whey protein shakes

2poodles

How important are they? I've heard that drinking one after a weight training session is a good idea. I've also heard they don't taste good. If it is important, does anyone have a favorite brand? I'm not a milk drinker, so I wouldn't mix the powder with milk. Any recommendations re: brand, what to mix it with and how often/much? TIA?

apointe

I'd be interested in suggestions too. I had about 4oz of a Designer Whey strawberry shake yesterday (my SO has one every morning for breakfast) after my workout and it tasted gross to say the least.

I would mix with milk ... any good brands?

badgercurls

I use GNC's vanilla flavored whey powder. It's not particularly great, but it doesn't taste that bad and it was on sale when I bought it. I mix it with OJ and chug it after a workout. If I sip it, it's not so great because it tends to be clump. If I have extra time, I blend it with frozen fruit and OJ and it makes a really GREAT smoothie.

lb612

I use Optimum Nutrition Whey in Chocolate. It's kind of an acquired taste...it takes a while to get used to. Usually I have one in the afternoon before a workout, I mix 1 scoop with 6 oz water or milk.

I've also added it to oatmeal in the morning for breakfast. It's pretty good, especially the Quaker Baked Apple kind with a scoop of vanilla protein. try it!

2poodles

Thanks for the recs. If I'm still wanting to lose about 15 pounds, does it make sense to add the protein shakes? I know that more muscle = greater fat burning, but does the added protein really make it that much easier to add muscle? Is it worth the additional calories? Trying to figure it all out... TIA!

Snarls

I don't have the answers you're looking for. Just wanted to say that you can also get egg white protein product. Haven't tried it, don't know how it tastes. (lots of questions, though...do they have a machine that separates the eggs? how does THAT work? and what are the yolks used for? and do they cleanse the shells first and how do they keep the egg from coming in contact with a potentially contaminated outer shell?)

Another alternative is yogurt or cottage cheese.