Protien Powder? Pros and Cons?

I've been wondering this too...bumping to see other advice...

I took protein powder for YEARS...it is a total complete waste of your money....it is very unhealthy and does absolutely nothing for your body...It is one of the great diet scams...stay away

I asked similar questions and decided to take the plunge and try them. Also, as they come in such large quantities when you do buy them, I've decided to stick to them.

I use them on days where I work out, or if I have a large calorie deficit that needs bumping up. I'd like to add straight away that they, in no way, directly affect weight loss. They're fuel, and they're good fuel for slow energy release and recovery.

I have a low-carb, low-GI PHD protein powder, which I'll blend with 1/2 (or whole) banana, and a teaspoon (or tablespoon) of peanut butter, with lots of ice and some cold water (yum). I had one last night when I got in from work, about 30 mins before working out, and I felt like I had such a great burst of energy during my session. I know most people have them after, and there's a lot of debate, and maybe I do it wrong, but for me, personally, I like them before a workout.

I don't think they're necessary. I just like them for the purpose I use them.

There will always be debate over the pros and cons and if it is really needed. I don't know how true any information is, due to supplement companies wanting people to think a certain way in order for them to profit by selling protein powder.

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I'd say, work out a rough estimate of how much protein you need to consume based on your lifestyle (there are websites to help give you some rough ideas if you google it), and work out roughly how much you take in on a daily basis. If you aren't consuming enough consider taking in more, perhaps from protein powder, or maybe chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, etc., depending on their nutritional information, cost, convenience, and which you prefer eating.

I hope this helps a bit

What he said. He is pretty much right.

If you're weight lifting you may build more muscle if you consume at least 1-2g of protein per kg of body weight. Having slow protein (slow digesting) such as casein (from milk) before a weight workout (1-2hr before) makes sure the muscle break down can be stopped a bit by helping proteins available. Having fast protein (such as whey, also from milk) after a workout (0-1hr after) helps rebuild broken down muscle tissue. I may be using lay man's terms but that's because I don't know the exact details either. However what I've just said is pretty much backed up with scientific research. There is no scam there. This is all fact. And I have read a lot believe you me. And I'm smart enough to be able to sift between nonsense and scam and fact.

Now as to how you get your protein, I think it's basically all good. As long as you know that some of it works faster and some of it works slower. Like before bed at night you might take some slow working protein so as to keep your body supplied with it during the night.

One other important thing is you cannot eat up on proteins to store yourself for the day. I think anything you eat in one sitting above 20-40g leaves your body in a few hours through your urine. So I think body builders will benefit from having an easy source of protein so they can take it as an in-between meal.

By the way I don't sell any protein powder so have nothing to gain except to state what I believe to be truth.

Myself, I eat chicken breast. It's a good lean source of protein. And I have two kinds of protein powder. One containing whey protein (but I am not sure how much) and one basically just containing basic milk powder (but very concentrated without sugar or fat so no lactose in there). Why don't I drink real whey protein? It's expensive and the one I drink isn't

So as to protein eat whatever you think works. Find a natural version of whey or casein milk and you'll be fine! But, somebody said tuna and that is not recommended. Tuna has a lot of fat in it and some trace metals that may give you cancer or something. Read up on that. I think one can of tuna per week is the max recommended. I know because I thought I'd just buy cheap cans of tuna aswell haha.

I think the protein that's most wholesome and most easily absorbed by the body by the way is egg. All other proteins are measured by it.

I like having it around as an option for increasing my protein here and there. I keep vanilla and chocolate on hand and usually mix the vanilla in with my plain greek yogurt or the chocolate in with my oatmeal. I also use it in a bunch of recipes to boost the protein amounts. I don't rely on it solely though and do try and get as much of my protein from regular foods as possible.

IMHO, from reading and working with a nutritionist, u need a protein drink after workout. It is important to help rebuild muscle and it is the fastest acting but u need it within 30 minutes of finishing your workout. I did find a wonderful protein powder that has no fillers or preservatives that is also all natural. Garden of Life. Try the chocolate raw meal. It is also a great meal replacement. Just use one scoop in 12oz. of water and ice or chocolate almond milk. It is a little fibrous but good. U could use this even if u don't workout because it is so healthy. Haven't tried the vanilla yet. My son and husband use Gold Standard milk chocolate protein powder and love it but it does have fillers. From our research it is one of the safest. U can get it for a great price at Vitaminshoppe.com. But whey protein powders r not necessary if u don't workout. Hope this helps a little. I am very careful about what I put in my body since cancer...Good Luck.

I drink a protein shake after every gym day. I guess it's really up to you. just watch out for the sugar and calories in the one you are buying. The one I have is 25G of protein and only 140 calories. I find it hard to get proper nutrition being on a tight budget so I drink out to get a bit more protein in my diet

EDIT: the one I buy is only about $23 CAD and it's about 30 servings so it's cheaper than buying a lot of protein rich foods.