protein powders

[lala1]

Over the years I've seen that many of you use protein powders. I workout 6 days a week, doing cardio and Cathe weights (am just about to do my last STS plyo leg ). My questions are: why the protein powders, is extra protein necessary, should I think about incorporating them? And any other thought you may have!

 

[LaughingWater]

From what I've noticed, this issue is still being debated. What kind of protein? How much? Is one better than the other? Are the powders safe? There are a lot of different opinions out there.

Right now, I'm experimenting with a plant-based diet, which means I'll be working with a plant protein powder. Since I'm pretty new to plant-based protein (and beans are killin' me right now), I'll be depending on the powder initially to keep my protein up.

In addition, I'm going to start with 1 gram per kilogram, which means my protein intake will be about 16% of my daily calories. This is a lot lower than the 1 gram per pound some body builders recommend and what I've been doing up to this point.

I've been having success with STS so far, but that was before I gave up animal products. I start Meso 2 tomorrow and plan to keep careful track of my results. I'll let you guys know.

 

[Beavs]

I use them occasionally but I am always amazed at how people claim to eat clean but consume them on a regular basis (I confess to not being so squeaky clean). Not all powders are created equal so some might be good but others, not so much. I don't think they are necessary and even my PT advised me to stick with naturals sources and skip the powders. Do what works for you but I wouldn't go out of your way to add them (and they are pricey to boot).

 

[LaughingWater]

I'm turned off by the reliance of some on pills. An author of a Figure Athlete article shared her daily diet, and it seemed like she took a lot of pills in a 24 hour period (I think it was something called Hot Rox). Maybe they help. *shrug* I simply can't stand the idea of swallowing more than a couple a day, and I have no clue what's in the stuff she was taking.

Like Beavs mentioned, not all powders are alike. If you do choose to try some, read up on your options and decide how important the ingredient list is going to be to you. For example, I like BSN's Lean Dessert (Banana Nut ), but I'm not so sure about the sweeteners. Plus it's not plant-based, so I'd be off it anway, but let's say that particular fact didn't matter to me...I'd still question things like corn syrup solids and sucralose.

By contrast, the hemp powder I'm hoping to pick up today has only 5 ingredients, and nothing I can't pronouce or recognize. Another has only 1 ingredient ~ hemp. They'll probably taste like crap, but what the heck.

 

[kathryn]

IMO, many people overdo on both protein powders and especially protein bars (which usually have worse ingredients).

I think this makes the manufacturers very happy (and guess where most of the info of the 'usefulness' of protein powders and bars comes from?), but is not necessary if you eat a balanced diet (ie: not a junk-food diet, and not based on citrus fruits, about the only two ways of eating--while getting enough calories-- that could lead to protein deficiency, which is called kwashiorkwor).

If you do want to add more protein to your diet, I recommend using hemp seeds, or hemp protein powder (that would work well for you as well, Laughingwater). Hemp protein is raw (studies at the Max Plank institute in Germany found that when cooked, protein becomes 50% unusable), contains edistin and albumin--which are very well-digested and assimilated proteins--as well as omega 6 and 3 fatty acids (the seeds, not so much the protein powder, which has some of the fat removed).

 

[lala1]

Thanks everyone, I knew I could count on "this educated crowd"

 

[babindy]

By contrast, the hemp powder I'm hoping to pick up today has only 5 ingredients, and nothing I can't pronouce or recognize. Another has only 1 ingredient ~ hemp. They'll probably taste like crap, but what the heck.

I use both the hemp seeds and the hemp protein powder. I refer to the hemp powder as my 'dirt'. I can only take it in my green smoothies. Otherwise, not so much I'm also plant based and not so sure on the protein controversy. I eat a LOT of leafy greens which are a good source of protein. But I guess I'm hedging my bets.