Protein shakes

[yankeecandlebabypowder]

Anyone take them??? I'm toying with the idea of starting with them. I'm a runner (10ks/HM) and I do 45 mins of weights at the gym 2-3 times a week. I've noticed a change in my physique over the last few weeks, I'm gaining a fair bit of muscle (which I love but DH isn't keen!). My diet isn't the best at including a bit of everything, I'm a bit of a carb monster more than anything but I use it up at the gym so I'm not that bothered about cutting down.

So I'm interested to see how many ladies use shakes & which ones/how often etc.

[DoctorDonnaNoble]

I take them if I've done a double class I also put a half scoop in my morning porridge as it feels me up more.
I also have one after my long runs when they go over 6 miles. I use phd woman ones. You get a free hoody and shaker at the moment on their website.

[yankeecandlebabypowder]

wow they are expensive aren't they?? My local gym manager has said he'd get some stuff in for me through the gym but I'm not sure which ones as there are so many available!

[DoctorDonnaNoble]

The way I use them they last a long time!
But yes they can be expensive. One of my students is off at an England rugby training camp and trains with Northampton Saints. He gets through a lot!

[Littlepumpkinpie]

I use them after weight training along with a few other supplements. My protein are pretty cheap and have good deals on most of the time. I notice a difference if I have not taken mine.

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

Yep, I use the shakes and the protein bars - if I have a shake I make it with almond milk or sometimes put a scoop in my porridge.

Myprotein.com is fab - they do some great flavours and are the nicest ones I have found.

[applejelly]

I make a smoothie with the chocolate flavour Maxitone Definity one, a banana and a scoop of oats, which I have for breakfast 2 hours before a run. Sometimes have one after a run too. As a vegetarian it's an easy way to ensure my protein intake is high enough on running days. I would prefer to get it from real food if possible but for now this is what works for me.

[Lazysuzanne]

I think they are over rated, I'm vegetarian, and a regular strength trainer, never use them I find normal food is perfectly adequate although I am quite strict about what I eat.

I seriously doubt that your muscle gains will be compromised by lack of protein, unless your diet is very poor.

[Mrs3chins]

Sorry to hijack but could someone please explain the purpose/benefits of protein shakes? I'm a relatively new runner and currently training for a hm doing approx 3 runs a week. Would they be a good idea?

[Lazysuzanne]

The purpose is to swell the profits of the company that sells them

[Mitchy1nge]

I've still got huge tubs of optimum nutrition gold standard something or other, it was helpful I think for adding useful calories without eating more food, was putting them in smoothies with frozen spinach and chia seeds and shit

I think the idea is that protein helps you to recover from that sort of exercise and that this particular form is more portable than suddenly scrambling a couple of eggs

they all taste yuck and I was definitely using it as an excuse to not eat, was just being lazy basically

[BettySwollocksandaCrustyRack]

Yes, I use protein shakes as a supplement, not instead of a meal. They are to help your muscles recover after exercise and like mitchy said, they are more accessible than scrambled egg or steak or something.

I've come across some really rank ones but the ones I have at the moment are really delicious, and I have them with almond milk rather than water which makes them even nicer - esp warmed up :)

[kaumana]

I don't use them as a meal replacement but to help muscle recovery. As said above far quicker than eggs or steak.

Unless you are seriously training hard, suffering from DOMS etc. I don't think you'll need to bother with it.

[Lazysuzanne]

I train seriously hard, I have DOMS after weight training, thats proper 'training like a man' bodybuilding style 3 way split with 4-5 heavy sessions a week.
Plus cardio, and I find food perfectly adequate.

Not saying there's anything wrong with them, very handy if you just can't get enough calories down your neck to fuel your training, but there's nothing 'magic' about them which makes them any better than food.

[MrChow]

I'm getting some protein shakes soon. I have been looking them up, and its a minefield.

It won't be for meal replacement but an addition to, and to add to recipes and porridge. Can anyone recommend a low sugar/carb one please?

[Lazysuzanne]

And drinking calories is a great way to get fat!