Protein Shakes & Powder - How to use?
dsmease7
Posts: 81 Member
Okay, I'm new to all this stuff and have been trying to find out about protein supplements. I purchased some shakes & powder but not sure how to get the best benefit. Do I use them before or after exercise or in place of meals? I know I can use more protein during the day but don't know the best way to go about it. Do I need to get protein bars as well?
I mainly do elliptical as my form of exercise, but as soon as my DVD arrives I am going to start JM 30 DS. Any advice or help would be appreciated. I am just a little confused about this.
I mainly do elliptical as my form of exercise, but as soon as my DVD arrives I am going to start JM 30 DS. Any advice or help would be appreciated. I am just a little confused about this.
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Replies
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If the shakes contain vitamins and minerals then you can use them as a meal replaceent. For example, I have six meals per day. I drink Myoplex Lite Shakes or Right Light Shakes in place of some meals. For pure added protein I use Optimum Nutrition's Natural Whey. You should always have a protein shake immediately following exercise. Here is an example of a typical day for me:
7:30 AM: Egg beaters on whole wheat bread
10:30 AM: Myoplex Lite Shake
12:30 PM: Chicken Salad with Apple
3:00 PM: Protein Shake or Protein Bar (Optimum Nutrition Whey Crisp Bar)
4:30 PM: Workout, immediately following workout Protein Shake
6:30 PM: Salmon with Brown Rice and Spinach
8:30 PM: Right Light Shake0 -
Protein shakes can be used as a "meal replacement" if you wish to do so, the most important time to have a protein shake is right after a workout. I personally do both, I have one protein shake as a meal replacer and one shake immediately after a workout. If you have Casein protein that is what you would want to take before going to bed. For your cardio I'd suggest stop using the elliptical, that's cheating yourself and not much of a workout at all. Get on the treadmill, raise the incline to around 12 degrees to start, put the pace at a brisk walk level, and do this for 40-60 minutes. You will burn more calories than the elliptical and it isn't very strenuous for beginners at all.
I've lost 26 pounds since March doing a "cutting" phase with this kind of cardio and eating healthy, if anyone tells you that you have to run in order to lose weight then ignore anything they have to say and don't take their advice because they're clueless and feeding you crap.0 -
Thanks for the information guys.0
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Oh and I forgot to answer this, do NOT buy protein bars. 99% of the time they are overpriced and have high amounts of sugars in them. It's better to make your own so that way you can adjust the amounts of proteins and carbs and eliminate sugars altogether. There's recipes all over the internet on how to make your own protein bars if you're interested. Usually they just consist of protein powder, all natural peanut butter, and oats.0
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Protein shake preferably within 30 minutes after your workout. I mix mine half and half with water/milk.0
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Protein shake preferably within 30 minutes after your workout. I mix mine half and half with water/milk.
Does milk and water mixed not taste terrible? I might have to try that, I just use water.0 -
I use Herbalife Shakes (and all the values are listed on this site~very convenient to post!) If you're using Shakes as a meal replacement, and working out too, you'll need more calories I would guess. Most folks go with meal replacements with weight-loss only. I understand you're wanting to get some kind of anchor for eating habits/food, etc, and I did the same thing. However, you'll discover that as you begin to work out more, you'll get hungry because you're expending calories. I like to use the shakes as actual meals (because I don't like the shakes slosshing around in my tummy) , and get extra protein for workouts in this way: 1/2hour prior to workout = peanut butter bagel, or yogurt, or protein bar (watch the sugar), or hard-boiled egg(s), etc. Keep in mind your weight will drop slower if you're working out~ this was extremely discouraging to me at first, and still is sometimes. Blessings for success on your new lifestyle!!
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Protein shake preferably within 30 minutes after your workout. I mix mine half and half with water/milk.
Does milk and water mixed not taste terrible? I might have to try that, I just use water.
It's actually not that bad. I don't care much for milk so watering it down tastes better to me. Either way, I just slam it anyways. If I'm at the gym and having it right after I just use water.0 -
Protein shake preferably within 30 minutes after your workout. I mix mine half and half with water/milk.
Does milk and water mixed not taste terrible? I might have to try that, I just use water.
It's actually not that bad. I don't care much for milk so watering it down tastes better to me. Either way, I just slam it anyways. If I'm at the gym and having it right after I just use water.
I find myself doing the same thing, just slamming it down quick. I haven't found a very good tasting protein shake yet in 6 years of working out, well with just powder that is. Add in some peanut butter and a banana and you can make any shake taste great.0 -
Protein shakes can be used as a "meal replacement" if you wish to do so, the most important time to have a protein shake is right after a workout. I personally do both, I have one protein shake as a meal replacer and one shake immediately after a workout. If you have Casein protein that is what you would want to take before going to bed. For your cardio I'd suggest stop using the elliptical, that's cheating yourself and not much of a workout at all. Get on the treadmill, raise the incline to around 12 degrees to start, put the pace at a brisk walk level, and do this for 40-60 minutes. You will burn more calories than the elliptical and it isn't very strenuous for beginners at all.
I've lost 26 pounds since March doing a "cutting" phase with this kind of cardio and eating healthy, if anyone tells you that you have to run in order to lose weight then ignore anything they have to say and don't take their advice because they're clueless and feeding you crap.
Strange advice, no machine automatically burns more calories than another. It's all about level of effort. If you're just mailing it in on the elliptical then of course the dreadmill is going to burn more. And likewise. For me personally I find that the elliptical is much better because it engages upper and lower body and you can adjust the intensity too. So you can get a bigger burn in a smaller amount of time. Plus it's lower impact. Win/win situation.
At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what you use, do what you like and as long as you're putting in the effort.0 -
I do a lot of different things with my protein shakes, but normally I have a protein bar before the gym with my pre-workout drink(not protein) and then my protein shake right after the gym with water(keeps me at my calorie limit instead of milk) Days I don't go to the gym I like to make a a shake for my lunch chocolate protein powder, spoon of peanut butter, banana, 2 cups of fat free milk, and ice , fills me up and tastes great0
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Protein shakes can be used as a "meal replacement" if you wish to do so, the most important time to have a protein shake is right after a workout. I personally do both, I have one protein shake as a meal replacer and one shake immediately after a workout. If you have Casein protein that is what you would want to take before going to bed. For your cardio I'd suggest stop using the elliptical, that's cheating yourself and not much of a workout at all. Get on the treadmill, raise the incline to around 12 degrees to start, put the pace at a brisk walk level, and do this for 40-60 minutes. You will burn more calories than the elliptical and it isn't very strenuous for beginners at all.
I've lost 26 pounds since March doing a "cutting" phase with this kind of cardio and eating healthy, if anyone tells you that you have to run in order to lose weight then ignore anything they have to say and don't take their advice because they're clueless and feeding you crap.
Strange advice, no machine automatically burns more calories than another. It's all about level of effort. If you're just mailing it in on the elliptical then of course the dreadmill is going to burn more. And likewise. For me personally I find that the elliptical is much better because it engages upper and lower body and you can adjust the intensity too. So you can get a bigger burn in a smaller amount of time. Plus it's lower impact. Win/win situation.
At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what you use, do what you like and as long as you're putting in the effort.
Lol I didn't say that one machines burns more calories than the other. Doing the treadmill on an incline like I said also engages the upper and lower body, and you can also adjust the intensity. Sorry, but the elliptical is not even close to being better for losing weight, if that were the case than fitness models and bodybuilders would use them, but they don't.
With the elliptical you said you can get a "bigger burn in a smaller amount of time", after 20 minutes on the elliptical how many calories do you burn? Just curious0 -
it depends on you. you should really get some protein (& carbs) in before and after your workout - i prefer to get it from food but protein shakes are really handy if you don't have time to prepare something. i tend to have a casein shake at bedtime as its slow release (for muscle recovery). your going to love 30ds - you will be sooo sore
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Protein shakes can be used as a "meal replacement" if you wish to do so, the most important time to have a protein shake is right after a workout. I personally do both, I have one protein shake as a meal replacer and one shake immediately after a workout. If you have Casein protein that is what you would want to take before going to bed. For your cardio I'd suggest stop using the elliptical, that's cheating yourself and not much of a workout at all. Get on the treadmill, raise the incline to around 12 degrees to start, put the pace at a brisk walk level, and do this for 40-60 minutes. You will burn more calories than the elliptical and it isn't very strenuous for beginners at all.
I've lost 26 pounds since March doing a "cutting" phase with this kind of cardio and eating healthy, if anyone tells you that you have to run in order to lose weight then ignore anything they have to say and don't take their advice because they're clueless and feeding you crap.
Strange advice, no machine automatically burns more calories than another. It's all about level of effort. If you're just mailing it in on the elliptical then of course the dreadmill is going to burn more. And likewise. For me personally I find that the elliptical is much better because it engages upper and lower body and you can adjust the intensity too. So you can get a bigger burn in a smaller amount of time. Plus it's lower impact. Win/win situation.
At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what you use, do what you like and as long as you're putting in the effort.
Lol I didn't say that one machines burns more calories than the other. Doing the treadmill on an incline like I said also engages the upper and lower body, and you can also adjust the intensity. Sorry, but the elliptical is not even close to being better for losing weight, if that were the case than fitness models and bodybuilders would use them, but they don't.
With the elliptical you said you can get a "bigger burn in a smaller amount of time", after 20 minutes on the elliptical how many calories do you burn? Just curious
20 minutes, usually 400-ish calories at a fairly moderate pace (I don't push too hard, save the effort for lifting).0 -
I like to use almond milk with my protein powder. Sometimes I add in a tbsp of sugar free butterscotch pudding mix for added flavor. Or I put it in a smoothie to get fruits/protein together.
If I have it in the morning I have to have it in smoothie form or I feel sick. If I have it at night after a workout I can have it with the milk and feel fine.0 -
I like to use almond milk with my protein powder. Sometimes I add in a tbsp of sugar free butterscotch pudding mix for added flavor. Or I put it in a smoothie to get fruits/protein together.
If I have it in the morning I have to have it in smoothie form or I feel sick. If I have it at night after a workout I can have it with the milk and feel fine.
How is that Almond Milk taste wise? I've never tried it, I've just stuck with skim milk myself.0 -
Protein shakes can be used as a "meal replacement" if you wish to do so, the most important time to have a protein shake is right after a workout. I personally do both, I have one protein shake as a meal replacer and one shake immediately after a workout. If you have Casein protein that is what you would want to take before going to bed. For your cardio I'd suggest stop using the elliptical, that's cheating yourself and not much of a workout at all. Get on the treadmill, raise the incline to around 12 degrees to start, put the pace at a brisk walk level, and do this for 40-60 minutes. You will burn more calories than the elliptical and it isn't very strenuous for beginners at all.
I've lost 26 pounds since March doing a "cutting" phase with this kind of cardio and eating healthy, if anyone tells you that you have to run in order to lose weight then ignore anything they have to say and don't take their advice because they're clueless and feeding you crap.
Strange advice, no machine automatically burns more calories than another. It's all about level of effort. If you're just mailing it in on the elliptical then of course the dreadmill is going to burn more. And likewise. For me personally I find that the elliptical is much better because it engages upper and lower body and you can adjust the intensity too. So you can get a bigger burn in a smaller amount of time. Plus it's lower impact. Win/win situation.
At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what you use, do what you like and as long as you're putting in the effort.
Lol I didn't say that one machines burns more calories than the other. Doing the treadmill on an incline like I said also engages the upper and lower body, and you can also adjust the intensity. Sorry, but the elliptical is not even close to being better for losing weight, if that were the case than fitness models and bodybuilders would use them, but they don't.
With the elliptical you said you can get a "bigger burn in a smaller amount of time", after 20 minutes on the elliptical how many calories do you burn? Just curious
20 minutes, usually 400-ish calories at a fairly moderate pace (I don't push too hard, save the effort for lifting).
Hmmmmm, I have an extremely hard time believing 400 calories in 20 minutes on the elliptical.. I'd love to see an uploaded pic of your elliptical machine after you do your cardio on it to see those kinds of results.0 -
The absolute BEST shake mix I've ever had is the chocolate Shakeology, I don't recall its protein content. I just can't afford it with planning a wedding. My chocolate protein mix is tolerable with milk. I can't stand it at all with just water. Another thing I like about it with milk is that the milk helps fill you up.0
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I like to use almond milk with my protein powder. Sometimes I add in a tbsp of sugar free butterscotch pudding mix for added flavor. Or I put it in a smoothie to get fruits/protein together.
If I have it in the morning I have to have it in smoothie form or I feel sick. If I have it at night after a workout I can have it with the milk and feel fine.
I bought almond milk the other day for a recipe and never thought to try it with my shake. I'm going to have to do that tomorrow! Great idea!0 -
Protein shakes can be used as a "meal replacement" if you wish to do so, the most important time to have a protein shake is right after a workout. I personally do both, I have one protein shake as a meal replacer and one shake immediately after a workout.
Why do they have specific meal replacements if that is the true? A meal replacement has to contain a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals to justify replacement. Whey protein does not; it can and does include some of these but stick to whey protein after workouts and MPR for meal replacement.0 -
I like to use almond milk with my protein powder. Sometimes I add in a tbsp of sugar free butterscotch pudding mix for added flavor. Or I put it in a smoothie to get fruits/protein together.
If I have it in the morning I have to have it in smoothie form or I feel sick. If I have it at night after a workout I can have it with the milk and feel fine.
How is that Almond Milk taste wise? I've never tried it, I've just stuck with skim milk myself.
Oh I love it. It takes like a vanilla shake w/out the ice cream texture.
You could google the body by vi shakes and get all of their recipes. I don't use the shakes but I do use some of their recipes. I know people that sell it and they were wanting me to buy but I am sticking with the regular protein powder. But they do have some good ways of making tasty shakes.0 -
Protein shakes can be used as a "meal replacement" if you wish to do so, the most important time to have a protein shake is right after a workout. I personally do both, I have one protein shake as a meal replacer and one shake immediately after a workout.
Why do they have specific meal replacements if that is the true? A meal replacement has to contain a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals to justify replacement. Whey protein does not; it can and does include some of these but stick to whey protein after workouts and MPR for meal replacement.
Because a lot of meal replacement shakes are filled with sugars and other unnecessary ingredients. I'd rather make a shake where I can tailor it to my needs. For example my post workout shake and my meal replacement are not the same, for my meal replacement I also put in oats, and some kind of fruit. I also take a multivitamin twice a day so I'm not worried about lacking micronutrients.0 -
Hmmmmm, I have an extremely hard time believing 400 calories in 20 minutes on the elliptical.. I'd love to see an uploaded pic of your elliptical machine after you do your cardio on it to see those kinds of results.
It all depends on how fast and how high you have the resistance set. Personally I average 130calories per 10 minutes on the elliptical at a steady 5mph. I'm not sure how to gauge the resistance I use - but I keep the resistance to the point where I feel a decent burn in my legs. The same I get from walking on an incline on the treadmill. I usually do 30 minutes, which puts me around 350-400 calories.
I can't get those numbers on a treadmill. I can't go as fast, as long, with as much resistance. Forget it. My knees give out at 10 minutes, no incline.
Cardio is cardio is cardio. It's not what you're doing, it's how you're doing it. And puh-lease. My trainer never had me on the treadmill. It was the elliptical, strairmaster or stationary bike for cardio.0 -
Protein shake preferably within 30 minutes after your workout. I mix mine half and half with water/milk.
Does milk and water mixed not taste terrible? I might have to try that, I just use water.
I use Pure Silk Unsweetened Almond Milk - Vanilla flavor, only 35 cals per 8oz.0 -
Protein shake preferably within 30 minutes after your workout. I mix mine half and half with water/milk.
Does milk and water mixed not taste terrible? I might have to try that, I just use water.
It's actually not that bad. I don't care much for milk so watering it down tastes better to me. Either way, I just slam it anyways. If I'm at the gym and having it right after I just use water.
I find myself doing the same thing, just slamming it down quick. I haven't found a very good tasting protein shake yet in 6 years of working out, well with just powder that is. Add in some peanut butter and a banana and you can make any shake taste great.
Oh man I agree. Peanut butter and a banana makes it taste real good. I actually used to enjoy the taste of ON extreme milk chocolate when I would throw ice in the shaker with it for the first week, but besides that I've never found one that I've enjoyed the taste of either.0 -
The only problem I have with Optimum Nutrition is how dang expensive it is, definitely not cheap that's for sure.0
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Hmmmmm, I have an extremely hard time believing 400 calories in 20 minutes on the elliptical.. I'd love to see an uploaded pic of your elliptical machine after you do your cardio on it to see those kinds of results.
I'm using an FT60 to measure the calories burned for better accuracy than the elliptical (which I'm not even sure calculates calories burned). I was actually being conservative, I have seen over 700 from 30 minute sessions before when I was really pushing it. And going only 20 minutes I could go harder, theoretically I could hit 450-500 in just 20 minutes.
Think about it. You've got an exercise that uses upper and lower body both. You can even get your core involved if you grab high up on the handles and twist with the motion. You can increase the resistance while still remaining very low impact. This means joint pain is not a limiting factor. You can produce some pretty incredible burns on an elliptical.
At the end of the day it all depends on the amount of effort you put forth so doing what you like and can sustain is most important. I am only trying to clarify that using an elliptical isn't some pathetic method that no one uses. It is probably one of the best overall cardio machines you can use, in fact.0 -
The only problem I have with Optimum Nutrition is how dang expensive it is, definitely not cheap that's for sure.
True! I usually wait for it to pop up on slickdeals.com when it's on sale and stock up. Any recommendations on a cheaper alternative?0 -
The only problem I have with Optimum Nutrition is how dang expensive it is, definitely not cheap that's for sure.
True! I usually wait for it to pop up on slickdeals.com when it's on sale and stock up. Any recommendations on a cheaper alternative?
Honestly, there's nothing wrong with the cheap stuff you find at Walmart. You can find a good size tub for only $15, as far as I'm concerned protein is protein. For the price of one tub of ON you can get like 4 tubs of the Walmart stuff, if you ever do decide to try it they have a chocolate peanut butter that's pretty good.0 -
Protein shakes can be used as a "meal replacement" if you wish to do so, the most important time to have a protein shake is right after a workout. I personally do both, I have one protein shake as a meal replacer and one shake immediately after a workout. If you have Casein protein that is what you would want to take before going to bed. For your cardio I'd suggest stop using the elliptical, that's cheating yourself and not much of a workout at all. Get on the treadmill, raise the incline to around 12 degrees to start, put the pace at a brisk walk level, and do this for 40-60 minutes. You will burn more calories than the elliptical and it isn't very strenuous for beginners at all.
I've lost 26 pounds since March doing a "cutting" phase with this kind of cardio and eating healthy, if anyone tells you that you have to run in order to lose weight then ignore anything they have to say and don't take their advice because they're clueless and feeding you crap.
Strange advice, no machine automatically burns more calories than another. It's all about level of effort. If you're just mailing it in on the elliptical then of course the dreadmill is going to burn more. And likewise. For me personally I find that the elliptical is much better because it engages upper and lower body and you can adjust the intensity too. So you can get a bigger burn in a smaller amount of time. Plus it's lower impact. Win/win situation.
At the end of the day it doesn't really matter what you use, do what you like and as long as you're putting in the effort.
Lol I didn't say that one machines burns more calories than the other. Doing the treadmill on an incline like I said also engages the upper and lower body, and you can also adjust the intensity. Sorry, but the elliptical is not even close to being better for losing weight, if that were the case than fitness models and bodybuilders would use them, but they don't.
With the elliptical you said you can get a "bigger burn in a smaller amount of time", after 20 minutes on the elliptical how many calories do you burn? Just curious
20 minutes, usually 400-ish calories at a fairly moderate pace (I don't push too hard, save the effort for lifting).
Hmmmmm, I have an extremely hard time believing 400 calories in 20 minutes on the elliptical.. I'd love to see an uploaded pic of your elliptical machine after you do your cardio on it to see those kinds of results.
I wasn't going to jump in on this conversation, but this argument popped up in another thread... like someone else said, its all about effort. If you put a treadmill at a 0.1 incline and walk at 15 minute miles, it will be hardly any effort, with no calorie burn.. the same is true for an elliptical.... no resistance equals no effort which equals no calorie burn... but, increase the incline, or the resistance, and the effort needed to walk, or move will increase, so the amount of calories burned will increase.... Simple.
If the effort is there, then it should not matter what equipment is used. Maybe you should try using an elliptical with a very high resistant level and see what it does
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