Protein Powder Help

Maquillage_
Maquillage_ Posts: 194 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I'm having trouble meeting my protein goals. My protein goal is 88g and my calorie goal is 1530. I'm 5'2 (almost!) and set to lose 1lbs a week. I exercise 2-3 times a day every day, and I'm trying to focus on building/toning muscle while losing weight, which is why my protein goal is a little high. I do 1-2 cardio sessions on an exercise bike and one session of intense pilates.

At the moment I get most of my protein from eggs. The only meat I really like is chicken. I'll have steak maybe twice a month, so not a lot of variety in protein! I hate nuts and basically anything else that might be high in protein that isn't chicken. I know eggs are high in cholesterol, which is why I'm thinking of cutting down on them and including a protein powder into my diet.

The powder I'm looking into getting is Naturade Total Soy in Vanilla. There are 130 calories and 13g of protein. There are also 24 vitamins and minerals in this powder, 0g of trans fat, it's lactose and gluten free and contains non-GMO soy. I don't know if any of that makes it a better or worse protein powder! It is also within my budget as it is only 11 dollars per 1/2kg and only 8 dollars shipping. This particular protein powder is advertised as a meal replacement, but I have no intention of using it as one, not at 130 calories. I was thinking of using it maybe before my pilates workout as a pre-workout snack.

So basically what I'm asking in short is, is using a protein powder a good idea for me? I don't really see any other way of reaching my protein goals without loading myself with eggs! Also if you've used the particular brand I'm thinking of using, please share your thoughts on how you found it and if you liked it or not.

Replies

  • Maquillage_
    Maquillage_ Posts: 194 Member
    Bump
  • cajuntank
    cajuntank Posts: 924 Member
    Unless you are a vegetarian, and from your post, you eat meat, then why not go with whey protein if you need to supplement? Vegan proteins are fine, but they fail in comparison to whey if you can utilize it based on your personal beliefs. A general serving of whey will have around 140 calories and 24g of protein compared to half the amount you'll find in vegetable proteins. If you have lactose issues with whey, then look for the isolate (as opposed to the concentrate) as that will have that milk sugar greatly reduced and will also be fewer calories for the same amount (somewhere around 24g for 120 calories or so), it's just you pay a little more for it. You should be able to find deals on whey for around the $10.00-$13.00/lb range easily.
  • Maquillage_
    Maquillage_ Posts: 194 Member
    Unless you are a vegetarian, and from your post, you eat meat, then why not go with whey protein if you need to supplement? Vegan proteins are fine, but they fail in comparison to whey if you can utilize it based on your personal beliefs. A general serving of whey will have around 140 calories and 24g of protein compared to half the amount you'll find in vegetable proteins. If you have lactose issues with whey, then look for the isolate (as opposed to the concentrate) as that will have that milk sugar greatly reduced and will also be fewer calories for the same amount (somewhere around 24g for 120 calories or so), it's just you pay a little more for it. You should be able to find deals on whey for around the $10.00-$13.00/lb range easily.

    I never even realized that was a vegetarian protein, and that there was a difference between that and whey protein. Honestly I didn't look into it much. That you for all that information, I'm now looking for a better alternative :)

    Also would you suggest a protein bar over a protein drink? Is there much of a difference between the two?
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,431 MFP Moderator
    Honestly, try a few different brands and find the one you like the most. I drink either muscle milk or EAS. For protein bars, I like cliff bars or Quest. It's really your preference

    If you want more protein foods, you could incorporate turkey meat, bacon, bison, duck, edamame (really any soy), beans, lentils and more.

    There are a lot other cheaper options at there. I get my protein as sam's club. For $30, it's a 5 lb bag. But since you are using kg, I suspect you aren't in the US.
  • mymodernbabylon
    mymodernbabylon Posts: 1,038 Member
    I eat a lot of tuna fish - seriously good protein for the calories.

    For whey protein I am going to try out myprotein because it's gotten rave reviews from people I trust, has a good amount of protein per serving and seems to taste good too.
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    I like Eidopro unflavored protein powder. 110 calories for 27g of protein. I think it only has 1g of sugar. I get it from Amazon.
  • strongestgirl10
    strongestgirl10 Posts: 26 Member
    My protein powder: Muscle Pharm Combat Powder: cookies n cream flavor....tasty but a bit sweet. It is low in sugar and high in protein. I buy it from Costco...$40.00 for a 1 pound tub ( 2.2 kg in Canada). I also supplement with tuna, canned chicken and canned turkey, nuts, eggs, peanut butter, milk, cheese strings etc...Also, a lot of protein bars have as much sugar in them as a chocolate bar. I would stick to lean proteins and protein powder to avoid sugar or make your own protein bars at home. There are a myriad of recipes on this site for low sugar protein bars. Happy hunting~!
  • Maquillage_
    Maquillage_ Posts: 194 Member
    Honestly, try a few different brands and find the one you like the most. I drink either muscle milk or EAS. For protein bars, I like cliff bars or Quest. It's really your preference

    If you want more protein foods, you could incorporate turkey meat, bacon, bison, duck, edamame (really any soy), beans, lentils and more.

    There are a lot other cheaper options at there. I get my protein as sam's club. For $30, it's a 5 lb bag. But since you are using kg, I suspect you aren't in the US.

    I'll look into them :) I don't really want to try a few different ones because funds are low at the moment, so I'm hoping to find one that I'll just like :L

    I'm such a picky eater! I eat turkey on Sundays, the only bacon I like is smoked and I don't eat any of the rest :L

    I'm in Ireland. A lot of the good and affordable proteins seem to be banned here! At the health shop the cheapest protein is about 50 euro for a 2 weeks supply! Crazy money!
  • Maquillage_
    Maquillage_ Posts: 194 Member
    I eat a lot of tuna fish - seriously good protein for the calories.

    For whey protein I am going to try out myprotein because it's gotten rave reviews from people I trust, has a good amount of protein per serving and seems to taste good too.

    I absolutely hate fish (except fish fingers, but that's probably fake processed fish xD) I eat cod sometimes but I don't like it enough that I'd eat it often.

    I'll look into myprotein, thank you! :)
  • Maquillage_
    Maquillage_ Posts: 194 Member
    I like Eidopro unflavored protein powder. 110 calories for 27g of protein. I think it only has 1g of sugar. I get it from Amazon.

    I like the sound of this one! What price range would it be in?
  • Maquillage_
    Maquillage_ Posts: 194 Member
    My protein powder: Muscle Pharm Combat Powder: cookies n cream flavor....tasty but a bit sweet. It is low in sugar and high in protein. I buy it from Costco...$40.00 for a 1 pound tub ( 2.2 kg in Canada). I also supplement with tuna, canned chicken and canned turkey, nuts, eggs, peanut butter, milk, cheese strings etc...Also, a lot of protein bars have as much sugar in them as a chocolate bar. I would stick to lean proteins and protein powder to avoid sugar or make your own protein bars at home. There are a myriad of recipes on this site for low sugar protein bars. Happy hunting~!

    I wish we had a costco here! I don't like much of what you mentioned, but thank you for taking your time to make suggestions :) I never even thought of sugar and carb content! Thank you for pointing that out, I think I'll stick to the powders :)
  • MityMax96
    MityMax96 Posts: 5,778 Member
    What about
    fish
    greek yougurt
    cottage cheese
    milk


    I like Met-RX
    Optimum Nutrition is pretty good too
  • Maquillage_
    Maquillage_ Posts: 194 Member
    What about
    fish
    greek yougurt
    cottage cheese
    milk


    I like Met-RX
    Optimum Nutrition is pretty good too

    I only like Cod but not enough to eat it often, I hate cottage cheese. I'm not really a cheese person tbh! I never though yogurt would have much protein in it, and I love greek yoghurt! Thanks for the suggestions :)
  • MityMax96
    MityMax96 Posts: 5,778 Member
    What about
    fish
    greek yougurt
    cottage cheese
    milk


    I like Met-RX
    Optimum Nutrition is pretty good too

    I only like Cod but not enough to eat it often, I hate cottage cheese. I'm not really a cheese person tbh! I never though yogurt would have much protein in it, and I love greek yoghurt! Thanks for the suggestions :)
    A chobani yougurt, has abou 12 gr of protein. So not too bad.....
    And again if you can do milk, another good option. :wink:
  • jdhcm2006
    jdhcm2006 Posts: 2,254 Member
    I like Eidopro unflavored protein powder. 110 calories for 27g of protein. I think it only has 1g of sugar. I get it from Amazon.

    I like the sound of this one! What price range would it be in?

    I think it's about $35-$40 for a pound. And it's eligible for free shipping. Personally, the price is worth it to me. I can add protein to my fruit/green smoothies and it doesn't destroy the taste of the smoothie.
  • allie_00p
    allie_00p Posts: 280 Member
    13g isn't much kick for a protein powder, especially for 130 calories. The ones I use are usually around 20-30g of protein for about 150 calories. I like Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey powders, Cellucor's Whey powders, and if you want a slower digesting protein, the bodybuilding.com brand has a Casein protein that's really reasonably priced (about $20 or $25 for 2lbs I think?)

    ETA: Also, you can buy just egg whites, so you don't have to worry about the cholesterol. Also, a lot of the other suggestions for protein-rich foods above may be a better option for you if you're only missing your protein goal by 10-20 grams.
  • rachelrb85
    rachelrb85 Posts: 579 Member
    I use ON whey gold standard which is 120 calories and 24g of protein. They have some great flavors, I use mocha cappuccino which is great.
  • quellybelly
    quellybelly Posts: 827 Member
    Protein powder is used to meet protein goals so if you are falling short, then yes protein powder will be a good way to help you out :) I use a brand from Costco -- I think it's called LeanWhey and it is 120 cals per scoop with 21 g of protein. Sale price is ~$40 for 2.2 kg
  • DaniellaB1995
    DaniellaB1995 Posts: 64 Member
    I also use ON Whey gold standard, I like Extreme Milk Chocolate flavour, tastes just like a chocolate milkshake :wink:
  • socalkay
    socalkay Posts: 746 Member
    I'm currently using Jarrow Whey Protein, Natural (2 lb jar). Was $20.69 on Amazon.com plus there is a coupon that gives you another 10% off right now.

    http://www.amazon.com/Jarrow-Formulas-Protein-Natural-Pound/dp/B0013OVWHM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412195122&sr=8-2&keywords=Jarrow+Formulas+Whey+Protein

    I started using it for same reason - was having a hard time getting enough protein. I'm drinking a shake right now for lunch.

    One scoop of protein powder, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup blueberries, a couple teaspoons of dark chocolate syrup, a couple tablespoons of peanut butter. I think you could come up with many tasty variations...

    The blueberries are frozen and I add a couple ice cubes. Blend up the works in my Hamilton Beach personal blender (only $15 and it's been blending smoothies for 3 years).

    http://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-51101B-Personal-Blender/dp/B0017XHSAE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412194980&sr=8-1&keywords=hamilton+beach+personal+blender
  • davert123
    davert123 Posts: 1,568 Member
    I used Matrix anabolic for day to day use as it is cheap. If I am working out I tend to mix in dynamize for verity
  • heathersmilez
    heathersmilez Posts: 2,579 Member
    That's pretty low on protein and with shipping, you aren't saving very much. Allwhey is 25g of protein, 130 cals and is $50 5lb Cdn regular price at Healthy Planet, GNC etc. Walmart has 6 Star with 30g of protein 170 cals and $40 for 4lbs so if there are no sales near you, its a good one.
  • amysj303
    amysj303 Posts: 5,086 Member
    Lots of them offer free samples too, you might want to ask, or find websites and see if they have that option.
  • Marbella29660
    Marbella29660 Posts: 71 Member
    Look into Spirulina and Moringa, I've never used them but I understand they both have good protein content.
  • socalkay
    socalkay Posts: 746 Member
    That's pretty low on protein and with shipping, you aren't saving very much.

    If you are talking about the example I gave, note that many things on Amazon.com are free shipping with purchases of $35. or, in this case and others, simply use Subscribe & Save option for free shipping then cancel future orders after it ships. Perfectly legit and free shipping.

    It looks like pricing on the low end for Whey protein is around $10/lb and goes up from there.

    Besides price and the calorie/protein ratio, finding a flavor you can live with is an important consideration. I found Jarrow Whey to be good if I mix in a bunch of stuff. Just ordered another brand to try another taste (on a vitamin site that had BYGO free sale so again paid right around $10/lb).

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