Protein Shakes??

Question

I just wanted to hear peoples honest opinions of protein shakes, do they actually help you to gain weight? i am an underweight 16y.o boy looking to build muscle mass. I am currently lifting dumbells but need more from my workout. Could you also perhaps suggest the best time to consume these shakes, before or after workout? and by how long?
THANKYOU VERY MUCH

Answer 1

Protein shakes are overrated. If you were an intense body builder you would need 1 to 1.5 grams of protein for each lb. of LEAN body weight. Not your total body weight. Google the internet for Body Mass Index if you don't know what your lean body weight is. You can get extra protien by eating more of the following - egg whites, skim milk, chicken, turkey, fish and lean red meats. Learn how much protein is in a certain portion of these so you can track how much protein you're getting each day.

It really dosen't make a significant difference when you ingest the protein as long as you are getting a sufficient quanity on a daily basis. However there is additional growth harmone that is produced during and a short period after a workout. There are studies that show a reduction of this harmone if you eat withing 30 minutes after a workout. I would wait 45-60 minutes after a workout to eat anything.

Don't be overly concerned about the amount of protein you are consuming. If you eat a good portion of the foods I mentioned above, at every meal you'll be getting sufficient protein. The intensity of the workout and the rest between will have a greater impact than adding extra protein. Protein supplement makers and sellers are responsilbe for the hype.

Answer 2

I'd recommend PLENTY of lean dietary protein and complex carbohydrates, and if you have the disposable income, three things.

1. Whey protein powder (such as "Body Fortress": Target and Walmart = 12-14$ for 2lbs.)

2. A protein powder that gets it's protein primarily from milk and or eggs (such as "Muscle Milk" and or "Mega Milk": these are a little more expensive, sometimes dpsnutrition.net has good deals)

The whey protein is the fastest absorbed protein there is, this is really good for immediatly (within 30 min.) following any weights or cardio training session you do, take it with some simple carbs (the one time of the day you actually want a little sugar) and some complex carbs.

The milk/egg based proteins are advisable because outside of post-workout recovery, the fastest absorbing isn't necessarily the best, think of this protein as time-release protein, I'd take a shake deffinetly right before bed every night, and maybe with breakfast as well.

3. In addition to that, making sure you get adequate sleep and rest (8 hours, and a nap post workout whenever possible) will also help you gain size, all that and busting your *** in the gym, of course.

If you are tight on cash follow tips 1 and 3 and don't sweat 2.

Answer 3

When it involves protein powders, watch out. You do not wish to shop for a large jar of some thing that tastes like sawdust considering that you conveniently would possibly not use it if you do not just like the style of it. I use EAS one hundred% Whey Protein. It's extremely good at curtailing my starvation and it tastes lovely well. I obtained a 2lb jug from Target on sale for $15. Next time I'm going to move for a 5lb jug. More product in keeping with buck than the 2lb.

Answer 4

Do protein shakes work? Yes, they work great as a supplement to a normal diet and occasional meal replacement. First, if you are underweight then you need to increase your caloric intake by eating both carbohydrates and proteins from a variety of sources. You want to eat quality foods that will not hurt your health or taste in food. Great sources of carbs are fruits/veggies, brown rice, wheat bread, yams, beans, oats and just about any whole grain. For protein you want lean cuts of meat such as fish, skinless chicken, well trimmed pork chops/steaks, ground turkey, egg whites and beans/tofu. For extra calories nuts are a great source of healthy fats and also high in calories.
Now for your shakes, I'd choose a well known brand like ON (Optinum Nuitrition or EAS) and you'll also want to buy snack bars too. 30-60 minutes prior to a workout is a good time to consume about 150-200 calories and since you are trying to gain weight you'll want to consume 400+ calories within 1/2 of finishing your workout. Its also wise to eat about 200 calories 1/2 hour prior to going to sleep, I use Pro Complex PM by ON which has a slow digesting form of protein.
For your workouts, you should be doing at least a 1 hour workout 3-4 days per week. It sounds like you don't have much in the way of equipment, but dumbells can be used in many ways. Try shoulder presses, curls, arms out to side raises and to front raises, arm over head and weight behind head extension, chest press, pushups, situps, crunches, lunges with hand weights, squats with dumbells. You'll also want to add some cardio (biking, swimming, jogging, whatever you like) to your routine 2-3 times a week for at least 30 minutes.
If you don't start gaining weight, then you need to eat more a bit more, you don't want to add fat though.

Answer 5

ADD CARBS!

I can relate (even though im a female).

I workout just to define my body and I wanted to gain a few pounds here and there. I was told, by the trainers at the gym to not only drink protein shakes but to add carbs to my diet as well. They say people usually pick up protein drinks and think thats enough but its not.

Answer 6

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