I have some kind of powdered protein almost every day. I typically use chocolate flavored Dymatize Iso-100. It's a protein isolate which I've been led to believe is best consumed after a workout, but I'm certain I'm not at such a competitive level that it makes a huge difference for me. I've been known to mix the Iso-100 with vanilla flavored GNC's Pro Amp. The flavor of mixing those two together is like a really delicious chocolate malt; though, of course, it's no replacement for an actual chocolate malt. So, I typically use one to two scoops just mixed with water almost right after I'm done working out. At first I did this because I heard/read that there was an optimum "window" in which to take protein after working out for muscular repair. I've recently read some things that make me think this might not necessarily be accurate for the level of fitness I have now. That is, those most likely to benefit from slamming protein post-workout are those that compete on a professional level. I need to do more research about that or perhaps someone could set me straight.

Anyway, I still have protein relatively soon after working out, except my main reasoning at this point is simply because I'm hangry and it helps with the rage. Also, seriously helps me hit my protein goals for the day.

Anytime! When I go to the gym in the morning before work, I'll put powder in a blender bottle at home and then just add water from a fountain on my way out of the gym. Gainz all the way to work.

I use Gnc Pro Performance Amp - Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60. I prefer chocolate if I am drinking it with water, but I use vanilla in fruit smoothies. I find that mixing with straight water it tastes a little odd, so I use 1/3 skim milk and it is really pretty good. If you are considering buying anything from GNC sign up for their gold buyer program. It costs a little to sign up, but you will probably make up the cost on your first purchase. Also talk to the guy behind the counter, they usually have gold days/weeks, where stuff is cheaper and they have buy 2 get one free. Find the window where the two overlap and you score.

I'm working on losing weight, but I'll do a protein shake after crossfit (which usually ends up being my breakfast) and if I don't have time to make something for lunch, I'll substitute a protein shake then as well.

I use Progenix Recovery or More Muscle, and I'll mix it with unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk, and I usually add a tablespoon of chia seeds and a tablespoon of flax oil to the shaker, too - Some good fats and fiber.

I'm vegetarian and eat a tonne of tofu and mycoprotein already and still can't get to my target so yeah I supplement with protein shakes. Just make sure the protein to carb ratio is OK.

I'm vegetarian and eat a tonne of tofu and mycoprotein already and still can't get to my target so yeah I supplement with protein shakes. Just make sure the protein to carb ratio is OK.

I'm in the same boat - vegetarian and eat eggs, greek yoghurt, tofu, veg proteins, etc but would never meet my target without my pea/rice protein powder.
BUT when people say to check the protein to carb ratio, this will depend on when you're using the shake. Simple carbs are actually more important post workout than protein. Simple carbs are needed to replenish glycogen stores in your muscles more than protein is needed for muscle repair. Post workout I have 250ml fruit juice (no added sugar, etc) before I have my protein shake, and if I'm not going to be eating a meal within an hour or so I'll also have a muesli bar. That way I end up getting around 50g carbs and 24g protein - the general recommendation for carb to protein ratio is 2:1.
You can get shakes that have all of the right simple carbs added but I sometimes have a shake for breakfast so prefer to use a pure protein powder and add my own carbs where necessary...

I try and keep mostly Paleo since dairy and I don't really agree with each other. Stronger faster healthier is the only protein I have found that doesn't make my stomach hurt. I use it both with water and in smoothies to add protein on the go when I can eat a full meal or won't be home right after working out. I like that it's made from grass-fed whey and is sweetened with stevia instead of sucralose which seems to agree with me better. Since it's got sweetener its not perfectly Paleo but close enough for me, the only downside it's pricier than Optimimum Nutrition or some of ther others I have tried in the past.

I find when using chocolate whey bolic, with 2/3 water adn 1/3 milk it tastes a lot like a yoohoo. But I agree, the vanilla in water is not very appealing, I dont care for vanilla unless I am adding fruit.

I am currently using "Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein" (Double-Chocolate) for my protein shake. It has been easy on my stomach for my early morning workouts and is also great for pre and post WODs. However, I have been recently thinking of trying something new to aide in my recovery.

*I also like to use Almond Breeze Milk (Unsweetened) instead of water or skim-milk. It's only 30 calories per cup and gives my protein shake a nice little flavor boost and non-watery consistency.

Recommendations I've received from my gym:

Nitrean
Stronger, faster, healthier
About Time
Optimum Nutrition Gold


I was using:
Vega Sport (got sick of it)
Jay Robb
Tera's Whey

I bought some Optimum Nutrition, but then realized it had splenda in it after the fact, so i'm trying to sell it and will try a different one instead.

I find protein drinks make me constipated....anyone else have this problem? I'd like to use them more, but it's not worth it to me to get backed up.

I am also trying to eat within 40/30/30. I noticed that protein does make a difference after a work out, I recover a lot better and am not as sore the next day. I really like Progenex... delicious! it's the crack of protein powder, but expensive so I really can't afford it all of the time. I also like the EAS one from Target. I just follow what the recommended servings are, and try to use it after every work out.