Whey protein

[Ciber]

I would only really suggest taking protein powder after a workout. I find it helps reduce muscle soreness the next day. Apart from that get your protein and other nutrients from whole unprocessed foods. This one is a good price: http://www.dolphinfitness.co.uk/en/n...ate-1000g/5338

[fuddam]

I would only really suggest taking protein powder after a workout. I find it helps reduce muscle soreness the next day. Apart from that get your protein and other nutrients from whole unprocessed foods.

agreed

[TooNice]

Did you read the article linked above? You don't need to take in a lot of protein to build muscle.

The thing is, different source will suggest different things, and I am not talking about "research" conducted by supplement manufacturers. The article doesn't even make an attempt at giving a figure, assuming that our diet are more or less similar. But the average amount of protein in a vegan diet is probably very different from one of a non-vegan diet. Extreme example, but even omnivores, there are probably big differences between diet.

Personally, I go for about 1.0-1.2g of protein per kg of body weight when I train (RDA is 0.8g). Since I used to track everything I ate over a month or so, I have a fairly good idea of components in my diet and I know that not always reach those figures pre-supplements. I should note that 1.2g is still on the low end of the figures I've read. I've seen people advocating 1-1.5g per POUND of bodyweight Well, if they think it helps them, I am not going to argue. My figures hasn't done me harm (even the financial aspect is mitigated by smaller servings to meet target).

@OP: One school of thought is that Whey is good pre/post workout, but Casein better for night and off days. This is the whole faster vs slower digestions thing again, not too unlike simple vs complex carbs (both having their places depending on the situation).

[m.a.miah]

i think one of the key pieces of infomation missing is about youself: height, weight, body type etc
everyone is different so will require different supplements and training depending on your goals
the same supplements and training routine will affect everyone differently
so please can you tell us your current height, weight, body type etc and your specific goals so we can advise you better

supplements are exactly that... they supplement your diet. if you are geting enough nutrition from your diet than no supplements are not needed
also please can you tell us about your diet so we can advise on changes to that as well

[bbeettaa]

By the sounds of it you are quite new to the idea all of this, I echo what has been said above. Get the fundamentals right first

- Diet...this means eating properly, no junk food, snack food. Set meals, good vitamins, minerals, a blanced load of carbs. Chocolate bar becomes an apple, a bag of crisps becomes some whole nuts

- Water...aim to drink at least 1.5 litres a day, you will be surprised what this does to your body

- Sleep...aim for at least 8 hours sleep a day, easier said then done. The body needs time to rest and recover. This is especially difficult for me as I work away a lot due to work.

- Now for this protein you have mentioned, get it into your diet first. Work out what you want from the gym but really get the fundamentals right first.

Everyone will have different opinions and views, what to take, what to do, do what is right for you. Ask silly questions to personal trainers, your mates, otherwise you won't know and your end up doing something wrong.

Remember, doing something correct is better then lifting something wrong but 10kg more

[dean n91]

If you're trying to bulk up, don't look at a plain whey protein powder.

Try looking at mass gainers. Just taking a shake everyday isn't going to do anything either. You have to eat more and more. If you kcal intake is more than your kcal output then you'll put on weight.

[Gamer1983]

Whey Protein is great for everyone. It has the label on 'man only bodybuilder' but you just simply ignore the recommend daily servings and have that amount or more if trying to gain mass, or less servings otherwise. Its not all that easy to get protein in our daily lives and having a handy shake with little/no carbs in is much better than having to spend more time cooking.

[kalniel]

Whey Protein is great for everyone. It has the label on 'man only bodybuilder' but you just simply ignore the recommend daily servings and have that amount or more if trying to gain mass, or less servings otherwise. Its not all that easy to get protein in our daily lives

Incorrect.

Demand for nutrition supplements and similar products may be up, yet experts are sceptical about their actual benefits.

"People who do regular exercise have a small increased need for protein," according to Dr Helen Crawley, reader in nutrition policy at City University London.

"But it is unlikely they need supplements of protein in any form as most western diets are already high in protein and people who are active eat more food and therefore these needs are generally covered.

"Most of the specialist foods available just have added skimmed milk powder to make them higher in protein, so whether a bar or drink or powder, they are just an expensive way of taking in extra calories."

Carbohydrate is the best fuel for exercise, whereas recovery from exercise is aided by taking low protein, carbohydrate-rich drinks and foods, such as banana and squash, she explains.

But beyond being useless, the supplements could even cause harm, Dr Crawley says.

"High protein intakes can in fact be dangerous and can damage kidneys and therefore protein supplements are not recommended," she says.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12277808