To Shake or Not to Shake

hughjass783
hughjass783 Posts: 32 Member
in Food and Nutrition
It seems like protein shakes/weight loss shakes are everywhere. I'm interested in trying out something that is good for workout recovery, helping to build muscle for toning, and if it helps me to lose weight that's a bonus. I'm just having trouble separating the fads from stuff that actually works and doesn't cost a month's salary and my first born. Any suggestions? What sorts of ingredients should I look for, and which ones are just fillers?

Replies

  • nomeejerome
    nomeejerome Posts: 2,616 Member
    If your goal is to lose weight, all you need is a calorie deficit. Do not buy in to anything that has magical promises of amazing results. (or cost a months salary and your first born.:smile: )



    eta:
    read this link and all of the links in it: (it will take awhile, but it is worth it)

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1080242-a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants?page=1#posts-16625920
  • hughjass783
    hughjass783 Posts: 32 Member
    No, I'm not looking for a weight loss shake. I'm just looking for something for building muscle and for workout recovery. I see lots of people drinking these whey protein shakes, and getting on the Visalus bandwagon, and I'm just wondering if it's worth it. I'm already counting calories and working out daily. And thank you for the link, I'll bookmark it and give it a read!
  • knra_grl
    knra_grl Posts: 1,566 Member
    protein - some people have it in a shake but you can eat it in regular foods. I have protein powder and I use it in my smoothies when I am using them as a meal replacement otherwise I just get my protein from my regular diet
  • ihad
    ihad Posts: 7,463 Member
    The expensive shakes are unnecessary and wallet draining. Just get a decent whey protein powder to help hit your macros. MFP sets protein at a level that is low for people doing resistance work, so consider raising the default setting.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/819055-setting-your-calorie-and-macro-targets
  • therayeraye
    therayeraye Posts: 17 Member
    I drink a protein shake after every serious workout. It's part of my ritual now and it helps me think about what I am eating the rest of the day. Good easy protein and keeps me in the right mindset.
  • kgeyser
    kgeyser Posts: 22,505 Member
    Protein shakes are for increasing the amount of protein in your diet. No magical recovery nonsense or anything like that. I usually drink mine after a workout simply because it tastes like a milkshake and is something to look forward to while I am sweating and cursing.

    I really wanted this thread to be about the shake weight.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    No, I'm not looking for a weight loss shake. I'm just looking for something for building muscle and for workout recovery. I see lots of people drinking these whey protein shakes, and getting on the Visalus bandwagon, and I'm just wondering if it's worth it. I'm already counting calories and working out daily. And thank you for the link, I'll bookmark it and give it a read!

    For the record you generally cannot build muscle while in a caloric deficit. The protein will help repair your muscles after your workouts and help you maintain them (rather than lose both muscle and fat) as you lose weight.

    So again, you don't need a shake. You can get one if you want it , though. It can help supplement your protein intake if you have a daily target you're having trouble reaching. There are many threads on food sources for high protein that you could also search and read up on, if interested.
  • TonyStark30
    TonyStark30 Posts: 497 Member
    Just find one that is cheap and YOU like the taste. Anything else is just marketing to charge you more, if you want it to add protein to your diet, then just buy one that is just protein.
  • elliej
    elliej Posts: 466 Member
    Shakes are all marketing.

    You don't need them, any protein after a workout is beneficial.

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