protein shakes ????

Options
Tp77
Tp77 Posts: 21 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Ok so in honesty looking at these scare the daylight out me . Its all a bit to body builderish for me. That said I know an awful lot of people take them who actually are not body builders :-)

so... May I ask what do you take, how often, and why please?

I have just got some mp max Elle to try, for muscle recovery after exercise maybe a few times a week.
«1

Replies

  • Helice
    Helice Posts: 1,075 Member
    Options
    bump.

    i'd like to know too,
  • Dexy_
    Dexy_ Posts: 593 Member
    Options
    You don't NEED protein shakes unless you aren't getting enough protein through your foods. There are a LOT of forum posts about high protein/low cal foods :) That being said protein shakes are great for some people :) Personally I've never found one that didn't taste HORRID! I'd rather have some steamed chicken.
  • ShannonMK9
    ShannonMK9 Posts: 65 Member
    Options
    I use a meal replacement shake called Shakeology by beachbody fitness every day and their Results and Recovery formula for muscle recovery - but for the most part protien shakes are for people who want to gain muscle mass or are not getting enough protein in their diet in other ways.
  • Tp77
    Tp77 Posts: 21 Member
    Options
    Yeah I am not a big meat or fish eater at all.
  • Rayman79
    Rayman79 Posts: 2,009 Member
    Options
    I dont subscribe to the theory that you need to take them within a certain window before or after a workout.

    I have protein powders for different reasons/uses. One is for cooking, to add to home made protein bars, cheesecakes etc, to bump up the protein content (when needed).

    The other is as a useful supplement. I am far from a body builder, but I do workout almost every day and somedays I am too low on my protein content or on my calories overall, I'll have a shake at the end of the day. A decent chocolate flavoured shake with some added cocoa or a bit of icecream is actually pretty tasty (to me anyway). If I get a desert craving but dont want anything too bad that makes for a reasonable alternative.
  • danithegirl89
    danithegirl89 Posts: 203 Member
    Options
    I drink one a day usually. I have an unflavored one without creatine or anything in it. Just unflavored whey protein powder. Only 94 calories a scoop and has 18g's of protein. Drinking a protein shake won't give you crazy huge muscles so quit worrying. You have to lift heavy weights and eat really clean to bulk up, especially as a woman. Anyway, I chose the unflavored kind because I am against artificial sweetner and most flavored protein shakes have sucralose or some other form of fake sugar. It's really not too gross tasting. Kind of tastes like milk. I usually add 12oz of water, 4oz of almond milk, and then 1-2 scoops of powder. :)
  • Pandorian
    Pandorian Posts: 2,055 MFP Moderator
    Options
    if you're going to opt for the "bought' prepared shakes make sure you're getting a PROTEIN shake and not a meal replacement. Half the cans marketed as protein shakes in the local store are actually meal replacement (more carb content than protein)

    I just make shakes at home.. protein itself isn't going to "bulk you up" that takes a LOT of work and in some cases questionable substances... I have whey powder I buy at the local bulk food store and I add it to anything I need to boost protein in... bit in my morning yogurt, or oatmeal, bit in a yogurt smoothie... mashed potatoes.... pancake batter... omelet... well it goes on and on... the one I use doesn't really have a taste itself but that's fine.
  • frilly7483
    frilly7483 Posts: 56 Member
    Options
    I use protein shakes as a breakfast alternative. I am never up and ready in time for breakfast and I know waiting until lunch time is not ideal. The shake is a great replacement, I use the maximuscle diet one and really don't mind the flavour, in fact I look forward to the sweetness. I grab the shaker in the morning, add two scoops, shake on the way to the car and drink intraffic/when I get to work. I am no-where NEAR being a body builder, and neither do I want to be one. I have a lot of weight to lose and high protein diets stave hunger, the protein is the leanest of food groups and it's always better to encourage lean muscle than fat.

    Give them a go, the worst that will happen is you won't like them!
  • twiega00
    twiega00 Posts: 12 Member
    Options
    Hi I'm new on here! I saw your post, so maybe this will help. I take Ultimate profit and it tastes great! I copied and pasted the product info for you:
    Ultimate ProFIT™

    Whether your goal is weight loss, athletic performance, or a simple way to eat healthy, Ultimate ProFIT Superfood Nutrition Mix offers a superior blend of proteins, mood-elevating “superfoods,” and fiber that is proven to produce ultimate results*. Use it in shakes or smoothies, bake with it, or even mix it with your food!

    Try it in rich chocolate or creamy vanilla today, and start seeing results like these:
    • Experience quicker post-workout recovery
    • Build lean muscle mass with fewer calories
    • Maintain healthy cholesterol levels
    • Get feel-good, mood-elevating energy with maca and cacao powder
    • Promote healthy digestion with seven different soluble and insoluble fibers

    Ultimate ProFIT is powered by:
    • Sustain-It™, a smarter protein blend for maximum bioavailability in every gram
    • FITzyme™, a cutting-edge blend of enzymes, helps maximize your body’s ability to absorb Sustain-It™.
    • FITboost™, an antioxidant blend of mood-elevating “superfoods” for immune system health.*
    • Non-hormonal and non-GMO whey and soy proteins
    • Natural, whole-food ingredients with only 100 calories per serving!

    Directions: Add one level scoop to an 8 oz. glass of water, milk, juice, or blend in favorite foods. When mixing, add liquid first, then blend, stirring briskly until completely dissolved.


    you can get it at healthequalswealth.myitworks.com
  • divamsm
    divamsm Posts: 79 Member
    Options
    I'm always in a hurry going someplace and literally don't have time to eat, so lots of times I grab one for a meal on the go....but they're especially good before or after a workout.
  • sharadcdubey
    sharadcdubey Posts: 1
    Options
    I wish to know when a person in need of protin shouldtake it, before the work out or after.
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,554 Member
    Options
    In my (oh so humble!) opinion, these really aren't necessary. They are incredibly well marketed and promise all kinds of incredible things (see the post above!). I suspect that if you keep an eye on your protein numbers in your diary, you could get up there with regular food and save your money to buy something more interesting.

    If you want something with nice mix of carbs and protein as a workout recovery drink - have a chocolate milk, this apparently has a pretty similar breakdown to some of your "hi-tech" protein shakes.
    I often make my own with skim milk, unsweetened cocoa and instant coffee and it tastes great, is cheap and at least I know what is in it!
  • jenlb99
    jenlb99 Posts: 213 Member
    Options
    I drink one shake daily to help me get my protein intake up. I want whatever scale weight I lose to be fat and water, not my lean muscle mass, and protein shakes help with that. You want that protein over 100g; MFP sets the protein cap far too low for most.
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    Options
    I have a scoop or two or 3 a day. It's a quick way to get protein. That is all.
  • hedgiie
    hedgiie Posts: 1,245 Member
    Options
    I only take it when i'm defit of my protein nutritional needs, if for example it's mid day and i haven't achive half of my protein allowable intake then i drink a shake.
    However, for days that i meet my protein needs trough whole foods then i skip the shakes. Personally whole foods is much better compared to protein shakes so i try to minimize the consumption
  • Cross_fitter
    Cross_fitter Posts: 30
    Options
    Protein shakes can be valuable in a very active life. I take a pre and post protein shake because the workouts I do are quiet intense. Mine is a pure whey protein, recommended and bought online through Myopure.com I add a small amount of berries or half a banana. I blend them together with crushed ice for a yummy 'creamy' taste. They're made on water so, of course they're not creamy but the blending and ice create the taste. It's important to buy pure whey with no flavours as flavours add a sugar content. The berries will do the trick. I get my dietary advice from a professional who specialises in weight lifting, and chinese medicine, however GNC also offer great advise for you needs. Adding cinnamon also adds to the taste and helps to stimulate the metabolism as does a small amount of cacao (One very important impact that eating cacao produces is the increase in glucose metabolism, which makes it good not only for weight loss but helps to improve your cardiovascular system as well.)
    I will also use a protein shake as an emergency protein food ie when I'm out and about and know I won't have access to the more pure form of protein such as yummy chicken. I try not to make a habit of it but it's just one way to keep up my protein intake when on the run!
    I hope I've helped - protein shakes ( the right kind) can be beneficial!!
  • frenchpe
    frenchpe Posts: 10 Member
    Options
    I don't use a protein shake, but I do use something called Vega One (formerly called Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer). I use it because I rarely have time to eat lunch at work, so this is a good alternative. I know I'm getting loads of vitamins and minerals, a fair amount of protein, and other "good stuff" even when I can't sit down and eat a full meal. Plus, it's made from organic ingredients, it is vegan, gluten free, and only has 1 sugar (unlike most meal replacement shakes).

    Anyway, in case you're interested, I pasted the product information for you below. You can read the full label and more info on their website - just google it and it will pop up on the first page. As with ANY protein or meal replacement shake, I HIGHLY recommend getting a sample pack of a couple different flavors to make sure you like it. Everybody's tastes are different, and I'd hate for you to spend a lot of money on something you won't use. Good luck!

    Product info:

    Good for your body and the planet, Vega One Nutritional Shake is the clean, plant-based choice to fuel your healthy, active lifestyle—without compromise. Made from natural, whole food ingredients, Vega One is a convenient, all-in-one supplement, packed with:

    50% daily intake of vitamins and minerals
    15 g protein
    6 g fibre
    1.5 g Omega-3
    Antioxidants
    Probiotics
    Greens

    Formulated by Brendan Brazier, professional Ironman triathlete and bestselling author on performance nutrition, Vega One is free from dairy, gluten and soy, and contains no added sugar, artificial flavours, colours or sweeteners.

    Available in Berry, Chocolate, Vanilla Chai and Natural flavour, enjoy Vega One shaken with water, juice or a non-dairy beverage of your choice, and as a delicious, nutrient-supplementing addition to your favourite smoothie recipe.

    15 g Protein
    Vega One features our signature, broad-spectrum, plant-based protein blend, with all essential amino acids in ideal balance. Vega One’s Complete Protein Blend includes:

    Pea protein
    SaviSeed™ (sacha inchi) protein
    Hemp seed protein
    Sprouted whole grain brown rice protein
    6 g Fiber
    Boasting 24% of your recommended daily intake of fiber per serving, Vega One is a delicious way to work both soluble and insoluble fiber into your day. Fiber intake has been shown to help:

    Maintain normal blood sugar levels1
    Normalize elimination and maintain bowel health1
    Promote a feeling of fullness, reduce feelings of hunger and thereby support healthy weight management when combined with exercise and a reduced calorie diet.1
    Fiber in Vega One is primarily sourced from flax, inulin (fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)), and pea.

    Low GI Carbohydrates
    Low glycemic—with an impressively low GI of 19.22—one serving of Vega One is comprised of 26% naturally-occurring complex carbohydrates. Sweetened only with stevia extract, Vega One has no sugar, maltodextrin or sugar-derivatives added.

    1.5 g Omega-3
    Giving you as much Omega-3 per scoop as 6 oz. of wild chum salmon, Vega One sources its plant-based Omega profile from white chia, whole flax seed (not flax meal) and hemp.

    Antioxidants
    Blueberries are jealous—that’s because a serving of Vega One has as many antioxidants3 as 2.7 cups of them. Plus, each scoop of Vega One showcases 200mg of Vega’s custom 1000 ORAC4 Antioxidant Blend, sourced from some of the most antioxidant-rich fruit in the world, including:

    Maqui, goji and Açaí berries
    Pomegranate seed
    Mangosteen
    Grape seed extract
    Greens
    A single, one-scoop serving of Vega One delivers the equivalent of 3 servings of vegetables—mainly from our Green Blend, which features:

    Chlorella (cracked cell, high CGF)
    Alfalfa grass
    Spinach leaf
    Broccoli
    Kale
    Vitamins & Minerals
    Helping you cover your key nutrient bases, a serving of Vega One give you 50% of your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. Premium vitamin and mineral forms such as mineral citrates were chosen to help you get more out of Vega One through better absorption.

    Probiotics
    With 1 billion CFU dairy-free probiotics (lactobacillus acidopholus and Bifidobacterium bifidum), Vega One helps maintain healthy intestinal flora—without a visit to the yogurt aisle.

    Digestive Enzymes
    We want you to get everything you can from a serving of Vega One. That’s why Vega’s Digestive Enzyme blend is added to facilitate the breakdown of nutrients in Vega One during digestion, so more nutrients are available to be absorbed by your body for higher net-gain nutrition.

    Maca
    Rich in amino acids, alkaloids, sterols, vitamins and minerals, 1000 mg of pure, organic, gelatinized maca are included in every serving of Vega One, to help you balance, invigorate, energize and maintain good health.

    Chlorella
    Part of the Green Blend in Vega One, chlorella is a nutritious, green micro-algae that delivers Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), chlorophyll, protein, vitamins and minerals to help support immune function5.
  • valmaebel
    valmaebel Posts: 1,045 Member
    Options
    Like Ruby said, go with chocolate milk. Studies have shown it has the same nutrients....and then some. so in the long run, chocolate milk is better for you, and cheaper. plus, there have been problems with some companies mixing unsavory ingredients in to cheapen production...(not widespread and big brands are fine but enough to be a problem)
  • Kymmy81
    Kymmy81 Posts: 168 Member
    Options
    Edited to stop myself being antagonistic. Yay for self-censoring! (albeit after the fact :P)
  • Tp77
    Tp77 Posts: 21 Member
    Options
    thank you all for all your input. It is much appreciated.

    My main reason for trying the shakes is that I am dairy intollerant, and also cant have Soya, or meat.... so I also go to the gm about 5-7 times a week. and I am finding that especially at a certain time of the month, i wake up after the gym, and it hurts so much to even breathe let alone move., I have tried them this week, and I can honeslty say that I dont ache anywhere near as much as i usualy would. so for that I am very pleased, this tells me that my muscles are recovering better.

    I do try to get protein from Rice Milk and Nuts, but to be fair, when you are calorie counting there is only so much of this you can eat in a day.

    thanks all!!

Categories