Protein Powders...???

chocolate milk is a good alternative. I like the organic horizons low fat one. But as for protein powder, I like the GNC's Amplified line. I've only had the cookies n' cream and the chocolate, and I mix them with milk instead of water. Taste pretty good, won't break the bank but are still expensive.

Protein shakes give you large amounts of protein for low calories (or should). Typically, you will want to take a shake just before or after your workout. You can also use the below as a meal replacement if you are eating 6 times a day. There is quick-release protein and sustained release protein. This is explained by Syntrax below.

I would avoid Soy Protein as Whey Protein provides more benefits, and soy produces estrogen and lowers testosterone, which is a negative effect when trying to build muscle (especially for a man).

Syntrax Matrix 5.0 Whey Protein Shakes (the only difference between Matrix 2.0 and 5.0 is the size of the container - either 2lbs or 5 lbs, so 2.0 is cheaper if you're just wanting to try it out.
http://www.si03.com/reg_index.htm

When I started with my personal trainer last year, she put me on these shakes. I think they taste pretty good, especially for a whey protein shake without adding a bunch of sugar or fat. She chose these because this is what a doctor would give bariatric patients. It contains sustained release protein and comes in a variety of flavors. I like the Orange Cream (if you like orange creamsicle) to start with, but they have plenty of choices: Banana Cream, Cookies and Cream, Creamy Vanilla, Milk Chocolate, Mint Cookie, Strawberry Cream, Perfect Chocolate, and Simply Vanilla. Syntrax also has a version called Nectar that is a quick (rather than sustained) release protein, but has more of a fruit or sweet flavor.

Each scoop contains about (varies slightly per flavor):
23 grams of Protein
1.5 grams of Fat
2 grams of Carbohydrates
2 grams of Sugar
120 Calories

You want to take them before or after your workout, or as a meal replacement snack.

You can buy them at Vitamin Shoppe (not Cottage) or online. I pay about $45 for a 5lb ($28 for a 2lb) bag that should last about a month (to 6 weeks depending on number of scoops) if taken twice a day every day. If you go to Vitamin Shoppe you can usually get either free or $2 sample packs of the different shakes to try.


The Problem: Protein powders that are low in quality, contain fat-inducing maltodextrin, taste horrible, require a blender to mix properly and contain only one very fast-acting protein. No doubt that most of these products are cheap, but who wants to gag something down day after day that's neither convenient nor beneficial?

The Solution: Matrix protein powders. Taking years to properly formulate, Matrix solves all of the problems currently afflicting those other low-grade protein powders. Most importantly, Syntrax completely stayed away from cheap, inferior protein sources, such as denatured sodium and calcium caseinate. They know that to be the best, they had to use only the highest quality protein sources, such as ultrafiltered whey protein, ultrafiltered milk protein, native egg albumin and glutamine peptides. The costs are much higher, but the rewards are significant. These proteins not only taste great, but they are unmatched in their ability to improve overall health as well as build critical bodily tissues and processes.
To make the highest quality product in the industry, Syntrax knew they had to do even more. They decided that they would no settle for anything but the best tasting protein powder on the market. After countless trials, they arrived at several delicious flavors that are pure ecstasy to consume.
Completing the solution to the problem, Matrix is thoroughly instantized so that every scoop dissolves perfectly in your favorite beverage. No more disgusting clumps or blenders that dirty your kitchen... with Matrix, you only need a spoon!

Syntrax Matrix 5.0 - The Facts

What is Matrix?
Matrix is a blend of the highest quality protein concentrates in the industry.
What makes Matrix higher quality than the competition?

Matrix contains a combination of 3 different high-quality proteins: whey protein, micellar casein and egg albumin (egg white protein).

Why a blend of different proteins instead of just one protein?
Indeed, there are several very high-quality protein sources, such as egg, casein and whey; however, none of them are perfect in every aspect. All of these protein sources are equal in terms of overall health and growth of lean body tissue, but each has its specific physiological strengths and weaknesses. For instance, egg protein is considered the gold standard protein source. Not only does it perfectly support lean tissue growth and maintenance, but it contains a host of growth factors and micronutrients. The downside is that it is very expensive. Whey protein, on the other hand, has been shown to be the fastest metabolized protein source and to have superior immune-stimulating abilities. Casein has been shown to be the slowest metabolized protein source, which makes it superior for providing muscle tissue with amino acids over an extended period of time. Thus, even though ingesting one protein source has many benefits, ultimately the best course of action is to consume several high-quality protein sources in order to minimize the weaknesses and maximize the strengths of each source.

When is the best time to consume Matrix?
Because it contains proteins which are metabolized both quickly and slowly, Matrix is an ideal protein source for any time of the day. Some people will consume a fast-acting protein source, such as whey protein, after a workout and consume a slow-acting protein source, such as casein, before bedtime. Since Matrix contains slow (casein), medium (egg) and fast (whey) acting proteins, it is ideal for any situation. It has the ability to bombard lean body mass quickly with amino acids as well as provide the body with these same nutrients over an extended period of time.

Is Matrix a superior protein for those with medical conditions, such as bariatric surgery patients?
Yes! Matrix's amino acid profile is best out of any protein on the market. Furthermore, because it provides the unique benefits of three different protein concentrates, it offers the best opportunity for increasing overall health and well being . . . from optimizing lean body mass and adipose levels to supporting an ideal antioxidant status to maintaining proper kidney and immune system function.

How can Matrix 5.0 be so economical if it contains more expensive proteins?
Notice that Matrix 5.0 is packaged in a high-quality laminated bag. There are considerable savings in packaging with this method, which consequently offset the increased costs of the proteins. Do not worry about freshness! The laminate used for Matrix 5.0's bag is an oxygen and moisture barrier structure which works as well or better than the typical plastic jug. Furthermore, it contains a recloseable zipper for convenience and uses less of our precious non-renewable resources.

blah blah blah let me sell you this...

The Problem: Protein powders that are low in quality, contain fat-inducing maltodextrin, taste horrible, require a blender to mix properly and contain only one very fast-acting protein. No doubt that most of these products are cheap, but who wants to gag something down day after day that's neither convenient nor beneficial?

The Solution: Matrix protein powders. Taking years to properly formulate, Matrix solves all of the problems currently afflicting

blah blah blah this is why you need to eat more of it

...and how much are you paid?

ETA: removed a lot of excess sales pitch.

i myself like body fortress it has a great taste and comes in 3 flavors strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. Also you can mix it with either milk or water and the milk gives you an extra 8g of protein. I have found that it helps to replace fat with muscle and its best after a nice work out and it doesnt make you excessivly thirsty like most protein powders do. Hope this helps

I use diet PHD beguim chocolate. Tastes nice and is ow in cals. I find it really helps wit my muscle recovery too!

I love EAS by Abbott. I drink it with Almond Milk.

I've tried a few different whey proteins. My new favorite is Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard Whey. Right now the flavor I am loving (as well as being one of the best flavors I have ever had) is the Mocha Cappucino one.

ON 100% gold standard whey. i saw that many people swore by it and said it was good. I tried it and it is so far, so good.

Of course, the best way to get protein is naturally, through foods. But if you're looking for a suppliment, whey protein (as opposed to soy) is the way to go.

I started out with GNC's Amplified Wheybolic protein powder. The chocolate is good (esp with milk), the vanilla tastes too fake for me. It works if you want something by itself.

Then I got a sample of BiPro in the mail, and I love it! It has no sugar, and no flavor, and only 80 calories per scoop/packet for 20g of protein. I haven't tried it by iteself, but it's perfect for adding to stuff like smothies because I can't taste it in there at all, and I'm not wasting calories on fake flavoring or sugar. (More info here: http://www.biprousa.com/bipro/facts)

i myself like body fortress it has a great taste and comes in 3 flavors strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla. Also you can mix it with either milk or water and the milk gives you an extra 8g of protein. I have found that it helps to replace fat with muscle and its best after a nice work out and it doesnt make you excessivly thirsty like most protein powders do. Hope this helps

I use Body Fortress as well (available at Walmart) I mix 1 scoop of vanilla with 1c low fat milk and 1c frozen berries = 320 calories. I drink this most mornings after my workout. In the past, I've used water instead of milk to save the 110 calories, but prefer the creaminess of milk.