Interested in adding Protein Shakes to my diet

Sometimes I have a protein shake for lunch. I buy the smoothie packets from Target and add a scoop of Whey to it. it reminds me of a smoothie and I don't think of it as a protein shake. It just all depends on how you feel and what you think you need to do for your body.

If you're planning on using a powder for a meal replacement as opposed to a post-workout drink I suggest turning it into a smoothie. I'll make mine with a scoop of vanilla whey (I just use the Wal-Mart brand lol), some ice, a frozen banana (crucial to getting a yummy, creamy texture!) and whatever berries I have on-hand. You can also add in some ground flax or oatmeal for extra fiber and if you have the calories. Play around with it. Protein powder is extremely versatile. I make pancakes with it and have friends that make cheesecakes with it too!

I use GNC Pro Performance Amp with milk as my protein for breakfast. I love it, it tastes just like chocolate milk. Since I am not wanting to bulk up they told me to have one scoop with milk instead of the 3 scoops listed. I scoop of the protein powder and 8 ounces of skim milk gets me:

Calories 173
Carbs 13
Fat 0
Protein 28
Fiber 0
Sodium 220

I have tried other protein powders but never really like the taste of them. This one I can drink every morning. No problem.

I was put on a high protein diet by my doctor and it can be difficult to get in that much protein so I do use protein shakes. I basically went by her recommendations. I use a Super Whey protein that you can find at Walmart. They has some pretty good flavor options.I blend with water and ice. The chocolate is great blended with coffee at breakfast. I have even added a scoop to greek yogurt. Tastes like chocolate pudding!

I also use protein shots. They are a vial of liquid protein. Not a great breakfast because you won't feel very full, but good in the afternoon to jump up the protein numbers quickly. Sometimes I add it to a large mug of water and that helps to get my protein and my water for the day.

That being said, I would really talk to your doctor about what to use. Especially if you are considering surgery, they may have something that they recommend that will be good before and after.

I'm drinking Optimum Nutrition's chocolate malt whey for breakfast right now. I generally only use as a "meal replacement" when I'm out of time in the morning. Otherwise, I use it post lifting. Right now I'm using water, but when I use milk, it tastes quite literally like a chocolate malt, which makes it great for dessert on days where I missed my protein target!

Well I think that's awesome and you are headed in the right direction!

I drink a protein shake every day, so let me just help you out with a typical shake:

I use these protein powders because they taste best--
GNC wellbeing Vanilla
Gold Standard 100% Whey protein vanilla ice cream flavor

Any type of fruit - blackberry, strawberry, mango, etc., just depends on what you like - PLUS about 1/4 to 1/3 banana (if you buy your fruit fresh you can cut them up and stick them in individual ziploc bags in any combination for EASY and QUICK!)

1 tablespoon of flaxseeds because you need the omega 3's and they are more effective if ground up. You can put in 1/4 cup of almonds or any nut if you like.

I think fruit is sweet enough but occasionally I will add a tablespoon or 2 of honey and cinnamon if all I have are pears, apple, banana, etc., or if I am going to an all day seminar or meeting I will also put about 1/4 cup of plain oats with honey, banana and cinnamon.

4 to 6 ounces of filtered water

if you like your shake more soupy than like an actual shake, just add more water or some pineapple, orange or guava juice to it also - again, whatever juice you prefer is best.

I mix everything in the blender and add the ice cubes last to make it as cold and dense as I like; in the summer I use more cubes and eat it with a spoon

The key to a GREAT Protein shake is to put what YOU love in it; even if its just water, vanilla protein powder, banana, honey and peanut butter!

if you eat one protein shake every day for breakfast instead of a huge meal, it will definitely keep you fuller longer and with regular exercise, I PROMISE you will definitely drop fat and gain lean muscle.

Note - I have a huge blender for home and a cute little personal blender I got at GNC for $25 that I keep in my office at work.
Note #2 - I have been soda free for over 20 years and as soon as I stopped drinking cokes I dropped 10 pounds I don't miss and will never gain back.

Hope that helps! Good Luck to you :flowerforyou:
Tanya

Whenever I am on a weight loss stage, I always have a protein shake in the morning. It consists of whey protein poweder, FF Milk, a scoop of PB and ice to make a smoothie. There are many different recipes, but that fits my diet plan and it has always worked for me. A lot of people prefer real food rather than protein powder, but I don't see it having a negative effect. I have 2 shakes a day because I don't like to eat so much meat and eggs in one day. Haha! That's just my preference.

I dont use my protein shake as a replacment meal. I use it post workout and I found one that mixes easily and tastes good. Beverly International Ultimate Muscle Protein. It comes in serveral flavors and i buy it off Bobybuilding.com. good luck.