why do people use protein powder?

Let's start by saying I'm definitely no expert. But your body needs protein to help with muscle recovery and to build muscle after working out. I use it right after I lift weights. I like it because it's convenient, but I suppose if you just ate something with a lot of protein that would work too.

protein helps build muscle. muscle boosts metabolism. personally, i know i have a VERY hard time getting all my protein - tofu just doesn't cut it and i'm a vegetarian/almost-vegan so i don't eat eggs unless they're in a recipe i'm mixing (the thought of what i'm eating if they're raw stops me from comsuming) and i don't eat chicken. that's why i need protein powder anyway.

Protein gives you a good "bang" for your calorie "buck". Its critical for muscle development. Whey protein is a good way to get a lot of extra protein.

for the days that you are on the go, after a workout, days you do not want to cook chicken or something
high in protein. As a supplement.

I just drank 51g of vanilla whey protein and it was fantastic. I can't seem to get enough protein from foods so I supplement it with Whey powder/wheyshots/premade whey drinks.

I just love it blended with plain greek yogurt and frozen strawberries or blueberries. Sometimes I put a banana. This is with the vanilla whey protein. If I use chocolate ( it's not my favorite) I'll add some unsweetened cocoa powder, and maybe a tablespoon of peanut butter.

GNC has a 100% egg protein powder that I LOVE. It is made from egg whites, which I also snack on when I need more lean protein. It only comes in chocolate but the flavor is divine, it's minimally processed and whey protein gives me gas :blushing:

Especially after working out (strength training, mostly), there is a short window where protein synthesis is most effective. There are certain amino acids required to build new muscle that the body can't produce by other means that are the most easily consumed from a protein powder, since it requires virtually no prep time other than throwing it in a bottle and mixing in some water.

I use Body Fortress Advanced Whey chocolate protein powder. I can't remember how much it costs, but it has a good flavor, dissolves well and has those essential amino acids needed to help repair and build my muscles after a session at the gym.

I use protein powder because my protein goal is around 150+gm of protein/day. While this is not impossible to achieve with food, I find it impractical for my lifestyle. I try to get most of my protein from real food, but I use protein powder as a dietary supplement. I've never achieved such fast results with training when I was younger, and the only real difference is that now I'm getting adequate protein to fuel my muscles.

I'm a vegetarian so with the reduced calories find it difficult to get my quota of protein in a day..I can get 17g with one tablespoon, and if I chuck in some fruit and soy milk, and for a treat, frozen yogurt,it makes a good tasting smoothie....

To help me get most of my protein for the day, plus... it's chocolate flavored.

Yup. Like a chocolate milk snack. :drinker:

It's quick and easy, the protein helps rebuild muscle after weight-training, and it's a great way to get the needed protein without a lot of extra carbs and fat and therefore calories.

I've been wondering this, too. I also wonder how protein shakes factor in a "clean" diet? How processed are they? How many other chemicals? For the person that said they can't get enough protein with food alone...maybe your goal is too high?

My husband likes to have a protein shake for lunch (he uses Shakeology) but I wonder how healthy it actually is.

Look for ones with the fewest ingredients, the one I use is minimally processed. I'm a clean eater, but I make an exception for my shakes

If money/cost is an issue, Nesquick Chocolate made with low fat milk is much the same thing as a whey protein shake. Just milk doesn;t travel well to the gym

Key to it is when you take, first 30minutes after work it is essential

I use a soya based one, when I do use it. This boosts iron and calcium as well as protein.

And yeah, it's pretty much just soya in it, so pretty 'clean'. (Not that clean eating is something I lie awake at night worrying about... )

If you're in the UK, the one I get is just from Holland and Barrett, and it's reasonably cheap (about £11 for a month's worth). It doesn't taste very nice, and I wouldn't mix it with milk. I mix mine with fruit juice (sainsburys pineapple, passion fruit and mango blend works best for me) and it's fine.