After workout protein. Why haven't I thought of this before?

I'd watch the sodium in them...

cost and sodium for sure

yeah, the lowest i've seen a protein shake was 18 g at 100 calories.

Other then the sodium its not a bad choice. Although it may have more sugar in it then you realize, but fortunately that is something you want right after exercise.

If your looking for a cheap and effective post workout nutrition, drink low fat chocolate milk. You can find REAL research articles on the net stating that a 4:1 carb to protien ratio is optimal for post exercise and has been scientifically proven to be more beneficial then carbs or protein alone. THese are real, peer reviewed articles based on emperical experiments, not some fitness yutz saying its true in his experince.

THe study i read used chocolate milk as there test beverage. its got a 3:1 carb to protien ratio. has to be low or non fat though.

Sodium. Plus I can pretend chocolate whey in milk is actually something I would like to drink. Like a milk shake. So I'm getting 30 grams AND calcium AND next to no sodium.

Although, it is a good idea, especially in a pinch!

I don't know what protein bars and powders you are looking at - maybe ones "marketed" to women or the general population - but most will provide over 20 grams per serving and will be nearly 100% protein, thus very low in calories. Just avoid lower quality stuff and those that are more or less meal replacements.

Supplementing with protein powder in particular, is an inexpensive, convenient and creative way to up your protein numbers without adding the other macros. You can add protein powder to nearly any recipe, especially snacks and deserts such as instant cheese cakes, brownies, and puddings. I eat three whole food meals and three to four treats such as the above a day.

I get unflavored Milk Protein Isolate to use in my deserts, and each serving is 61 cents when factoring in shipping. 115 calories; 1 g fat; 1 g carb; 40 mg sodium; 24 g protein.

I'd watch the sodium in them...

AKA MFP Kryptonite

I like my Quest bars. Easy to throw in my bag and eat on the bus. They range from 160-190cals, 20g protein, 17g fiber and 2-3g sugars.

I dont really like jerky much but if you like it...enjoy!

Meat is good. I have a friend who makes homemade jerky and it's way better than anything in the store. But there are lots of high quality protein powders with lower cals.

Shakes are for cost and convenience. As long as you eat within -24 hours- of your workout, you're fine.

This MUST EAT IMMEDIATELY nonsense came from supplement companies.

Duh! BEEF JERKY! The Jack Link's sticks are 50 calories and 10 grams of protein. Most shakes and/or bars are only about 14 grams of protein and triple that in calories.

Can anyone argue my point with why shakes would be a better choice? I'd like to know if my choice to skip the extra calories can be backed up.

Vegans/Vegetarians: Don't just tell me not to eat meat.

I'll argue this point, post workout protein doesn't do much.

carbs are more important but supposedly a little bit of protein somehow helps the muscles absorb the blood sugar.

you have to eat/drink something as soon as you are done. if you workout and then don't eat some would argue you're better off just skipping the work out.

Post workout nutrition is far less important than most people claim it to be.
Glycogen recompensation happens on it's own through the foods you eat and unless you're in need of fast replenishment for performing another training bout very soon, you can just rely on your next meal to replenish gylcogen.

EDIT: If you're an edurance athlete then I could see merit to your maltodextrin/etc. If you're a once-per-day lifter like most of us, you'd likely get better satiety by removing those empty calories from your PWO and replacing it with a food source. That being said I don't see harm in keeping it.

And if you're worried about maintaining insulin levels, whey protein alone will likely keep insulin elevated sufficiently.

Fat and sodium much higher

There are plenty of shakes that are 110-130 cal and 25-30g of protein. AND.....cost!!!!

Those seem more like mid-day snacks than an after workout food!! JMO

fat. Beef jerky's if you eat it too much are high on cholesterol ( don't get me wronk, I love them), shakes usually are not, plus have some other vitamins and minerals in it. Esp if you take whey protein which has all the Lcreatine, lglutamin, etc in it to build lean muscle. Other wise, enjoy your jerky. LOL

can of tuna fish is also great. 100 cals and 26 grams of protein.

Interesting math to get there.

i love the beef jerky if im on the go. so satisfying

carbs are more important but supposedly a little bit of protein somehow helps the muscles absorb the blood sugar.

you have to eat/drink something as soon as you are done. if you workout and then don't eat some would argue you're better off just skipping the work out.

You do have to eat eventually but as far as eating the instant you're done working out, "some" would be wrong.