protein powder...

chanstriste13
chanstriste13 Posts: 3,277 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
i have never used it before. should i? i workout pretty hard 5 to 6 days a week. would i benefit?

Replies

  • UsedToBeHusky
    UsedToBeHusky Posts: 15,228 Member
    You should use it on those days when you aren't making your protein goal. Also, a little strength training will help you lean out more.
  • UponThisRock
    UponThisRock Posts: 4,519 Member
    If your diet is currently deficient in protein, and you find it difficult to get more from whole food sources, then yes, you would benefit.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    If you are not meeting your protein requirement from regular food then yes you should, otherwise no point.
  • kaetmarie
    kaetmarie Posts: 668 Member
    I've been using it a lot lately and love it! I always have a shake after I lift ... and I sometimes find when my protein is low that I'll mix it in some greek yogurt to up my macros. Not all are created equal ... so it may take some time to find one that you actually like the taste, has a decent calorie-protein exchange, and doesn't get clumpy. I'm using Trader Joe's whey right now, but I'm not sure it's the best one.
  • Destinie589
    Destinie589 Posts: 211
    I'm a vegetarian and I find it difficult to get enough protein through foods so I started using protein powder. It helped and I instantly started losing more pounds.
  • brooklynjade4
    brooklynjade4 Posts: 21 Member
    I'm a vegetarian and I find it difficult to get enough protein through foods so I started using protein powder. It helped and I instantly started losing more pounds.


    me 2 plus i workout a lot! woo
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    or just bump up the amount of naturally occurring proteins you're consuming (have a piece of chicken or turkey breast)

    If you are going to use protein powder whey isolates are recommended (I don't use them myself) and you should limit yourself to 20 to 25g per day immediately following your workout. Too much protein can put a strain on your liver and kidneys.

    http://www.livestrong.com/article/498559-the-best-bioavailable-whey-protein-powders/
  • CherylPierce
    CherylPierce Posts: 73 Member
    My nutrition plan includes having lean protein at each meal. I find this most difficult at breakfast.

    I mix protein powder (2 TBSP) with Wheat and Honey pancake mix (1/4 cup). This makes one large pancake. I make several servings ahead of time and warm one in the microwave for a quick breakfast. It helps me get protein at breakfast on days when I don't have time to cook eggs. I use vanilla flavored powder, giving my pancakes a nice flavor, which is great as I don't use syrup.
  • chanstriste13
    chanstriste13 Posts: 3,277 Member
    thanks for all the advice, everyone. i'm usually alright on my protein - maybe short 3 or 4 grams sometimes. i've just seen so much hype about it i was wondering if i was missing out on something. i'm going to pay strict attention to my protein intake and reassess in a couple of weeks. thanks again!
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    thanks for all the advice, everyone. i'm usually alright on my protein - maybe short 3 or 4 grams sometimes. i've just seen so much hype about it i was wondering if i was missing out on something. i'm going to pay strict attention to my protein intake and reassess in a couple of weeks. thanks again!

    Are you using the MFP default of 15%, or are you getting more? I would urge you to get more than 15% if you are working out. Try aiming for 25% if you are not there or higher already.
  • purplegoboom
    purplegoboom Posts: 400 Member
    I only have a protein shake made with powder on days I workout, because I have trouble eating back my calories. On days I don't workout, I forgo the shake.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    Protein powder offers no advantage over real protein. If you can't hit your protein goals, it will help, but if you already get enough protein, it's useless, and just a waste of money.
  • kateroot
    kateroot Posts: 435
    I find it to be a really convenient way to hit my protein goal for the day, which is usually 100g or more. I throw them in a blender with ice, almond milk, fruit and/or peanut butter to make it a meal. I have them for breakfast after my workouts, and they usually run about 300 calories. I agree with PPs though that if you're hitting your protein goals with whole foods, there's no point in protein powder. I like it for the convenience factor.
  • chanstriste13
    chanstriste13 Posts: 3,277 Member
    thanks for all the advice, everyone. i'm usually alright on my protein - maybe short 3 or 4 grams sometimes. i've just seen so much hype about it i was wondering if i was missing out on something. i'm going to pay strict attention to my protein intake and reassess in a couple of weeks. thanks again!

    Are you using the MFP default of 15%, or are you getting more? I would urge you to get more than 15% if you are working out. Try aiming for 25% if you are not there or higher already.

    i'm on default. i'll up it and give it a go. thanks!
  • vendygirl
    vendygirl Posts: 718 Member
    I mainly use protein powder for the days I am working out. I can't eat solid foods at 5am so I make a protein shake for breakfast before my workout. I use OJ, Vanilla Powder and frozen fruit. GIves me the energy I need and I have a small energy bar (mini-clif bar) after my workout to give my body a little boost after the workout. It is convient to have around for a quick pick me up etc. I typically buy a EAS Whey protien. I get the big bag from Sams Club.
  • basschick
    basschick Posts: 3,502 Member
    I always try to get within at least 10 protein grams of the default. The conundrum is: to actually *eat* enough protein rich food and still be under my calorie goal, it doesn't leave me much room for junk food. I solve this by putting protein powder in stuff. I make strawberry banana smoothies with a scoop of it and they're really yummy. You could add a scoop to your Slim Fast shakes, a glass of milk, or make smoothies with stuff you like. Earth Fare makes a really good unsweetened vanilla soy protein powder. I could pick some up for you next time I go. I can't stress enough the importance of getting enough protein. Without it, you can only go so far with building muscle. After upping my protein intake, I started to see an increase in strength and I started losing weight faster.
  • KCharron20
    KCharron20 Posts: 105
    I always have a protein shake after I work out. My trainer says your body needs to get protein quick after a workout to start rebuilding itself. You just want to make sure you use a whey isolate protein. Its protein broken down into it's best form for quick absorbtion. I don't use protein shakes at any other time.
  • tigersword
    tigersword Posts: 8,059 Member
    I always have a protein shake after I work out. My trainer says your body needs to get protein quick after a workout to start rebuilding itself. You just want to make sure you use a whey isolate protein. Its protein broken down into it's best form for quick absorbtion. I don't use protein shakes at any other time.

    This is actually a myth. The only thing that matters is getting your total macro goals for the day, timing is irrelevant. The "post workout window" is actually 24 hours long. Eating right after a workout (even a protein shake) does nothing more for you than eating right before the workout. As long as you hit your daily goals consistently, you will get consistent results.
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