Protein shake recommendations?

I like Atkin's protein Shakes the best. Also, premiere protein shakes, they're 30g protein 160 cal and both are low sugar and carbs.

jennymac74 wrote: »

I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced protein powder that is low carb and promotes weight loss. I was considering Shakeology, but $130/month is ridiculous. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Just to clear up an apparent and common misconception in your opening post...

Protein shakes in and of themselves do NOT "promote weight loss"

Protein shakes are to supplement your protein intake if you're lacking in that macro. Period.

As for recommendations - this gets asked quite frequently on here, and my biggest takeaway from those threads is that there really isn't a standard recommendation. It's really a matter of personal preference. For every brand/type listed, someone inevitably will come along and say they "hate" that brand, and then list his/her favorite brand, which is then subsequently hated by the next person, etc.

I just make my own shakes, thoigh they're usually post workout shakes just to get some protein in me. I usually do vanilla whey protein, vanilla almond milk, frozen fruit, flax or Chia seeds, and a little honey.

I'm a big fan of MusclePharm Combat. The flavors are on point and everything mixes super well.

I like the GNC Wheybolic flavors, they mix well and the flavor is strong enough that I can toss it in my shaker with 1/2 cup of cold coffee, 1 1/2 cups of cashew milk, and still taste the flavor. I like the extra liquid where some people like very little. Price is decent and the consistency is nice. I also have some MusclePharm that is pretty tasty but, a bit more thick. I use the Six Star Unflavored protein from Walmart to add to yogurt or hot tea and it mixes pretty well. There are sites where you can buy samples of multiple brands and try them out before deciding on a huge investment.

juggernaut1974 wrote: »

jennymac74 wrote: »

I'm looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced protein powder that is low carb and promotes weight loss. I was considering Shakeology, but $130/month is ridiculous. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

Just to clear up an apparent and common misconception in your opening post...

Protein shakes in and of themselves do NOT "promote weight loss"

Protein shakes are to supplement your protein intake if you're lacking in that macro. Period.

As for recommendations - this gets asked quite frequently on here, and my biggest takeaway from those threads is that there really isn't a standard recommendation. It's really a matter of personal preference. For every brand/type listed, someone inevitably will come along and say they "hate" that brand, and then list his/her favorite brand, which is then subsequently hated by the next person, etc.

This. My best suggestion is to get samples of different kinds of protein and see what you like.

And most things sold through MLM (like herbalife and shakeology) make all sorts of promises they can't support, and are just way overpriced protein and vitamins.

jennymac74 wrote: »

dmbfan22 wrote: »

Do you have a preference on the type of protein? I prefer plant based - I use Arbonne's Vegan protein. It is a pea protein, very easily digestible, does not increase estrogen (soy), and does not cause inflammation in the body (Whey).

thanks dmbfan22, I wasn't aware of the "side effects" of the different types of protein...

Many people don't have these same kind of side effects. Try different ones and see what you like. I have had no issues with whey.

I am a big fan of premier protein chocolate from Costco. 30 grams of protein and 170 calories. While not a powder, it is damn good and only 5 g carbs

Michael190lbs wrote: »

walmart - Six star "whey protein plus" five pound jug is $39.00 and it has 150 servings of 30 grams protein per serving.

Shakeology has more stuff in it than just protein and the couple I have tried were delicious but expensive..

I use the six star too. Decadent chocolate with 1% milk and a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter. 299 calories, 16g carbs, 2g fiber, 40g protein. Sometimes I'll add 1/2 a banana or some fresh berries.

Spirutein Unsweetened Vanilla protein powder, hands down. No crap in it whatsoever.

I make my own protein powders from scratch ingredients. It's WAY cheaper, and you can control your ratios of things like carb/protein/fat to meet your macro goals for that day. You also don't have to commit to an entire month+ of the same base flavor, you can make it what you want. There are all sorts of recipes online, and prices for the individual ingredients are usually pretty reasonable on Amazon or at health food stores.

Between trying to keep them lower-carb for health reasons, and the fact I can't have artificial sweeteners due to some allergy issues, buying pre-made ones is tough. I've adapted to not wanting them to taste like milkshakes/sweet, but you could always add your own preferred sweeteners (i.e. honey, fruit, sugar, agave, stevia, etc).

My current blend for an individual Meal Replacement shake (my cost per shake is around $1, because I price watch the ingredients. For an after-workout protein or something you may want to scale down ingredients):

• 3 T. Hemp Protein Powder (Nutiva brand-90 cal, 9gCarb, 8gFiber, 1gSugar, 15gProtein, 3gFat)
• 1 scoop Amazing Grass Green Superfood (AmazingGrass- 30 cal, 4gCarb, 2gFiber, 0sugar, 2gProtein, 1gFat)
• 2 T. Raw Cacao Powder (Truvibe brand- 48cal, 6gCarb, 3gFiber, 0gSugar, 2gProtein, 1gFat)
• 1 T. traditional cocoa powder (Trader Joe's- 20cal, 2gCarb, 1gFiber, 0gSugar, 1gProtein, 1gFat)
• Blended with 2 cups Flax Milk (Good Karma brand unsweetened- 50 cal, 2gCarb, 1gFiber, 0gSugar, 1gProtein, 1gFat)

Total nutrition for a shake: 238 calories, 23 g Carb Total, 15 g Fiber (net carbs= 8g), 1g Sugar, 20g Protein, & 11 g Fat [plant based]. Contains lots of filling fiber, "SuperFoods" (i.e. the Shakeology claim), and probiotics.

I also sometimes substitute Whey Protein Isolate for the Hemp Protein powder... but getting half of your daily minimum of fiber in one drink is pretty convenient, and my stomach likes the hemp better. You could also use traditional milk (skim, whole, etc), or other milk substitutes depending your dietary needs/goals.

I drink the above shake for breakfast, and it really sustains me & gives me a lot of energy. I keep a pre-mixed powder batch in my work fridge, to shake & drink on the days when I have really abbreviated lunch breaks.

Good luck finding something that works for you!

I have had this same question, and it's easy to see why there isn't one best choice. First step is to determine protein needs, and then to determine when it will be consumed. I am looking for a protein shake that is a powder (transportable) that would be good for a post-workout recovery drink to have within 30 minutes of a strength/cardio workout. I don't eat a lot of meat, but have been averaging 76 g/day and I weigh 141. It seems based on protein requirements for active adults I would need 70 g/day. My MFP goal is 65 g/day, so I'm not in deficit. I use almond milk and would prefer a dairy free blend. Suggestions that taste good and meet those needs? Thanks!

Nothing bro about Optimum Nutrition. Some of the best tasting whey proteins in my opinion, and casein for that matter. That would be my recommendation, but as stated, it is mostly preference. The best thing you can do is get the most grams of protein per gram. So the smaller the serving with highest amount of protein will have the least amount of fillers. Some brands have more fillers (carbs usually).

And when it comes to bulking or losing weight, protein is protein so no need to look for different marketing tactics.