whey powder question please help :)

It will help in the sense that protein requires more energy to process/digest it, so your net caloric intake is lower.

It will help in the sense that protein requires more energy to process/digest it, so your net caloric intake is lower.

is that still the case with powder? or just to a lesser extent?

I think really it's mostly just a way to get more protein into your diet, and if you are doing strength work (recommended even for weight loss so that you lose fat, and not muscle), it can help recovery I think.

Read labels! The contents of whey protein isolate powders vary greatly --- I drink 2-3 a day but I do NOT buy the kind with high cals/carb/fat/sugar -- I'm no trying to bulk up. I drink them for workouts and btween meals to keep me full and I love them.

It can work as a great meal replacement/ recovery drink. I usually go with making sure it's 100% whey, and doesn't have a bunch of added stuff that works to "bulk up" I have found the Biochem Vanilla Whey tastes good and not chalky like some other ones can. Usually if i'm using it as a meal replacement, I'll blend it with milk and a piece of fruit (strawberries, peaches, banana), but if I'm looking for recovery after a workout, I'll just mix with water to help with faster digestion.

Hope this helps!

IMHO, whey powder is a staple. You do need to look at the labels and consider ingredients and macros just as you would/should anything you consume. I personally use Optimum Nutrition (ON) 100% Gold Standard Whey but there are a multitude of brands and opinions out there. A good slow digesting protein to use prior to bedtime is Casein protein too if you are looking for options there.
Using protein powders as a supplement to a good clean diet is a great option (especially for post workout meal options which are key to building muscle and burning fat) it's a convenient way to get protein but should not take the place of too many meals/snacks.
There is alot of great information on bodybuilding.com if you're interested.
Best of luck in exceeding your goals, you can do it! Stay Strong!!

You won't bulk just by adding protein powder to your diet. In fact, unless you want to start a career as a female bodybuilder and you give bulking the dedication it requires, there is no way you are going to bulk at all....

That being said, IMHO too whey protein powder is a staple as the other person said.
Just helps you reaching high ratio of protein vs carbs/fat, helps building muscles, and thus increases BMR, helps losing body fat etc.

EDIT: in case you are looking for a good whey protein, you can try "reflex instant whey chocolate powder" (love the taste of it, does not affect digestion). But try others by all mean if you want, this is only my fav brand.

I think whey is great for losing weight or building muscle. I drink it every day. Eating a diet high in protein and low in carbs and fats will help you lose weight more quickly. Aim for 50% protein 30% carbs and 20% fat out of what you eat in the day. It's a great fat burner. Also, if you work out a lot and drink whey after your workout it will help you be less sore the next day, because it will take the protein to the muscles that need repair. Whey protein is also great because it is so quickly absorbed by your body. It can be absorbed in as little as 15 minutes. That means you're getting a lot of benefit out of it and not a lot of the protein is going to waste or passing right through you. And although you always here that carbs are our source of energy, proteins are even more so our source of energy. Carbs are our initial source of energy, meaning soon after we eat them they give us energy. Proteins on the other hand will provide us with energy for 3 to 5 hours after we eat it. I hope this help answered your question. And also, along with what other people have commented here, don't drink any protein shakes that have high sugars or high carbs or high fats. Find one with low sugars and low carbs and high in protein. Good Luck!

I have a whey protein drink every morning and usually one after I do strength training. I'm not a breakfast person at all so for me it helps because I lose my excuse for not wanting to eat in the morning. I like Optimum Nutrition brand...very little carbs (3g) and 23 grams of protein for a scoop. Does fill me for awhile and then I'm not tempted to snack. Love the chocolate flavor and I add some cinnamon to the powder as well.

Won't make you bulky and if you get a good one you basically get a carb free meal which will help you get leaner.

'If' you can get your protein from natural sources, then I think that's better.

Most Whey powders contain at the least artificial sweeteners. Some contain all sorts of additives that I don't even recognise.

Makes me laugh when people say they eat clean and yet they consume protein powder!


Now, don't get me wrong... I have been using Whey protein powders for a long time, because it's an easy, cheap way of helping to raise your days protein intake. It's especially easy after a workout to drink a milk/powder shake instead of grill some chicken or fish etc...

But I'm getting sick of the taste, the ones that taste good often contain the most crap, and those that are less flavoured taste minging.

I'm seriously considering dropping the Whey powders and just drinking fat free milk for recovery and eating more dietary Protein.