BCAAs and Whey Protein

Athletes need to replenish glycogen stores. So many of them do this by drinking protein drinks before and/or after workouts.

ETA link:
http://breakingmuscle.com/mobility-recovery/eating-to-recover-how-and-what-to-eat-post-workout

So, your main goal is to lose weight. As you probably know - as long as you keep a caloric deficit you will accomplish that.

However, you more than likely also want to preserve muscle mass so you look toned and don't have to build as much back once you hit your goal. You do this with exercise and sufficient protein.

As for the whey and BCAA's, here is my take.

There is nothing wrong with protein shakes as long as 1) they aren't your main source of protein and 2) they are high quality and not filled with a bunch of other stuff. It sounds like you are using them as they are really intended - to enhance your protein intake from food. I'd recommend a good quality protein shake to anyone as long as those 2 items are observed.

BCAA's are not that big of a deal either, IMO, but may not really be necessary. BCAA's are just branched chain amino acids. Amino acids are what protein is broken down into when is it digested. In fact, whey gets so much attention because it is considered the most "complete" protein which means when it is broken down into AA's, it is giving you almost everything you need. Taking BCAA's or any other amino acid is just getting the building blocks into your bloodstream quicker because you are skipping some steps. If you are eating well and fairly often, I doubt you really need to spend the money on them. Again, I don't think there is anything wrong with them as long as you don't go crazy and are using BCAA's that don't have a bunch of other stuff tagging along. BTW, they aren't really 0 calories, either - that is just an FDA issue where they can label them as 0. They don't have much calories for the amount you would usually take, but still...

However, here is something to consider. Whey is great. Use it if you want to. But while losing weight, you might consider a milk protein or a whey/casein blend (which is what milk protein is). Casein is digested slower than whey, so you get a steadier stream of amino's in the blood over a longer time period instead of a spike like whey does. This essentially gives you the same effect as sipping BCAA's during a workout.

Also, another thought - if you are looking for energy, I think carbs and a little fat give me more energy. You can just play around with it, but I usually eat an energy bar with some combo of 10-20g protein, 20-50g carbs, and 2-6g fat before a workout. I think if you do that, you'll see that adding BCAA's isn't going to really let you push that much harder.

I would only say to take BCAAs if for some reason you can't eat and haven't had protein in awhile. For instance, if you can't stomach a meal/whey shake or don't have time to digest it in the morning before a workout or in between training sessions. I've also read that its supposed to reduce fatigue, but for that, I think you'll get much more bang for buck by refueling with carbs between training.

Vegplotter wrote: »

Why eat chemicals when you can eat food? The thing these protein supplements never tell you is that your body needs carbs and fat to metabolise protein. So drinking something like full milk will give you a far better boost than ingesting a chemical ameno acid stripped of other nutrients. If you feel tired doing two exercise classes in one night it might be wise to give one of them a miss?

The CHEMIKALZ in a tub of BCAAs, leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are exactly the same CHEMIKALZOHMYGHERD as found in a glass of milk or an egg or a chicken breast. Exactly.

Can you show any evidence that protein biosynthesis, proteolysis, or amino acid degradation require the presence of fats or carbohydrates?

Just got done listening to a podcast about BCAAs. The main conclusion - if you're already meeting protein goals they're a waste of money. The only people that may benefit are those who can't digest protein well for medical reason or need to refuel during really, REALLY long endurance sport.

ETA: link to podcast from Sigma Nutrition
http://sigmanutrition.com/episode134/

Ask any body builder who is gigantic. Or Serena Williams Hopman Cup.

I would recommend amino energy by ON. I have been taking supplements for many years now and this product is will have the benefits of BCAA as well as tackling energy. Protein will also have BCAAs so its not necessary to buy it alone unless you struggle with muscle recovery and even then there are better supplements available. There are tons of products for amino and energy but i like the line up of flavors available from ON.

caimay199 wrote: »

Hmm interesting. I think I'm gonna give them a try. Even the effect is just mental, I'll take it! I'll see how it goes for the first month or so while I adjust my training, and then see if it's making any difference.