Protein Powder or not?

SToast
SToast Posts: 255 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I'm having a hard time getting all my calories several days a week and NEVER meet my protein goals. Costco has a coupon out for $12 off the protein they carry and after looking it up it seems like a pretty good one. 140 cal, 30g protein, and under 10g carbs. I usually have a green smoothie in the morning and could just add it to that. BUT... is it worth it? If I'm not lifting heavy and only workout at home with videos and hand weights is it just a waste of money? I'm pretty close to my goal weight but would like to start building some muscle so I don't end up with "skinny fat" syndrome. So protein or not?

Replies

  • belizsera
    belizsera Posts: 82 Member
    I like protein powder but you have to remember they are not all the same. 30g of Protein is pretty good esp if used with milk because that just adds more protein to the mix. I would absolutely supplement with protein powders.
  • lilpoindexter
    lilpoindexter Posts: 1,122 Member
    Skip it...if you aren't a vegetarian you can get gobs of protein from delicious chicken breast. Or fish. I've been making an attempt at lifting weights since april of last year, and I've gone through three tubs of that stuff, and honestly I don't notice any difference. Some of my homies that lift weights talk about recovering quicker, feeling less sore, bigger muscles...when they take protein, but I haven't noticed any difference. I think they are just experiencing a placebo effect.
  • Sallyafe1
    Sallyafe1 Posts: 18
    Hi SToast
    Yes, yes, yes
    You need so much protein every day for max energy. If you are working with weights, drink a protein smoothie with fruit after your work out. It will help replenish body energy.
  • paijing
    paijing Posts: 184 Member
    If you're not meeting your protein goals, then protein powder is an easy way to help get you there. Try adding it to your smoothies; you'll probably like it. I look forward to my chocolate/peanut butter protein shakes every night. They taste fantastic.

    If you want to retain muscle while losing weight, you do need to make sure that you're getting enough protein. Studies have shown it *does* make a difference, and anecdotally it helps with satiety. There is debate about exactly how much you need, but for most active people on a diet, about 1g/lb bodyweight is about right. (Others use 1g/lb lean body mass as a rule of thumb.)

    It doesn't matter much where you get your protein from, but if adding in a scoop of powder is easier for you than cooking up some chicken or eating a can of tuna, then do it.
  • Rynatat
    Rynatat Posts: 807 Member
    I have a protein powder in the AM with my fruit or greens smoothies (I usually just use water or flax milk to mix), then mid-afternoon if I need a boost I'll have a half scoop & another half scoop after hardcore workouts (which are typically 4 days min a week). My muscle recovery time is quicker & I'm able to up my weights almost weekly. If you're looking at adding muscle, protein will help, just be sure to read ingredients & avoid anything you may react to (I go with plant-based, soy & gluten free & also keep in mind sodium content which may derail what your ultimate goals are).

    PS - I workout at home a lot with my DVD's when I can't make it to the gym, there is NOTHING easy about my home workouts - I sometimes workout HARDER & more intensely at home! On those days I DEF ensure my protein is up!
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    Ignore lilpointdexter, IMO..

    Protein intake is one of many important areas for weight loss.. lifting or not, everyone needs it. That protein you saw sounds really good (and with a coupon???), I would go for it.

    I use Genuine Health's proteins+ which is 110 cals, 24g protein, 1.8g carbs. I mix it with water or add it to a blender with greek yogurt with fruit (or just greek yogurt alone) for post-workout. I've seen a difference and faster weight loss because I am feeding my muscles so they can grow....
  • taylorwaylor
    taylorwaylor Posts: 417 Member
    I LOVE PROTEIN POWDER! It's really a personal preference though... I'd suggest just buying it with the coupon, use it up, and if it wasnt helpful than just don't get it again. Protein powders awesome... a great way to add extra calories and protein! Which is what you say you need anyways :)
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    I'll do a post-workout protein shake, but 95% of the time, I'm meeting my protein goal before I factor in the workout. If you're having problems getting to your calorie/protein goal, a powder is fine. Maybe consider adding in something else in your daily diet that could help boost both the calories or protein.

    Typically, I'll cook a huge pack of chicken breasts on the grill every sunday... portion them out into 50g (about a half of a half of a breast) pieces and then pop them in individual ziploc bags. It makes it stupid-easy to just grab a bag and know that you're going to be able to add 80ish calories and a protein boost with a few bites.

    That's just what works for me, so different strokes. Good luck either way.
  • SToast
    SToast Posts: 255 Member
    Sounds like it's worth trying. I am also going to pick up some chicken breasts next time they go on sale as well and just cook a few ahead of time. Tuna (or any kind of fish) makes me dry heave just thinking about it (love to fish but I'm a catch and release gal) so that's out for protein. I am trying to add more low fat dairy and lean meats to my diet but I'm still struggling. I'll try out one container of this protein and see how I feel at the end of a couple of month. Thanks guys
  • trogalicious
    trogalicious Posts: 4,584 Member
    Sounds like it's worth trying. I am also going to pick up some chicken breasts next time they go on sale as well and just cook a few ahead of time. Tuna (or any kind of fish) makes me dry heave just thinking about it (love to fish but I'm a catch and release gal) so that's out for protein. I am trying to add more low fat dairy and lean meats to my diet but I'm still struggling. I'll try out one container of this protein and see how I feel at the end of a couple of month. Thanks guys
    Best of luck with it. Having the easy-grab-chicken readily available has been a lifesaver for me.
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    Sounds like it's worth trying. I am also going to pick up some chicken breasts next time they go on sale as well and just cook a few ahead of time. Tuna (or any kind of fish) makes me dry heave just thinking about it (love to fish but I'm a catch and release gal) so that's out for protein. I am trying to add more low fat dairy and lean meats to my diet but I'm still struggling. I'll try out one container of this protein and see how I feel at the end of a couple of month. Thanks guys
    Best of luck with it. Having the easy-grab-chicken readily available has been a lifesaver for me.

    I second this

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