Protein powders

[AutisticLegoLover]

My protein intake could do with a boost and I've been thinking about protein powders for a while. Are they any good? Do they taste nice? Do I have to make a shake or can I add it to my porridge? I don't want to add too many calories to my diet as I'm one the final push to lose tne last pound of weight then maintain. thank you.

I only use them on days I do strength training. Either as a shake or in my overnight oats. I like my chocolate flavour one but regret the vanilla one, too sickly sweet.

I much prefer the clear whey isolate ones. You can get some nice fruit flavours, add water and ice and it's a nice refreshing drink.

You can stir into porridge or use to make protein pancakes, you don't have to drink it neat.

In terms of flavour/ brands it come down to personal preference, don't buy a big container of any of them incase you don't like it!

I can't do the milkshakes, they are too claggy for me, but the whey isolate is like squash in taste and texture and so I find that much easier.

Like this one
(Never pay full price from MyProtein, they rotate the deals/offer codes, I look to pay about 60% of the RRP from them at the absolute most)

I honestly believe they do make a difference.
What are your calorie needs and your goal weight? I try to aim for 1g of protein per 1lb of what my target weight is. Some people say it's best to go for 1g of protein per 1lb of current weight but depending on your current weight, that can be difficult.
This is where protein powders come into play. They are great way of upping protein intake when your balanced diet alone isn't cutting it. I like PHD diet whey. It's 91cal per scoop, to be mixed with water and it's 17g of protein. Flavours are hit and miss. Berry or chocolate ones seem mostly 'hit'
If you have a good calorie budget (I don't) then there are lots of amazing ones out there to choose from. I like PHD as it has casein in and it's a good between meal or before bed option and it fluffs up when blended with ice or frozen fruits.

My goal weight is 54.5kg. I'm 54.9kg now. I'm veggie but don't eat eggs or nuts or pulses except lentils occasionally.. I add chia to my porridge and my Greek yogurt. I'd probably prefer something to add to the porridge and/or as a drink.

Protein Works looks ok and the price isn't too bad. Has anyone tried it?

Due to intolerances my diet can be quite limited at times. I’ve found protein powder really helpful, not because I exercise but because my intake was severely low. I use one from my protein and it doesn’t taste too bad. I haven’t tried it in porridge or yogurt but I do use almond milk instead of water which make it more creamy. It’s also good with water but the milk just makes it more tasty.

I’m lucky in that I can eat eggs but I can’t have them too often. I use chia seeds and include tofu in my diet which helps.

I try to have 1 x clear whey drink with my lunch or dinner and mix one scoop of whey powder into kefir with some fruit, chia seeds, and seed mix.

I am trying to get some spirulina in as well but it's gross.

Also if you don't mind carbs then warburtons plant bread is 8g a slice so really good with some smoked salmon.

There is a low carb bread that I really like called Livlife. It’s only small slices but 2 of them are 160cal, 6.8 carbs and 17.2 protein

Skyr is high protein and I like the Bulk vanilla whey protein

Lidl and aldi do nice protein puddings and yoghurts.

@Sunnylassie I will look at that thank you.

Thank you. I don't eat bread very often at all but have no issues with eating carbs. I've ordered some soya milk with my food delivery for tomorrow and think I'll try the millionaires shortbread from protein works. I'm thinking it might help with my cravings for sweets and sweet stuff and fill me up rather than just fill me with sugar. If it was £5 a packet I'd give a few a try but sadly it's not.

Some of those bars have high sugar so make sure you're happy with the amount.

It's a powder not a bar. I don't want to try anything lime snack bars. I'm very set in my ways with food and can cope with adding a shake or some powder to porridge but that's it.

MyProtein Clear Whey is quite pleasant if you are just looking for a low calorie boost (but as others have said, don't pay full price). I like the Peach Tea version.

You can mix normal protein powder into porridge but you do need to be a bit careful about technique (otherwise you can end up with gloopy / chalky porridge).

Personally for breakfast I prefer adding unflavoured protein into a smoothie and blending in some oats.

I like MyProtein protein powders, lots of variety, and they also do a diet version (but that has not as many different flavours). I make shakes with them, pancakes, porridge etc

This podcast https://joinzoe.com/learn/podcast-should-i-eat-more-protein has made me rethink my approach to protein (there's also a transcript at the link). Key points are that it's actually difficult (even for vegans and athletes) not to get more protein than our bodies need, excess protein gets turned into fat or carbs, and most products touting their protein benefits are highly processed and not anything like as good for you as they claim.

I think there are benefits in making you feel fuller and managing blood sugar responses, but it's not a dietary panacea. I still have post exercise protein because I think his approach to muscle development is too simplistic and having protein readily available just after exercise helps with recovery. But I go for real food or a smoothie made with whey without additives and I am a lot more relaxed about my daily intake.

@UnaOfStormhold I'll have a read of that, thank you. My intake is pretty low but I wouldn't be aiming for the 1g per lb or whatever the formula is. I'd have no room for anything else in my diet if I did that. I just want to boost it and hopefully feel more full.

That was a lot of fascinating info on Protein to take in with my morning cup of tea. It's a really good read, thank you, and has reassured me that I don't need all the protein that is often suggested. I'm getting enough from my normal diet. I've already ordered a pack of protein powder so I'll give it a go and see if it stops the mid morning and mid afternoon munchies. If not, then I won't buy anything similar again.

@UnaOfStormhold that looks like an interesting podcast. I recently have tried to increase my protein, by actively seeking more and using a shake and some of the high protein yogurts etc within my calorie allowance. I have managed to get up to around 120g a day and definitely noticed a difference, my legs just aren’t as tired when I’m running or working out.
i bought a weight loss bundle from protein works but I probably wouldn’t recommend. It contains some supplements which I’m a bit scared to try as I am worried they’ll affect my sleep, and the protein noodle mix which is included, is actually really nice but it’s quite high in calories and carbs for something that’s high protein. The shakes are nice, I use more water than they suggest, but they are really sweet and if I use as a meal replacement as they suggest, I’m literally ravenous and craving sugar all day.

I like the sound of the clear isolate though, maybe that’s what I should bd looking for.

On the days I work in the office, I make a breakfast pot of full fat greek yoghurt, chocolate protein powder, some nuts and a spoonful of nut butter. It keeps me full until lunchtime and feels like a bit of a treat as I no longer eat any other chocolate.

Well it tastes quite nice but I've made it with soya milk so that might explain the weirdness that goes with that nice. A bit craggy though. I might prefer a fruity flavour. I was hungry when it arrived so I'll see when I'm next hungry compared to snacking at this time.

I use bulk or myprotein powders, make into shakes, porridge, mug cakes, cookies, yogurt etc.

they also do bars so you get to actually chew something.

Ready for lunch now. No snacks so far today.