. Which do you use?

I use optimum nutrition chocolate supreme, whey and casein. I also use Click, which is chocolate whey protein mixed with instant coffee, as my morning coffee. It's amazing!

6. Would you recommend a certain way to start consuming a protein shake for a newbie?

Whatever you like. No right or wrong answers.

Bump

1. Do you use them as a meal replacement or a snack?
Protein supplement to get to my goals as its easier to hit my protein macros eating 1.3 g of protein on work out days. Would consider them a snack so it easier and more realistic to hit my protein macros than just eating. I eat 300grams in one day and in order to hit that with food alone would mean I would have to eat all the time and financially speaking along with work its just not realistic to try to hit that mark with food only so yes I use shakes all the time.

2. If used as a meal replacement, how long does 1 shake typically keep you feeling full?
About 1-1 1/2 hours

3. Do you think consuming a protein shakes help you lose weight?
No not protein by itself only a calorie deficit helps you lose weight.

4. How do you prepare them?
Straight up and simple for me about 1 and 1/2 cups water 2 or 2 1/2 scoops and gulp.

5. Which do you use?
Any Whey Protein

6. Would you recommend a certain way to start consuming a protein shake for a newbie?
Over all 1gram per body weight lean weight or overall weight really makes no difference if it fits into your overall daily calories. Take them either before or after your work out. Also find out how much protein you get from food and you can use the shake to help get to your protein goal. So some days you might take 1,2, or 3 shakes depending on your needs. Lastly for newbies only drink 1 scoop at a time. It can take your body time to learn how to digest a mass amount of straight protein and too much at once has been known to give people diarrhea. Eventually work your way drinking more as you can or as you need.

Hi everyone, here's my personnal opinion on protein shakes in general, i've been training/weight lifting for a couple years now and i've seen different products with different results.

here you go:

1. Do you use them as a meal replacement or a snack?

Both, it all depends what kind of protein you are using and what kind of ingredient you put in your shake.

My meal replacement is:

1 medium banana, 2 scoop of Myofusion Chocolate protein, 1 cup low fat milk and 1/2 up of un cooked Oatmeal and 1 Tbs of Peanut Butter. add water or ice for desired consistency. ( I'm on a muscle buidling diet since I just had a surgery on my left should unrelated to working out/training)

- Simple shake for added protein in your diet is: 2 scoop of Protein and 500ml of water.


2. If used as a meal replacement, how long does 1 shake typically keep you feeling full?

- Most likely 2 -3 hours, all depends what you added in your shake.

3. Do you think consuming a protein shakes help you lose weight?

-Protein are harder than other nutrients to break down so your system needs to work harder speeding up your metabolism.

4. How do you prepare them?

- Either with water or Almond milk and ice. all depends if you need a quick shake to add protein to your diet or an actual meal replacement.

5. Which do you use?

- I like to use low fat protein, the leaner the better. use Casein protein at night, it is absorbed slowly and over a longer period of time and keeps fulling your body during sleep. ( ex: Casein powder, Cottage cheese, et.)

- If prices doesn't matter then go for the taste, nothing is worst than buying a whole tub of protein that doesnt taste good, it'll probably sit there for months and you'll most likely skip the shakes intirely.

6. Would you recommend a certain way to start consuming a protein shake for a newbie?

-Mix it with milk and fruits for vanilla and try adding bananas or peanut butter to chocolate flavored. If it taste good you'll look forward to your shake and wont skip meals.


Hopefully this helps, sorry for any typos, I'm French Canadian. If you have any question on recipes or anything in general feel free to ask were all here to help out.


Thanks

Tony.