100% Whey Protein

[suhollyberry]

Anyone drink this after working out? I just bought it yesterday from GNC. I don't want to gain any weight (in fact, I want to lose weight) so I'm going to account for the extra cals in the protein.

For those that drink protein shakes...benefits? effects on weight loss? recipes?

Thanks!

[Brandy]

I use it almost everyday. I make protein shakes with frozen strawberries, protein powder and fat free milk. I usually count it as a meal.

[Artisan]

I've always been afraid of taking the whey protein for fear of weight gain. After a lot of convincing from my son I started on it. I've actually lost weight since starting it, but I must mention I've also increased my training.

[caligurl]

i did for a while... but i couldn't afford the extra calories... and i can't just have a shake for a meal.... i'm starving again in an hour! i need healthy food with substance.... that "stays" with me a while!

[Tiffanie]

I've been using it for quite awhile - most often right after a weightlifting session. I'll make it a full meal though, usually using NF milk, peanut butter, banana and a scoop of protein. With all of that, it definitely fills me up.

If I know I won't be home right after a workout, I'll bring a scoop with me to the gym and just add water to it before I head out.

It's really good for muscle recovery.

Oh, I always add it to my oatmeal, too - with freeze dried strawberries. YUM!!

[caligurl]

i tried adding it to my oatmeal once... it turned it into the NASTIEST consistency.... yuck! lol!

ya... for those of you can can be filled up with a shake... that's great! but i really need something like oatmeal.... or my kashi cereal for brekky!

(but then.... even with my riding and workouts... i'm REALLY limited on the calories i can eat... which is probably why i'm one of the few people that GAINED weight after i started riding! *mad*)

[chickwhorips]

i did a web search for recipes one time and i could believe how many showed up. i found a great one, but of course i didn't write it down or save the link.

it was something like this though:
1 cup milk
1 scoop chocolate whey protein
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
add some ice cubes and blend.

i would have a baked potato with it and call it a meal. i can't have all that protein on an empty stomach, i get such a bad tummy ache.

my bf made one with oatmeal one time, it was super good but can't find that recipe either. sorry.

[Tiffanie]

i tried adding it to my oatmeal once... it turned it into the NASTIEST consistency.... yuck! lol!

I think it depends on the brand. I had one that did that but the kind I use now is pretty smooth - no chunks. ewwwwww!!

[Bikingmomof3]

I have used GNC's 100% whey protein powder for a long time. I use it in smoothies, recipes, and a protein pudding-which is delicious. The pudding recipe: 1 box sugar free, fat free pudding, 2 cups fat free milk, 2 scoops protein powder. Blend until smooth. Makes 4 servings. Chill and eat plain, with some walnuts or 2 tbsp fat-free cool whip-for a mousse tecxture. I count it as a meal and usually have it after a workout. I have been using this product for a 1 1/2-started when I decided i shed my execess weight and gain lean muscle mass. I have shed 65 pounds of fat, gained leaned muscle and rid myselfe of 64" overall.

[emily_in_nc]

Awesome, Jennifer! You rock!!! Congratulations on your many healthy accomplishments!

I am glad you posted since several of the earlier posters to this thread indicated that they avoid protein powder because it adds additional calories. Well, yes, that's true, but it's high-quality protein; something many athletes (and yes, we are athletes here!) don't get enough of. It's also a low-fat protein source. So, I think it's great stuff and add it to quite a few foods. We add it to pancake mixes, oatmeal, muffins, and Endurox recovery drink for after a workout. It's really not something that should cause weight gain, so long as you don't go overboard.

Emily

[Bikingmomof3]

Thank you Emily. We also use it in whole wheat pancakes, muffins, and smoothies.

[Pascale]

Ok, as a disclaimer I will say that I am a distributor for nutritional supplements, including protein shakes, but this is what I do know about protein shakes. Wellness and weight management is my focus - I am not trying to promote my own line here - I am here to learn from all of YOU!

Protein only adds about 20 calories for each 6 grams - so if it is high-quality low fat protein source, it shouldn't be a huge concern. Whey protein is a fast-acting protein and will be assimilated into your body quickly (making you feel full quickly). Soy-based protein is a long-acting protein, which makes you feel fuller longer (so it's GREAT for weight-loss).

Most American women are protein deficient - although the RDA says we should have something like 40-50 grams of protein a day, that's simply to keep you alive, lol - optimal for women is 75-125 grams of lean protein a day (1 gram of protein for each lb of lean body mass). Remmember that protein builds muscle - and muscle burns 14 calories per lb, while fat burns 2 calories per pound.

My favorite shake recipe is taking my vanilla soy shake powder to 8 oz of soy milk in a blender, adding about one scoop (6 grams) of the soy/whey additive and a cup of FROZEN blueberries and blending it - I swear it's better than a Dairy Queen shake - it's cold and thick and really has to be eaten with a spoon - and since blueberries are one of the highest quality sources of antioxidants, it's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good for you!

[Dogmama]

As an addendum to the above post - whey protein is best taken after exercise because it is quickly assimilated. Casein protein is assimilated more slowly and is better for a mid-afternoon snack (e.g., cottage cheese with sliced strawberries and a little splenda - my current fav.)

I put a dash of vanilla whey protein in my water bottle with Cytomax. It tastes like a smoothie and helps retain/build muscle mass, as the protein is used by the muscles during exercise. I also take a bottle of regular water for normal hydration.

[weathergal]

Does anyone know if any protein powder brands sell trial sizes of their product? I have trouble tolerating powdered drink mixes due to a bad experience with SlimFast in my teens. Last time I tried some whey powder it reminded me too much of that, and I ended up tossing most of it. I'd like to try again with another brand or flavor, but am leary about spending the money and then having it go to waste.