protein shakes

[Elroy Blue]

I've been going to the gym for years, just to keep a decent level of fitness. However, a knee injury last year means I can't run any more. Thought I'd change tack completely and started doing a weights regime. Not to look like Arnie, but just to tone up a bit. Built up gradually and once I started a reasonable programme, I found I got quite tired during my workout. Protein shakes were recommended and I have used them for a few months now. They do seem to help, but I'm never sure exactly when I should be taking them.

I've just bought some of this:

http://www.discount-supplements.co.uk/sports-suppl...

I usually take it before my workout, as it seems to give me energy (usually workout in the morning). But to get max benefit, should I be taking it before, after or both??

[Stoatman]

TO be honest mate , as its just straight protein the carb level will be low and I would be surprised if it gave you much energy. It will help building lean muscle though . For me shakes are most important as soon as you get up and after the gym. Even then though, a dose of carbs with the shake after the gym will also help recovery.

Something like this before and after training would help give energy and help recovery :

http://www.discount-supplements.co.uk/sports-suppl...

You could then use your protein as a great lean source at say breakfast time or before bed.

ALso depends on what your diet is like , if you have time for a good healthy breakfast a shake may be not required . Likewise at night time. But they are very convenient.

[Elroy Blue]

I only take them when I go to the gym. Is it worthwhile taking one every day.

[Halb]

Frankeh said:

Taste is probably the only thing we should really be discussing in relation to different protein powders. Effectiveness between two brands would be hearsay at best.

Then there's the placebo effect to take into account when claims such as one brand helping recovery more than another.

I broadly agree. I tasted the best one ever years ago (picture of Dorian on the tub) and have been trying to find one like it again. It was like the best banana milkshake, most taste like powdery crap in comparison.

Elroy Blue said:

I only take them when I go to the gym. Is it worthwhile taking one every day.

If you are working enough it might be. There are predrinks, postdrinks, it an do you head in. Worlds apart from the days when protein powder meant drinking something disgusting called carob.

[Stoatman]

Yes definitely worth taking one every day in my opinion . Your body is trying to repair itself after the previous days efforts at the gym. In fact, to a point nutrition between sessions is key to development and speed of gains.

Personally I would have 2 a day at a minimum. Even when not training . Morning and night .

In my mind , I try and keep it simple. Protein and carbs morning and after training . Just protein at all other times.

Some of the dearer shakes have readily digestible forms of protein including more aminos and say added glutamine. The cheaper ones are still a good source of protein but can contain more sugar and can take longer to digest and can give a bloated feeling in my experience.

For example :
Best Digested and expensive
http://www.myprotein.com/uk/products/hydrolysed_wh...

Check out the labels on the one you are thinking of buying to see sugar , carb , fat content and the type of protein you are getting.

[Frankeh]

Just had my delivery from myprotein. Ordered late friday afternoon with free delivery and it arrived an hour ago. Not bad!

Went for the 'Total Protein - Chocolate Smooth' so will review when I get home.

Also bought some straps as I was having problems with my grip during bent over rows.

[LordGrover]

If you're struggling with grip for rows, how're you getting n with deadlifts?
Should be way heavier and similar grip, no? More likely a mental thing with the rows, try to persevere if possible. The best way to improve your grip is to use your grip.

[Frankeh]

Grip on deads is fine, but that's because the grip isn't sustained as long as with bent over rows and I also use and under/over grip during deads.

Also I don't really value grip strength.

[Otto]

You might not value grip strength on its own, but it's pretty key to performing exercises that target other areas - chins, deadlifts etc.

It's just part of the 'well rounded' workout package, and you will thank yourself later if you work on developing your grip better.

[BettySwollocks2]

have fun with the chocolate smooth, personally, i LOVED the taste for about 3 days then realised it was waaaaay too sweet. just finished a bag of total protein strawberry cream, that was similar.

ordered 5kg of impact whey thursday and they arrived friday afternoon, Raspberry flavour, initial tastes are good. see how I get on for the next couple of months with it!

[Frankeh]

Lots of reviews say it's too sweet but chocolate is the only flavour I like other than banana but I had banana last time round. It's not that important to me as it's just there to do a job and £50 for 5KG is a pretty good price! 2 months worth at 3 scoops a day!

[Ordinary_Chap]

LordGrover said:

If you're struggling with grip for rows, how're you getting n with deadlifts?
Should be way heavier and similar grip, no? More likely a mental thing with the rows, try to persevere if possible. The best way to improve your grip is to use your grip.

This is what I do, I use my own grip until its gone and then resort to straps to finish off deadlifts and other exercises.

My grip strength is pretty average and often holds me back but it is slowly improving. After the car accident I've really struggled with my grip and wrists. I also use wrist strapping which helps.

[ukwill]

Ordinary_Chap said:

This is what I do, I use my own grip until its gone and then resort to straps to finish off deadlifts and other exercises.

My grip strength is pretty average and often holds me back but it is slowly improving. After the car accident I've really struggled with my grip and wrists. I also use wrist strapping which helps.

Me too. I do the same. When I get to about 5@110kg on the deads my grip is pretty much done. I put straps on and then I can keep pushing on upwards for a several more sets. I try to eek out a few more kgs raw every month or so.

Are those grip trainers any good?

[LordGrover]

Never used the spring grippy things, but I gather using a larger diameter bar or a sleeve is the best bet for improving grip. Anyone done so?

[ukwill]

LordGrover said:

Never used the spring grippy things, but I gather using a larger diameter bar or a sleeve is the best bet for improving grip. Anyone done so?

I have tried those fat grips in the past. Whilst Im sure if i persevered with them they would be beneficial, I just didnt like the increased circumference.








but then I have a small willy.

[Frankeh]

The 'Smooth chocolate' from myprotein is very sweet as stated. Not really to my taste but not enough to bother me.
Doesn't make a thick shake, either. Tasted more like chocolate water, imo. Again, nothing all that wrong with that as I just drink it for its utility.

If you want to enjoy your protein shake then I wouldn't recommend this stuff. Haven't tried it in milk, though! Might improve it slightly.

[ybt1982]

Hi all

Very new to this but i thought this would be a good place to start.

As it goes i have real problems eating in the mornings, have to be up and at work at 5am-ish and just the thought of food makes me gag. I drive HGV's andneglect to take food with me so at the moment i only eat once a day, not good i know.

Question is what kind of thing can i have in the morning and lunch instead of food, something like this maybe:

http://www.discount-supplements.co.uk/xl-nutrition...

or is this better:

http://www.discount-supplements.co.uk/sports-suppl...

Or am i in dream world thinking that a 'shake' can replace breakfast and lunch?

Edit to add, I have just checked out the myprotein site, would the Breakfast mix and Total MRP do the trick as a substitute for brekky and lunch?

Edited by ybt1982 on Monday 5th March 17:39

[Frankeh]

No reason not to take food with you for lunch.

For my lunch I make this the night before work:

1 chicken breast (Pre cooked in a packet from supermarket for ease)
Half a red onion
150g wholewheat pasta
50g of red pesto
20g mayo
black olives
1 green pepper

It's about 700 calories and damn filling. Alternatively look at Intermittent fasting as you're essentially already doing it.

Basically you fast for 17 hours, eat for 7. It's apparently very effective.

So you'd just eat all your meals when you get home, but it's a lot to eat in just 7 hours.

[ybt1982]

I can sort something for lunch that isnt a problem, but what about breakfast. Will the myprotein TotalBreakfast do the trick?

[Frankeh]

Well if you really can't eat in the morning then it's better than nothing! Whole foods are generally better than relying on supplements though.

I used to have trouble eating breakfast (Used to make me feel sick too), but when I started working out I forced myself to do it. Now I have bacon, eggs, sausage and toast every day and it's fantastic. The sausages and bacon can be cooked on sunday night for the rest of the week, then just warm them up in the microwave.

Scrambled eggs don't take long at all anyway, 50 seconds if you do them in the microwave!

All in all my breakfast takes about 5 minutes to cook in the morning.