Talk me through protein shakes

If you're working out and want to build muscle or just "firm up", your body needs the building blocks to do it:protein. Generally, the fitness community advocates consuming more protein than what is considered an adequate amount by the medical community. Most bodybuilders I know strive for 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight. For me, it is hard to obtain that amount on a calorie restricted diet because It requires just about every meal to revolve around a sizable piece of meat. Protein supplements make it easier to achieve my daily protein goal (~200 grams) without adding too many calories. They are also convenient, as they do not require refrigeration. The ones I drink have around 130-140 calories and provide around 24 grams of protein, for about .60 per serving. One thing I do with my vanilla flavored mix is use it as a substitute for milk in my cold breakfast cereal. For roughly the same calories as a glass of milk, I get triple the protein.

I know they sell Optimum Nutrition gold standard protein on Amazon, which is a reputable brand. You might want to see if they sell it in the UK. Protein mixes vary widely in taste, some taste pretty bad IMO, so I recommend buying small containers until you find the flavor you like.

Just to say I also have never even considered them until seeing them in so many people's diaries on here. V. interested to see responses, especially which ones are available in the UK that don't taste grim, plus other ways to use them in food except shakes?

I was with you until 'banana flavour'! Yech.

I was with you until 'banana flavour'! Yech.

Yeah, me too ... I'm more of a chocolate and peanut man myself.

some people drink them because they think the more protein they get the slimmer they will. facts are we should only be getting 10-35% of our calories from protein a day. meat eaters typically already get plenty, any addition through a protein shake is pointless. If you are extremely active, a marathoner or body builder then more protein can and will benefit you. but even then, you dont need tons. I am a vegetarian and I bodybuild, so i intake a whey isolate drink directly after my workout. I dont intake it any other time.

there are different types of protein powders, yes some have very high calories, some are high in sugars and carbs. There are whey proteins which is milk derived. there are casein and isolate. casein is more slow release and isolate is fast. there are soy and pea proteins too.

protein intake has been shown to satiate hunger. but again, the more doesnt mean the better. also a protein drink is no substitute for actual food.

I sometimes drink the chocolate ones with banana and a scoop of peanut butter because I #1. Like the taste; #2 Have one of those mini-blenders that doubles as a cup; #3. Sometimes am just lazy (... heck, how hard is it to scoop, blend and go); #4. I want to skip chewing, but not ingesting relatively healthy substitutes.