Not sure this belongs here, but I need a protein shake!

[BeanPole]

I've got a little problem...I don't know anything about protein shakes. I'm doing an extreme workout program called P90X and I need a 'recovery' drink for after each workout. I'm clueless as what my body needs. I know that a lot of protein stalls me or makes me gain so I don't want a ton of protein. Someone told me that I needed this for after my workouts and that I should consume the majority of my carbs for the day during this time. They suggested that I use whey protein and keep a 4:1 of carbs / protein. One other thing that I'm worried about is that even when I ate everything in sight, I always thought that protein bars tasted bad and they would make me physically ill(not from the taste, I think it was more from the amount of protein, but I could be wrong). Any advice and/or help would be greatly appriciated!!

[julirama723]

Re: Not sure this belongs here, but I need a protein shake!

The person who told you that was NOT on Atkins.

Atkins is about avoiding insulin dumps and blood sugar spikes. If you eat the majority of your carbs at one time, you could be spiking your blood sugar (and then crashing later) which could cause things like fatique, hunger, irritability.

Unless you're a bodybuilder, 30% protein will be fine for daily needs. And you already recognize the fact that too much protein stalls/causes gains--that's because excess protein is converted to glucose which ultimately is stored as fat. However, if you do want to have a shake after a workout I suggest making your own smoothies with silken tofu. Blend the silken tofu with heavy cream and water, and add any flavorings or ingredients appropriate for your rung. I LOVE these! I think it's neccessary to enjoy eating tofu to enjoy these, though. They do have a bit of a "tofu"ish taste.

I have never used protein shakes for "recovery" and I workout 6x a week, most of it weightlifting.

[BeanPole]

Re: Not sure this belongs here, but I need a protein shake!

I've never tried tofu before, but I'm thinking that anything will taste better than what I've been drinking. I had bought some EAS Carb Control Chocolate Fudge shakes while at Krogers. IMO, the taste is probably equivalent to poo flavored water. No offense to anyone that does like them. I'm not big on any kind of protein drink at all. I just thought that they were yucky. I liked the idea of 17g of protein because most shakes have way more than that and I wanted to cut down a little bit on the protein and still get it in first thing in the AM after a workout. I got excited because I thought that I wouldn't have to cook for myself in the mornings anymore or make anything for that matter. Anyways, I'm not a bodybuilder, but I am trying to build a lot of muscle at the moment. I'm taking your advice and not eating all those carbs at once. I think I'm going to try tofu and then make my own shakes if I like it. Thanks for the help!!

[danaweb]

Re: Not sure this belongs here, but I need a protein shake!

What a super transformation you have gone through. I can't beleive the change!!!

I have a favorite 3 fruit smoothie that I am addicted to. I think that Patirck dempsey makes something similar that he calls a proteini.

Crushed ice, raspberries, strawberries, banana orange juice and whey protein powder.
served in a martini glass! This recipe is based on the three fruit smoothie that I found when searching for pure whey protein to get my metabolism going. I found it at the recipe section of BiPro Whey Protein website, www.biprousa.com.

[danaweb]

Re: Not sure this belongs here, but I need a protein shake!

I forgot to mention that there is a ton of whey protein information and a whey protein calculator on http://www.wheyoflife.org/mydiet.cfm#requirements that helps to give you the amount of protein you need daily based on your physical level and weight.