100% Whey Protein

[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.

[Dogmama]

Try a health food store. Sometimes they'll have small packets of whey protein.

[weathergal]

Thanks for the tip. I'll have to make a trip over to Garden City or Wichita soon, since the only place we have in this town is GNC, and they don't have samples.

[CycleTherapy]

Speaking of Whey protein.....

Just made this smoothie recipe for a Mocha Protein Smoothie. It tasted like a Starbuck's Mocha Frappuccino. I gave up coffee/caffeine 6 months ago, so I substituted Cafix (an organic coffee-substitute) for the 1/2 cup coffee. It's easy and tastes great.

* 1/2 cup coffee or herbal coffee substitute, already prepared/brewed
* 1/2 cup organic frozen yogurt. low-fat or non-fat
* 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder. I use Uni-Pro's Perfect Protein.
* 2-4 ice cubes

[Bikingmomof3]

Speaking of Whey protein.....

Just made this smoothie recipe for a Mocha Protein Smoothie. It tasted like a Starbuck's Mocha Frappuccino. I gave up coffee/caffeine 6 months ago, so I substituted Cafix (an organic coffee-substitute) for the 1/2 cup coffee. It's easy and tastes great.

* 1/2 cup coffee or herbal coffee substitute, already prepared/brewed
* 1/2 cup organic frozen yogurt. low-fat or non-fat
* 1 scoop chocolate whey protein powder. I use Uni-Pro's Perfect Protein.
* 2-4 ice cubes

I am going to try this, it sounds delicious.