Protein Supplements?

[ASammy1]

Do you use a protein supplement and if so, what kind? Soy or whey?

[tulip]

I see no need for protein supplements, or any other supplements, if you eat a well-balanced and healthy diet and don't have any issues that require supplements. There have been lots of threads here about the benefits of eating whole foods over processed supplements.

That being said, if you are not eating a well-balanced and healthy diet for whatever reason, and you feel that you cannot do so, then perhaps protein and other supplements would be beneficial. When I was a vegetarian, I was not getting enough protein and so I made smoothies with Spiru-tein. I much prefer eating locally-raised meat and cooking real food, however, and I'm healthier now than I was then.

I'm sure others will have other opinions.

[beccaB]

I use the metabo-pro whey shake mix after a long ride. I try to get enough protein, but I just realized yesterday than I ate most of my meals for 2 days in the car while driving. (probably worse than using a cell phone) So I know I'm probably not eating well enough, and the vitamins and protein shake are like health insurance.

[ASammy1]

I eat very healthy, but my Dr doesn't think I'm getting enough protein in my diet. My tummy doesn't tolerate meat so well and I just cant get on the Tofu/soybean/nut bandwagon...

[Zen]

my Dr doesn't think I'm getting enough protein in my diet.

Based on what?
Low iron?
Something else?

Maybe this will help
http://stason.org/TULARC/food/vegeta...in-on-a-v.html
IMHOP skip the supplements.

[ASammy1]

Thanks Zen, that was helpful, and yes, my Iron count was low. I am slightly anemic.

[Zen]

I am slightly anemic.

So why not just give you iron supplements instead of overloading the kidneys with protein?

[ASammy1]

I'm on a few different meds right now and would rather alter my diet than take another "pill."

[Zen]

I'm on a few different meds right now and would rather alter my diet than take another "pill."

I know what you mean.
I take more pills than Janis Joplin in her prime but for a while there iron supplements just had to be taken. I'm no longer on them.

[tulip]

I eat very healthy, but my Dr doesn't think I'm getting enough protein in my diet. My tummy doesn't tolerate meat so well and I just cant get on the Tofu/soybean/nut bandwagon...

Maybe you could consult a nutritionist to learn about alternatives to meat that will still provide the nutrients you need. The bandwagon is tastier than it seems. I still eat tofu because I like it even though I'm no longer a vegetarian.

[violette]

Maybe you could consult a nutritionist to learn about alternatives to meat that will still provide the nutrients you need. The bandwagon is tastier than it seems. I still eat tofu because I like it even though I'm no longer a vegetarian.

What do you do with it. I eat tofu when I make a chinese hot and sour soup...Love it! What else would you cook it with?

[Zen]

Google
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&c...ecipes&spell=1

[roadie gal]

After a hard workout my stomach doesn't tolerate solid food for a few hours. So I'll make a recovery drink with juice, extra water and half a scoop of protein powder. The stuff I use is 80% whey and 20% soy. The whey is absorbed faster than the soy. This way I get the immediate post workout benefit of protein but I also don't get hungry as quickly because of the more slowly absorbed soy. Otherwise, I get my protein from food.

[RoadRaven]

I guess it always depends on why you think you need protein supplements, and yes, most people should be able to get what they need from a healthy diet.
If you were vegetarian, or had particulalr allergies then perhaps you need a protein supplement.

My partner is a top cyclist in our club, and is hoping to defend his national medal in his vet class (45-50years) this year. He bikes about 400-500km a week, though with Nationals only about 2 1/2 weeks away he is reducing that to about 300kms.

Thats alot of hours on the bike - but he has no protein supplement. He eats loads of fruit (fresh and dried), nuts and has beef or nutmeat most days. He eats no pasta or bread, having rice and sometimes crackers. He eats a little yoghurt or cheese sometimes, and has a low fat/low sugar milk on muesli several times a day.

Pre-race (his races are between 60-100km long) nutrition is usually a tin of pears, or a tin of creamed rice.

The only supplements he has are magnesium before and after longer or intense rides, and glucosimine when his knees play up.

Do consider why you need to buy supplements - I think alot of people are fooled by the marketing, and spend unnecessary dollars.