Protein Shakes

[something]

Originally Posted by blankall

I'm using a lot of protein supplements right now. Although I think lean meats are ideal, they're not always practical.

Compared to protein powder and supplements, whole foods are never practical; unless of course, you consider the spectrum of nutrients to be found in whole foods a criterion of practicality in which case this argument goes out the window.

What I am saying is that people treat supplements as a source of nutrition, rather than as a mere supplement.

The cost/benefit argument doesn't hold water for me either, as you are getting only a portion of the nutritional benefit as you would from lean meats.

I recommend to others to use supplements under the condition that their diet is currently satisfactory (and I am stringent on the term satisfactory).

I don't know your diet, nor do I know how much time you have on the typical day. I do recommend though, to not let yourself be tricked by the facility of suplpements - do research, educate yourself, and in time you will develop dieting strategies to overcome what you currently perceive as obstacles to being healthier.

[something]

Originally Posted by BEANZ

I have been working out every morning for about 3 months and am actually in the market for a drink that I can have right after working out. Typically I head straight to the office after my workout and have a snack which is either steel cut oats or a bowl of yogurt with pomagranate seeds. But I find that I am usually not hungry so am almost forcing myself to eat and to be honest I would sooner enjoy my snack later in the day.

I am not looking to bulk up, just want a good recovery drink that will help with muscle development and get some additional protien. As a newbie to the gym I have never taken a drink of this nature so any advice would be great. Please also include cost as I cannot see myself taking a drink that is several bucks per use.

Thanks in advance!

I keep thanking people instead of hitting the quote button... Oh well... You're welcome.

I am going to presume that all you want is a protein powder and have no specific preferences.

Go to this site:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/goalprotein.htm

You can arrange by price, by rating, or by most sold.

A "complete" recovery drink would be the following:

http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/cs/monstermilk.html

The Monster Milk has all your macronutrients, along with a few key micronutrients. Additionally, the mix emphasizes BCAA's and Glutamine (both essential to recovery). As a bonus, it has Kre-Alkalyn, a buffered form of creatine (though I am not particularly fond of it... there has been anecdotal evidence suggesting it's effectiveness). The recommended servings, for the casual user, are in my opinion, too much. You can half the serving size and get 48 servings from the 4.44 Lb container, making each serving not much more than a loonie.

[Pinner]

My morning smoothie has evolved since I got on this routine 5 months ago.

Aprox.

-med banana
-1 cup 4 berry mix (straw,black,rasp,blue)
-1/2 cup cranberry
-2 tbsp cocoa powder
-2 tbsp flax meal
-1 1/2 cups 1% milk

I've never really considered supplements.

[GreenLantern]

I get all of my supplements from fitnessone.com

Usually 30-50% less than buying it at GNC or Pop Eyes. Shipping can be a bit pricey so better to split it up with buddies, but still overall will save you money. Takes 5-10 business days to arrive.

[GreenLantern]

Originally Posted by BEANZ

I have been working out every morning for about 3 months and am actually in the market for a drink that I can have right after working out. Typically I head straight to the office after my workout and have a snack which is either steel cut oats or a bowl of yogurt with pomagranate seeds. But I find that I am usually not hungry so am almost forcing myself to eat and to be honest I would sooner enjoy my snack later in the day.

I am not looking to bulk up, just want a good recovery drink that will help with muscle development and get some additional protien. As a newbie to the gym I have never taken a drink of this nature so any advice would be great. Please also include cost as I cannot see myself taking a drink that is several bucks per use.

Thanks in advance!

Protein powder is often mis interpretated as something that will buff you up. You aren't going to get huge off of this one shake, those people you see pounding the shakes in the dressing room with arms so big they can barely bend them are doing steroids. You aren't going to see significant gains like that unless you diet extremely hard and eat a crap load of protein each day, lift extremely heavy and follow a strict regime, or take Vitamin S.

So do not be scared to down a scoop of Isolate Whey protein after your work out mixed with water or milk or whatever you want, to give your body something to recover its muscles.

If you want to keep it simple, just drink 500 mls of chocolate milk.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by BEANZ

I have been working out every morning for about 3 months and am actually in the market for a drink that I can have right after working out. Typically I head straight to the office after my workout and have a snack which is either steel cut oats or a bowl of yogurt with pomagranate seeds. But I find that I am usually not hungry so am almost forcing myself to eat and to be honest I would sooner enjoy my snack later in the day.

I am not looking to bulk up, just want a good recovery drink that will help with muscle development and get some additional protien. As a newbie to the gym I have never taken a drink of this nature so any advice would be great. Please also include cost as I cannot see myself taking a drink that is several bucks per use.

Thanks in advance!

250mL of chocolate milk.

Or 500mL. Which IMO is better.

[something]

Originally Posted by GreenLantern

...those people you see pounding the shakes in the dressing room with arms so big they can barely bend them are doing steroids.

Not really...

[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by Pinner

My morning smoothie has evolved since I got on this routine 5 months ago.

Aprox.

-med banana
-1 cup 4 berry mix (straw,black,rasp,blue)
-1/2 cup cranberry
-2 tbsp cocoa powder
-2 tbsp flax meal
-1 1/2 cups 1% milk

I've never really considered supplements.

Key word in supplement is supplement.
There's too much all or nothing arguments about them on the internet. Most people don't "need" them if you're diet is enough to fuel your workout routine and goals.
Having said that, adding some in to aid in that process, and fill gaps that are hard to fill with your diet isn't a big deal IMO.
I workout first thing in the morning and hate going to the gym with any sort of full feeling in my stomach, so I use a supplement that energizes me, wakes me up and pumps me up though my workout.
Sure I could have a coffee and some fruit instead, but this works better for me, is quicker and has given me great results.