Thinking about protein shakes? Do you?

Charlottejogs
Charlottejogs Posts: 351 Member
edited October 5 in Food and Nutrition
So on the topic of protein shakes- I have never really thought I had a need for this but I am interested in your personal reason for making them. What kind of results you have had, and which you like. I am considering it as I have had the longest ever plateau but am interested in your thoughts. As far as my daily log goes I am not deficient in protein but I know many that use it are not either- thanks for the feedback!
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Replies

  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    I have one every day. When I started resistance training and learned about needing more protein, I started with whey protein shakes. I use MRM whey and also the body fortress whey from wal mart.

    this morning's shake was -

    1 cup unsweetened almond milk
    1 scoop MRM vanilla whey protein
    1/2 cup frozen natural blueberries
    1 tbsp wheat germ
    1 tbsp ground flax seeds
    1 tbsp psyllium husk powder
  • kimtpa1417
    kimtpa1417 Posts: 461 Member
    bump
  • stayxtrue
    stayxtrue Posts: 1,186 Member
    it honestly depends on your aim... I have upped mine from 1 shake to 3-4shakes a day. But I am doing a lot of muscle work so I want to make sure that all my hard work is not going to waste :) I am no guru on this, but I have read that protein can assist in weight loss, as muscle aids in burning calories.
  • iKristine
    iKristine Posts: 288 Member
    I have at least one every day. For several reasons.

    1) I work out, so I need to have them to repair (thanks to this I'm hardy ever sore as I drink lots and get plenty sleep)
    2) I need them as it's really hard to eat 100g protein a day! Naturally.
    3) Protein does so much in your body it's really a neglect to not keep up with your bodies needs.

    The food police tell us that you should have 40-50 grams a day. I have read through numerous books on the matter, and advice from several health and wellness, sports nutrition and doctors that are focused on active lifestyles.... it's more realistically double that for true health.

    Surely cannot hurt! But it definatly can harm to go without enough protein.
  • MisterDubs303
    MisterDubs303 Posts: 1,216 Member
    Everyday. After strength training, always. On days I don't do strength training, I usually use it as a meal.

    Usually, I mix it with frozen blueberries or strawberries, and sometimes add yogurt, dry oatmeal, banana, or frosted mini-wheats (or some combination of a few of those).

    I love this one. Tastes great, but the nutrition is awesome. Has plenty of Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) as well.
    ISO100-2lb-Van-Facts.jpg
  • kburns0709
    kburns0709 Posts: 297 Member
    i use them to great effect as a meal replacement that keeps me full for longer and helps me get all the protein i need
  • Firefighter_Ray
    Firefighter_Ray Posts: 53 Member
    I wanted the advantages of a shake, Protein, vitamins, etc, but really don't like to drink a meal. I played around with a few different ways of using the powder and have found that for me, 1 scoop of Dymatize Elite - Whey Protein Isolate Cafe Mocha, 1 cup of oatmeal (2 servings), and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, is the best for me. 512 calories, 61 carbs, 15 g fat, 40 protein, 9 fiber, and only 4 fat. Starting my day with the blast of Protein has really changed the amount of energy I have, and there is definitely a healthy tone set for the day. It keeps me FULL all morning and has helped me to cut back on the size of my lunch. If I cant finish it, I spoon the leftovers onto wax paper and it sets up similar to a no bake cookie. I enter the calories etc. for the full amount and then I have a little snack available through out the day that is already accounted for.
    I hope this helps answer your original question.

    PS---Thiis guy needs more friends, but doesn't like sending friend requests :blushing:
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    I use them when I do not get adequate protein intake from whole foods.

    They are inexpensive relative to grams of protein.
    Whey is very bioavailable.
    It is convenient.
    It can be used to flavor other foods.
    It is typically low calorie which makes it a very easy source of protein to fit into macros.

    All the above being said, they are not NECESSARY provided you can intake enough protein from whole foods. But, whey is so, so helpful for doing this.

    I will average zero to 3 servings per day and it just all depends on what my food choices are.

    ... I need to make a meme about whey.
  • FoxyMcDeadlift
    FoxyMcDeadlift Posts: 771 Member
    I dont bother with shakes anymore, and it hasnt hurt my lifts or my composition. That said, i still like a nice cassein shake when im under my daily goal and need to hit that protein count. Shakes remain cheap and convenient if you cant eat that much food, but i prefer to just have a larger dinner now
  • I use EAS carb control advantage protein shake every day at about 3:00 so that I can stabilize my blood sugars and make it through until dinner without overeating at dinner. It keeps me full for several hours and it provides my body with the protein that it needs.
  • Crystal_Pistol
    Crystal_Pistol Posts: 750 Member
    I drink protein shakes because I set my macro ratio to 40/30/30 carb/fat/pro and I have a VERY hard time hitting that 30% protein if I don't.
  • wow....right on target, i've been sick and needed to increase protein, as I haven't had much of an appetite....so just made myself this shake:

    1. Weight Watchers - Creamy Chocolate Smoothie Mix, 1 packet (26 g)
    2. Silk Soy Milk - Vanilla Light 70 Cal Per 1.5 Cups
    3. Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Cookies and Cream - Protien Powder, 0.5 Scoop

    255 calories, 31 grams of protein, 24 carbs, 14 sugar - a bit pricey but tastes good! Next time I will skip the WW powder, but had it here and wanted to give it a whirl...
  • koosdel
    koosdel Posts: 3,317 Member
    I only have one when I haven't had enough protein from real food, or don't feel like eating more for the day. If the diet is good, they really arent necessary.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    wow....right on target, i've been sick and needed to increase protein, as I haven't had much of an appetite....so just made myself this shake:

    1. Weight Watchers - Creamy Chocolate Smoothie Mix, 1 packet (26 g)
    2. Silk Soy Milk - Vanilla Light 70 Cal Per 1.5 Cups
    3. Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Cookies and Cream - Protien Powder, 0.5 Scoop

    255 calories, 31 grams of protein, 24 carbs, 14 sugar - a bit pricey but tastes good! Next time I will skip the WW powder, but had it here and wanted to give it a whirl...

    Dude-
    men shouldnt really take in soy. google it...the general rule is the estrogen in soy is counter productive to mens testosterone...its a big debate but I would advise against soy for men
  • MissFit0101
    MissFit0101 Posts: 2,382
    I try to get 1 gram of protein per lb of body weight but because I'm a runner I also need a lot of carbs too, so when I can't seem to fit all the protein in I will make myself a protein shake. I don't know if you'd really call it a shake though as I make mine with water and don't do anything fancy to it besides mix it up and drink it up. I use 100% whey protein but sometimes I will have 100% casein at night.
  • N_BEAST_MODE_24_7
    N_BEAST_MODE_24_7 Posts: 120 Member
    I use Visalus protein, low calorie shakes! 90 total calories, 12 grams of protein, which I take 3 shakes a day and eat 2 meals. It smells like cake mix and tastes great with almond milk. It greatly helps me with cutting weight and building muscle. Its a plus for those that wants to lose weight or tone up.
  • angbieb
    angbieb Posts: 668 Member
    Everyday. After strength training, always. On days I don't do strength training, I usually use it as a meal.

    Usually, I mix it with frozen blueberries or strawberries, and sometimes add yogurt, dry oatmeal, banana, or frosted mini-wheats (or some combination of a few of those).

    I love this one. Tastes great, but the nutrition is awesome. Has plenty of Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) as well.
    ISO100-2lb-Van-Facts.jpg



    I love your ticker! Where did you get it?
  • Rocking_Robin
    Rocking_Robin Posts: 238 Member
    I use EAS from WalMart, I started because I was struggling with my weight loss and knew other people used it, so I gave it a try. I started with a trainer at the gym because I was still struggling. Trainer has me on a higher number of protein than MFP so now it is harder for me to hit my goal naturally but I am learning. I use the protein when I am low in numbers and also after the gym to help muscle recovery, protein is very important for that.
    I dont remember if you mentioned your level of workouts, but before I started with the trainer I thought my workouts were good, but she has me doing 3x's as much as I did before coming to her.
    When I started she also encouraged me to hit my protein goal every day, so I listened. My trainer also suggested to keep my sugar intake around 50-100 each day, I am 5'7 and 245lbs.
    Good Luck!!
  • I was not aware....thanks for the info...new here and trying so hard!!
    wow....right on target, i've been sick and needed to increase protein, as I haven't had much of an appetite....so just made myself this shake:

    1. Weight Watchers - Creamy Chocolate Smoothie Mix, 1 packet (26 g)
    2. Silk Soy Milk - Vanilla Light 70 Cal Per 1.5 Cups
    3. Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein Cookies and Cream - Protien Powder, 0.5 Scoop

    255 calories, 31 grams of protein, 24 carbs, 14 sugar - a bit pricey but tastes good! Next time I will skip the WW powder, but had it here and wanted to give it a whirl...

    Dude-
    men shouldnt really take in soy. google it...the general rule is the estrogen in soy is counter productive to mens testosterone...its a big debate but I would advise against soy for men
  • thinby40
    thinby40 Posts: 113
    I love the chocolate protein shakes from www.lisalynfitness.com They're very filling and tasty! I try and have them 2x a day as a meal replacement/snack.
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    I was not aware....thanks for the info...new here and trying so hard!!
    Dude-
    men shouldnt really take in soy. google it...the general rule is the estrogen in soy is counter productive to mens testosterone...its a big debate but I would advise against soy for men

    It is a big debate. I personally wouldn't worry about Soy consumption at all. To quote Alan Aragon on this issue (it's good to get info from several sources but for the record I find Alan to be top of the list for reliable info):

    Not likely to be a concern. However, if you have thyroid issue excessive soy consumption could exacerbate them or interfere with thyroid meds. Back to the question though, the evidence doesn't indicate its detriment on androgen levels in a population relevant to us:

    "CONCLUSION: This investigation shows that 12 week supplementation with soy protein does not decrease serum testosterone or inhibit lean body mass changes in subjects engaged in a resistance exercise program."

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17908338
  • very confusing to say the least.....i'm starting to think the best thing is to do is drink 8 glasses of water, some skittles, and finish for the day....Siri says I'll weigh 150 pounds in 5 weeks! I can do this!!!
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I avoided them a long time because I had a slipped disc in my jaw (TMJ) years ago and HAD to have a lot of shakes because I couldn't eat most foods, and the thought of having them now set off my gag reflex. :laugh: After my jaw improved, I enjoyed eating too much to drink my calories... with exceptions for vodka, rum and tequila of course.

    Since I went on maintenance, I had a hard time reaching my 25% protein goal, especially on exercise days. I tried a few protein bars, but they seemed really pricy and high in calories for the amount of protein in them (10-15g), so I picked up a tub of vanilla whey protein about two weeks ago from Target for $17. So that's 26 servings for $17... $.65 a scoop and each scoop is 25g of protein, vs about $1 each for bars with only 10g of protein.

    I haven't noticed any changes, but I really wasn't expecting to in that short of a time span. But I love it mixed with skim or lowfat chocolate milk either after a workout or as a bedtime snack.
  • rentrikin
    rentrikin Posts: 104 Member
    bump
  • Julesjhj
    Julesjhj Posts: 150 Member
    Protein shakes are one of my weightloss tools. On days that I know I will be eating out or maybe indulging (like holidays) I will replace a meal with one. I also enjoy a shake after working out, especially if I lifted weights.

    Just know that all shake/whey mixes are not necessarily equal. Most are loaded with chemicals and junk you cannot pronounce. It is also really easy to add so much "stuff" to your shake that it can end up being high calorie.

    I would suggest going to Whole Foods or a Natural Foods "like" store. You can usually buy individual packets to try the powder before buying the big container. I bought a container yesterday and the price had gone up from $32 to $45...so you want to make sure you like it and will use it! My favorite brands are It's About Time and Bio Chem Sports. The first is very very "clean" and has the higest # of protein with no carbs or sugars or chemicals. I add a few slices of frozen bananna and a spoonful of natural peanut butter. It's sooo filling and I feel like I've had a major treat. Of course you can get whey powder much cheaper at Walmart of Costco....it just depends on what you prefer regarding taste, nutrition ect.....
  • jwhitfield3
    jwhitfield3 Posts: 8 Member
    @sidesteal - You're going to trust government "research"? They line their pockets with whoever is willing to pay for information distribution. My wild stab in the dark here is that the soy lobby had a little coin exchange to get the "research" they needed to sell more product. The government is responsible for the woefully inadequate FDA recommendations and atrocious prescription medicine addictions/deaths, among many other horrors. You believe what they say?

    @lawson305 - I'd steer clear of soy. Rice, almond and coconut milk are excellent alternatives and you can easily find one that is palatable to you. Minor amounts of soy protein won't kill you, it is found in lots of protein bars (it's cheaper, so they use it), but don't get a big tub of soy protein...
    http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/soys-negative-effects

    @ All - Sounds like most of you are doing awesome. Protein supplementation is good because it is so difficult to eat enough protein in our food. MFP is an incredible resource, but their macro nutrient recommendations, like the FDA's, are terrible. If you have that little protein and that high carb count, the weight you lose could quickly return and you certainly won't be gaining any lean mass.

    If you are lactose-resistant (many are and don't know it) like me, you can use a high quality whey isolate protein, rice protein, egg protein, etc. There are many good alternatives to dairy-based proteins.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,021 Member
    So on the topic of protein shakes- I have never really thought I had a need for this but I am interested in your personal reason for making them. What kind of results you have had, and which you like. I am considering it as I have had the longest ever plateau but am interested in your thoughts. As far as my daily log goes I am not deficient in protein but I know many that use it are not either- thanks for the feedback!
    A plateau is 6 weeks or more of no weight loss after being consistent with food and exercise. If not it's just a stall. 2 things to change first. Your exercise routine then eat maintenance calories for a couple of days or so.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,021 Member
    I use Visalus protein, low calorie shakes! 90 total calories, 12 grams of protein, which I take 3 shakes a day and eat 2 meals. It smells like cake mix and tastes great with almond milk. It greatly helps me with cutting weight and building muscle. Its a plus for those that wants to lose weight or tone up.
    You can't cut weight and build muscle at the same time unless you're one of the "special" people. It's usually one or the other.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,021 Member
    @sidesteal - You're going to trust government "research"? They line their pockets with whoever is willing to pay for information distribution. My wild stab in the dark here is that the soy lobby had a little coin exchange to get the "research" they needed to sell more product. The government is responsible for the woefully inadequate FDA recommendations and atrocious prescription medicine addictions/deaths, among many other horrors. You believe what they say?
    I will agree with Sidesteal. There have been other peer reviewed clinical studies done to show that soy DOESN'T affect serum testosterone. ACSM did one.

    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/drobson71.htm


    A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Sidesteal
    Sidesteal Posts: 5,510 Member
    @sidesteal - You're going to trust government "research"?

    I'm going to trust Alan Aragon.
    EDIT: Also, do you then disregard anything on pubmed, or is there something about this particular study that you don't trust? Do you believe all studies on pubmed are influenced by money and therefore not to be trusted?

    What source of peer-reviewed scientific study do you find relevant?
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