Protein Shakes After Gym (UK)

lh12xx
lh12xx Posts: 111 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am sooo novice at this it's unreal.
I'm sure this topic has been done to death but I've had a little search and can't seem to find what I'm looking for.

I tend to work out in the evening, an hour or two after my evening meal, and although I have "post-gym snack" in my diary - I never seem to fill it with anything meaningful!

I've been reccommended to try protein shakes - but after searching on them, I have a few points/questions which may sound silly.

I associate protein shakes with big muscly gym dudes - I don't want this! My primary goal is weight loss, so I need a product that relates to this, and refuels me as its supposed to.
I searched for female-orientated/weight loss protein shake products - these are all "meal replacements" - I don't want that. I want a post-gym refuel/snach type thing, preferably under 100 cals. Is this possible?
I've been told to make it with water rather than milk to keep cals lower - is this right?

Like I said before, I'm a total novice at this so I don't know if the above points are completely possible or completely ridiculous!

If some lovely, knowledgeable soul could give me some advice and possibly link me to or advise me of suitable products, that would be fantastic. I'm in the UK.

Thanks!

Replies

  • PurpleTina
    PurpleTina Posts: 390 Member
    Well firstly, being a girl, there's no way you can turn into a muscular blokey type; you don't have enough testosterone in your body so don't worry. Pretty sure you can get protein power from places like Amazon, where there should be reviews too.
  • NatsukoG
    NatsukoG Posts: 104
    I wouldn't worry about turning into a big muscle man. I've been using Maxitone which you can get in Boots. They do about 500g for £30. It's a lot of money but each portion is just 30grams so it will last a while. Maxitone do a meal replacement or a protein shake but it is clear from the label which is which.

    From what I can see online, Maxitone is a bit pricey and you might be able to find cheaper alternatives that aren't labelled 'for women' which apparently is a gimmick - protein powder is protein powder.

    Good luck.
  • DANI230289
    DANI230289 Posts: 17 Member
    I've started taking PHD Diet Protein Shake - For a 25ml scoop in water it is less than 100 cals and 17.5g of protein...


    HOWEVER, since taking this shake I have developed a rash on my neck (and i'm not sure if this is related!?) Eek. Maybe I have an allergy!
  • DeanBurrows
    DeanBurrows Posts: 116 Member
    Everyone needs to eat their minimum Protein intake daily no matter the size or build or even gender.

    It's just Protein Shakes are an easy way to give your body some much needed Protein after a workout but don't think of them as a way to replace whole foods with Protein in.

    A tin of Tuna is usually better than a shake along with other meats like Chicken but as i say, shakes are much more convenient on TOP of your diet.

    I use PhD Nutrition Pharma Whey HT+, as it is low in carbs and mix with water (still tastes GREAT!)

    Amount Per Serving:
    Total Calories: 95
    Protein: 18.5g
    Total Carbohydrates: 2.25g
    -Sugars: 2g
    Fat: 1.5g
    -Saturates: 0.12g
    Dietary Fibre: 0.25g
    Sodium: 0.04g
    Taurine: 500mg
    L-Glutamine: 150mg
    Branched Chain amino acids: 200mg


    I personally have 2 scoops in each shake and drink 2 shakes a day as i don't have time to eat during work.
    You should be eating roughly 0.8g/lb of bodyweight or 1.7g/kg of bodyweight IF you are partaking in strength training, as a woman that would be a little less if you are only doing cardio.
  • DeanBurrows
    DeanBurrows Posts: 116 Member
    I've started taking PHD Diet Protein Shake - For a 25ml scoop in water it is less than 100 cals and 17.5g of protein...


    HOWEVER, since taking this shake I have developed a rash on my neck (and i'm not sure if this is related!?) Eek. Maybe I have an allergy!

    You might be allergic to an ingredient or it could be just coincidence
  • clship2012
    clship2012 Posts: 2 Member
    I like Maxitone Definity shake - 118 cals per serving, 23g of protein. It is expensive at £22.99 for 420g (14 servings) but Maxitone have 40% off everything on their website until midnight today - they have this offer regularly so good for stocking up.

    I've also tried and like USN Whey Protein from Argos, which is about £39.99 for 2.25kg. 135 cals per serving with 34g of protein.
  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member
    I wouldn't worry about turning into a big muscle man. I've been using Maxitone which you can get in Boots. They do about 500g for £30. It's a lot of money but each portion is just 30grams so it will last a while. Maxitone do a meal replacement or a protein shake but it is clear from the label which is which.

    From what I can see online, Maxitone is a bit pricey and you might be able to find cheaper alternatives that aren't labelled 'for women' which apparently is a gimmick - protein powder is protein powder.

    Good luck.
    like Maxitone Definity shake - 118 cals per serving, 23g of protein. It is expensive at £22.99 for 420g

    That's insanely expensive.

    "womens protein" and "diet whey" products are a total rip off.

    Buy online and save yourself a ton of money.

    http://www.theproteinworks.com/products/protein-shakes/whey-protein/whey-protein-80-concentrate.html

    http://www.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/impact-whey-protein/10530943.html

    http://www.oneon.co.uk/store/products,whey-protein-max_26.htm

    http://www.maxishop.com/maxiraw/protein/wpc-precision

    These are whey consentrates, you can pay a bit more for islolate if you are that bothered about 2-3 grams of carbs.

    As far as the OP, you don't need a protein shake after your workout if you can get all of your protein from real food, however they are cheap (if you buy online!) and convenient.
  • carsonbaldwin
    carsonbaldwin Posts: 3 Member
    Depending on your workout, you're body is going to need protein after (or just before) a workout for muscle recovery. Otherwise, it will get it from existing muscle, which you don't want. So yes, protein shakes, etc. are often used by body builders to fuel muscle after weight training, but not the sole result. Your requirement will vary depending on if you're doing cardio or weights or both, but greek yogurt, dried edamame, almonds, and chocolate milk are all great quick protein sources that should help meet your bodies needs, but not be excessively filled with other ingredients or excess protein.
  • DeanBurrows
    DeanBurrows Posts: 116 Member
    I wouldn't worry about turning into a big muscle man. I've been using Maxitone which you can get in Boots. They do about 500g for £30. It's a lot of money but each portion is just 30grams so it will last a while. Maxitone do a meal replacement or a protein shake but it is clear from the label which is which.

    From what I can see online, Maxitone is a bit pricey and you might be able to find cheaper alternatives that aren't labelled 'for women' which apparently is a gimmick - protein powder is protein powder.

    Good luck.
    like Maxitone Definity shake - 118 cals per serving, 23g of protein. It is expensive at £22.99 for 420g

    That's insanely expensive.

    "womens protein" and "diet whey" products are a total rip off.

    Buy online and save yourself a ton of money.

    http://www.theproteinworks.com/products/protein-shakes/whey-protein/whey-protein-80-concentrate.html

    http://www.myprotein.com/sports-nutrition/impact-whey-protein/10530943.html

    http://www.oneon.co.uk/store/products,whey-protein-max_26.htm


    As far as the OP, you don't need a protein shake after your workout if you can get all of your protein from real food, however they are cheap (if you buy online!) and convenient.

    I agree, Maxitone and USN are stupidly expensive!

    I was in Manchester over the weekend and needed a quick shake so i went into the shop in the Arndale and it cost me £4.75 for 1 shake....... 1 SHAKE!!!!!!!!

    Was stupid and full of carbs aha
  • LindseySprake
    LindseySprake Posts: 333 Member
    Ok so we've established that there is NO WAY that you will look like a body builder by drinking protein shakes right?! lol.

    You only really need protein shakes as a supplement if you are not getting enough from the food you eat.
    There are loads of high protein snacks:

    Boiled egg - under 100 cals.
    Scrambled egg white - 4 tbsp is about 30 cals. (p.s. Sainsbury do liquid egg white for about £3.20 for 500ml the brand is 'Two Chicks')
    Peanut butter - 1 tbsp is about 170 cals.
    Fish/chicken/lean beef all good for protein. 100g of grilled chicken is about 120 cals.
    Nuts & seed all good protein but will be high in cals.
    Etc....

    Have a look at my diary if you like, i've recenly switched to a high(er) potein diet in an attempt to shed fat and maintain muscle.

    That being said, I do also have protein shakes after the gym.

    I get mine from www.discountsupplements.co.uk - they have a brand called Optimum Health. Its the best value I've been able to find: 2.25KG bag for £28(ish) plus free delivery.

    I started on this one:
    *Optimum Health Ultimate Whey Protein*
    Serving Amount Per 30g when mixed with water:
    Energy: 121kcal / 505kJ
    Protein: 21.3g
    Carbohydrates: 4.7g
    of which sugars: 4.1g
    Fat: 1.9g
    of which saturates: 1.7g
    Fibre: 0.1g
    Sodium: Trace

    But have re-ordered (today actually):
    *Optimum Health Diet Protein*
    Serving Amount
    Per 30g when mixed with water:
    Energy as Kcal: 116
    Energy as kJ: 483
    Protein: 21.5g
    Carbohydrates: 3.2g
    of which sugars: 2.9g
    Fat: 1.5g
    of which saturates: 0.2g
    of which monosaturates: 0.1g
    Polyunsaturated: 0g
    Fibre: 1.1g
    Sodium: 0.2g
    CLA Powder: 900mg
    Green Tea Extract: 172mg
    L Carnitine L Tartrate: 150mg
    Vitamin C: 30mg

    Anyway, hope this has helped :flowerforyou:
  • LindseySprake
    LindseySprake Posts: 333 Member
    P.S. Maxitone is seriously over priced!!
  • MeeshyBW
    MeeshyBW Posts: 382 Member
    Without a doubt my new favorite protein type shake is Vega Energizing Smoothie.

    http://www.aggressivehealthshop.com/vega-energizing-smoothie-vanilla-almondilla-12-x-23g-sachet.html - Fast delivery here and great service. (No I don't work there) lol

    It is the BEST flavour out of any I have ever tried AND Vegan so no nasty animal products/hormones in it. I wouldn't say it is an amazing shake protein wise but it makes for a really decent snack before dinner or before lunch if you fancy something sweet. I mix mine with dairy free milk (Kara Long Life Coconut Milk) http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=266126179

    It's 92 calories with water and about an extra 60 or so with the milk replacement. It tastes amazing with the Kara milk, like a treat really and worth it. I sometimes eat healthy treat foods and think, that was so not worth the calories but this is in my opinion.

    I often have this when I come back from the gym alongside breakfast. I would recommend this one 100% for what you need. :)

    Pretty expensive at around £20 for 300g but like I said, it is just something to snack on when you need that sweet fix that isn't to bad for you. I don't know if I would rely on it for a daily protein shake as I prefer to try and get my protein fix from foods.
  • annakommers
    annakommers Posts: 48 Member
    i use optimum nutrition gold standard whey, its 120 a serving, 24g of protein, they taste amazing and you can do anything with them, you can mix with milk or water, add fruit, put it in yoghurt, whatever. Just look for a whey protein low in carbs, if you can afford it go for a whey isolate
  • davidcraven752
    davidcraven752 Posts: 6
    If you want a good example of a woman who takes protein shakes google Jamie Eason.

    After you have been to the gym you have a 20 minute window where your body is super absorbent to protein. This is so that you body can recover itself from the exercise and improve its muscle so that it can cope with the damage it recieves during exercise better the next time. This is why muslces grow. Women tend to get firm and toned then stop. where as men tend to get firm, toned then big. of course if you go major heavy with weights and do a body building routine you WILL get bigger but jamie eason (as above) is about as far as you will be able to go.

    When you see these muscle women that basically look like blokes in a bikini with long hair they are pumping some serious steroids into their bodies. the steroids increase the testosterone in their blood which in turn (basically) turns them into men.

    Also keep in mind it is impossible for the human body to create more than 15lbs of muscle PER YEAR. so if you started to notice you were getting most muscled than you liked you can always just cut back on the weights and focus more on cardio. NO ONE has EVER build a body builder figure with cardio. its essential for health BUT it doesnt grow muscle in the same way resistance training does (lifting weights)

    My personal recommendation is to use a Casin protein. it usually tastes ok and when it reaches your stomach it turns into a kind of jelly which digests VERY slowly (like over 12 hours) this can keep you metabolic rate up while sleeping and helps you to feel fuller for longer.

    sorry for the long reply but there is alot of info behind protein sups. let me know if you need more.

    good luck. let us know what you decide.

    PS. for quality buy extreme nutrition brand some proteins can give you nasty gas :)
  • davidcraven752
    davidcraven752 Posts: 6
    [/quote]

    I agree, Maxitone and USN are stupidly expensive!

    I was in Manchester over the weekend and needed a quick shake so i went into the shop in the Arndale and it cost me £4.75 for 1 shake....... 1 SHAKE!!!!!!!!

    Was stupid and full of carbs aha
    [/quote]

    carbs aren't bad after workout, but buy one of the powder brands and mix your own its allot cheaper.
  • Flixie00
    Flixie00 Posts: 1,195 Member
    I use myprotein.com. Their products are good quality, reasonably priced, don't upset my stomach (PHD caused me some discomfort), and they have a great range of flavours.
  • SteveJWatson
    SteveJWatson Posts: 1,225 Member
    skimmed milk

    banana.

    Plenty of post workout carbs and protein (about 15g protein).
  • thegeordielass
    thegeordielass Posts: 208 Member
    I use one from myprotein.com. I can't remember which one is is (but it's chocolate orange flavour and like drinking a terry's chocolate orange!) but it's nice. Personally, I can't stand the taste of protein powders with water so I use milk and it tastes delicious and leaves me feeling pretty full for a few hours. I only take mine when I'm otherwise going to be low on protein for the day so while it's expensive for a bag/tub, it can last ages (I've had mine just under a year) if you make sure to store it right.
  • GuybrushThreepw00d
    GuybrushThreepw00d Posts: 784 Member
    I use myprotein.com. Their products are good quality, reasonably priced, don't upset my stomach (PHD caused me some discomfort), and they have a great range of flavours.

    + 1 for myprotein.com


    to the OP. The metal association between protein and burly dudes down the gym needs to be broken. It's just a food supplement. Not for men or women, but everyone.
    If you're worried about protein bulking you up, then you'd better go easy on all those beans. lentils, eggs and meat that you consume.

    Try it out, see if you like it, but know that it's just another food. It's really not that specialist.
  • lh12xx
    lh12xx Posts: 111 Member
    Thanks for all the help, guys.

    I have Boots vouchers to spend so reckon I'll get this. http://www.boots.com/en/Optimum-Nutrition-Gold-Standard-100-Whey-Double-Rich-Chocolate-450g_1285151/ - 120kcals per scoop so isnt bad! :)

Categories