Protein Shakes

firemedic

firemedic

Cathlete
I wanted to know more about protein shakes. I was told before that if I was to have a protein shake, that it would need to be counted as a meal. Is this true? I've been reading some info on them but I'm just confused as to when I should drink one and do they really have that many calories that it counts as a meal? I would most likely mix it with water since I have a low tolerance for dairy if this helps. Any help, from anyone, would be great for confused me!!!

Kim
 
When I make mine they count as a meal since I add a lot to it, I add kale, spinach, coconut water, fruit, and the protein. The calorie count is about 4-500. If you are not going to add anything to it you would only have the protein calories (most seem to be around 80-100 calories). I really like my shakes so I don't mind using them as a meal. Ideally you should consume protein of some sort within 15-30" after your w/o. It really is a personal preference since you can get protein from various sources, I just happen to be lazy and find the protein shakes more convenient with my lifestyle. Play around with your protein sources and see what works best for you.
Hope this helps.
 
I'm the opposite of psusoccer. I eat my protein shake as a snack. I do use my blender because I add ice and frozen fruit, but that's all I add. So, in my shakes I put one scoop protein powder (around 120 cals), a small handful of frozen fruit, ice, and enough water to get it to come together. Probably around 175 calories.

I agree with the advice to play around with what works best for your schedule, your hunger levels, your taste preferences. It's really your choice!

Also, want to add that since you have problems with dairy, be careful with the protein powder you select. There are many that contain dairy. If you don't want to hassle with the fine print on all the protein powder labels, your best bet would probably be to choose a vegan protein powder. I really like the Plant Fusion brand. The Sun Warrior brand is good too.
 
I have my protein drink immediately after my lifting. But it is not a high calorie shake or smoothie, it's a straight protein drink (low calorie, high protein, with zero carbs). So this I don't count as my meal.
 
*Supposedly* its 45 minutes to an hour that is your best time to take in 15 to 25 grams of protein after a workout. Your body is most receptive to taking up the good stuff that protein synthesis is all about.

I use Blue Bonnet whey protein and Whey Factors protein because I believe their profile is cleaner then most.

I don't include this as a meal, and if you are lifting weights, these are calories you shouldn't worry over.
 
Pre - Post workout shake or Food consumption

I do workout first thing in the morning and prefer my cardio on an empty stomach. It is a habit now. I only eat a fruit if i am running late as per my usual early morning schedule;).

I take a shake after lifting. I keep it simple with less than 3 ingredients...Pea protein, tea spoon of baobab superfood powder and 1/2 banana.

I like my protein free of GMO and additives. I do go for isolate protein.

http://www.myprotein.com/home.dept

I do have a protein snack in evening; probiotic/greek yoghurt, whey protein and egg white liquid from cartons.

To add: I do make my own latte in morning made of coffee and soya milk *No added sugar* . I love it;););). it's my *cheat* which help keeping hunger at bay!:D:D:D

All the best,
 
Thanks for all the input, it really helps. Just one more question. I like to work out twice a day, am and pm. Should I have one after both workouts? I sometimes also do cardio am and lifting weights pm. If I only have it once a day, which is better am or pm? Or do I go by the workout, weights or cardio?
 
firemedic said:
Thanks for all the input, it really helps. Just one more question. I like to work out twice a day, am and pm. Should I have one after both workouts? I sometimes also do cardio am and lifting weights pm. If I only have it once a day, which is better am or pm? Or do I go by the workout, weights or cardio?
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If you decide you only want one protein shake a day, it is better to have it after lifting weights and it doesn't matter if you lift in the morning or evening, just have that protein after you lift :) . Sometimes I have a shallow scoop of protein before I lift weights if its going to be a heavy session.
 
I have the same type of drink as DirtDiva - Blue Bonnet Whey Protein . I just mix a big scoop with cold water and drink it after lifting . It really makes me feel better if I'm wiped out and also seems to reduce the DOMS the next day . I've heard that some people get stomach cramps from the high volume of protein , but I have no problems with it .
 
I have been using BiPro protein shake mix. It is whey and unflavored. I like it alot since I am not locked into a flavor. It is a very simple, gluten free option. Chris Freytag often promotes it.
 
DirtDiva said:
If you decide you only want one protein shake a day, it is better to have it after lifting weights and it doesn't matter if you lift in the morning or evening, just have that protein after you lift :) . Sometimes I have a shallow scoop of protein before I lift weights if its going to be a heavy session.
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To firemedic,

To add to what DirtDiva has stated above, I would, if i was lifting evening, make sure the protein powder does not contain any stimulant. Some do contain caffein therefore the last thing you need is being awake to long during the evening!

That is just a fact to bear in mind. That one of the reason i prefer unflavoured protein with zero stimulant content!

For me it is all about full control and knowledge of what you are consuming.

From my own personal experience, lifting evening can keep me over excited and buzzing till too late:D. I can not lift after 8pm.

Sleep, sleep and Sleep is very important ;-)

All the best,
 
nckfitheart2009 said:
To firemedic,

To add to what DirtDiva has stated above, I would, if i was lifting evening, make sure the protein powder does not contain any stimulant. Some do contain caffein therefore the last thing you need is being awake to long during the evening!

That is just a fact to bear in mind. That one of the reason i prefer unflavoured protein with zero stimulant content!

For me it is all about full control and knowledge of what you are consuming.

From my own personal experience, lifting evening can keep me over excited and buzzing till too late:D. I can not lift after 8pm.

Sleep, sleep and Sleep is very important ;-)

All the best,
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Great point about caffeine. I know that Blue Bonnet and Whey Factors (chocolate and vanilla flavors) have zero stimulant, they are about as clean as I can find and afford.

I'm always amazed at how different we all are. Sometimes I'm lifting weights after midnight in my dungeon gym, clanging away and thankful I live in my own home. On the rare times I can't sleep, I lift weights...go figure and I totally agree on sleep, muscle is made in the the bed.
 
Well you all guys have a really good information bout the protein shakes..
It's really wonderful.. I was also looking for these suggestions which you have here in this topic.. Let me know one more thing which is the most best protein shake..?


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