Protein Powder-how do you choose?

carls10

I finally have a receipe for a smoothie that I like and have become addicted using it following workouts as a 'treat'.  I thought it might be good to add some protein powder into the mix.  So, went to Target, Vitamin Shoppe and Wegmans, there are way too many choices!!  Any recommendations?  What do you use and why?

mattsull

I look for pure whey protein isolate with no fillers or flavors. Many products are flavored mixes that have a lot of sugars and are higher in calories. Isolate is supposed to be the best quality with the highest level of branch chain aminos. I just tried a brand called BiPro which I really like. It's cheaper than other brands I've used like Hammer Nutrition and it mixes very well. It's not grainy at all.

www.biprousa.com/bipro.html

 

Michele Cellai

My DH did a bunch of research before choosing the protein shake brand Iso-pure. It comes flavored or not. We keep chocolate, banana, and strawberry on hand. I mix any of them into my smoothies. I have tried many brands, and most have an aftertaste that is yuck.

Scott Alexander

My nutritionist has me using Designer Whey, whatever flavor you want.

I'm sure Penny will chime in here, but I think that you want organic (something either having no GMO or having GMO - I can't remember).

mgraffeo

I use what I can buy at BJ's in bulk.  EAS Whey Protein.  Tastes good in a smoothie, an is quite a bit cheaper than other spots.

Mike

Coach Patrick

I personally use the hammer stuff, but I think it's whatever you like. I personally stick to the whey-protein stuff, and try to keep flavors,etc. out of it!

Nemo Brauch

FWIW- I really do NOT like the Hammer-Soy. It's got some sorta funky grainy taste to it that just makes everything I put it in taste a bit "off".

mattsull

I was wondering why Hammer and BioPro use only whey protein isolate so I looked it up.

Q: Is there a difference between whey protein concentrate and isolate?



A: Yes, there may be a large difference between the two. Whey protein isolate is the most pure and concentrated form of whey protein available. It contains 90% or more protein and very little (if any) fat and lactose. Whey protein concentrate has anywhere between 29% and 89% protein depending upon the product. As the protein level in whey protein concentrate decreases the amounts of fat and/or lactose usually increase.

absmom

Carly- I use the Whey Protein powder from weg's. It comes in choc, vanilla and strawberry. I usually get chocolate.

absmom

P.s. Glad you like the smoothie recipe!

Spokane_Al

Matt, thanks for the great information. It got me looking at the label of Body Fortress protein, which is what I use. It says that it has a combination of whey protein concentrate and isolate to provide 100% premium whey protein.

That sounds like a good thing to me, it is relatively cheap. and I really like the taste of both the vanilla and chocolate flavors.

penlynwilson

Posted By Carly Costanza on 24 Apr 2010 02:30 PM

I finally have a receipe for a smoothie that I like and have become addicted using it following workouts as a 'treat'.  I thought it might be good to add some protein powder into the mix.  So, went to Target, Vitamin Shoppe and Wegmans, there are way too many choices!!  Any recommendations?  What do you use and why?

My first thought is don't over-do the protein.  Standard recommendation is 3 - 4 grams of carbs for every gram of protein in a recovery meal to maximize glycogen replenishment and muscle repair.

Second, depends on your body and any allergies/intolerances you may have.  If you can do dairy, I'd go whey all the way.    It is a complete protein that is quickly absorbed.

As far as supplier, I like http://www.trueprotein.com/ because you can order by the pound, pick your sweetener, get it unflavored with flavor packs on the side.  (I do not get any benefits by endorsing true protein.)

And, Consumer Lab just came out with a review of protien powders. . . . https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/Protein_Powders_Shakes_and_Drinks_Including_Nutrition_Diet_Meal-Replacement_and_Sports_Endurance_Recovery/NutritionDrinks/

 

penlynwilson

Posted By Mike Graffeo on 26 Apr 2010 09:08 AM

I use what I can buy at BJ's in bulk.  EAS Whey Protein.  Tastes good in a smoothie, an is quite a bit cheaper than other spots.

Mike

This one passed Consumer Lab's testing.

 

penlynwilson

Posted By Al Olsen on 04 May 2010 09:04 PM

Matt, thanks for the great information. It got me looking at the label of Body Fortress protein, which is what I use. It says that it has a combination of whey protein concentrate and isolate to provide 100% premium whey protein.



That sounds like a good thing to me, it is relatively cheap. and I really like the taste of both the vanilla and chocolate flavors.

This one: 

Body Fortress® Super Advanced Whey Protein – Chocolate [1 scoop (33 g), 1 per day] passed Consumer Lab's testing.

rah2774

catching up on this one a little late... and have a far, far more basic question.  why use protein powder?  and, a follow up, how much? and another follow up, when (i.e., meal replacement, pre-workout, recovery)?

I've never been one to do supplements and bars, etc. as far as meals go (I do take gels, etc while running and biking) - always preferring "real" food for my nutrients.  my recovery smoothies (when I make them) usually have nonfat greek yogurt, oj, honey, and fruit, sometimes pnut butter, choc milk, and banana... is this enough protein? 

I'll be gearing up for my first IM soon (I start general prep in mid June and 12 week IM prep in mid Aug), I suspect what I've done in the past for marathons and OLYs and HIMs isn't gonna cut it... so I admit I'm behind the learning curve as far as this nutrition stuff goes... thanks!