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2005/05/02, 11:30 PM
I'm just wondering if I should even think about trying to make protein shakes or not. Usually you hear of men making shakes to help them gain muscle mass, etc...I dont want to gain any muscle b/c I have enough of it already but it seems that everyone is making shakes for some reason. I'd just kinda like to know if I even need to worry about making shakes at all, and what would they do to me if I did? Would they help me stay firmer? Gain more energy? Serve as a meal replacement? Help me work out longer? And, I dont even know where to start. Which protein powders are best? tastiest?
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2005/05/03, 09:18 AM
Okay.
What are your goals?
Most people use shakes as the fastest way to replenish their muscles after a workout - the protein and carbs get into your system rapidly to be shuttled to your muscles. this is good no matter what your goals are.
Some people use shakes when they don't have time for real food, but the thermogenic effect of real, solid food is better than liquids, so it is good to eat lean protein and complex carbs whenever possible.
If you have trouble meeting your protein intake need, shakes can be helpful as a inbetween meal snack or a supplement to a meal. having adequate protein can help you maintain lean mass and lose fat.(stay firmer).
Protein will help draw out the energy from carbs, so in that way it will help give you more lasting energy levels.
Everyone has their own opinion on what protein powders taste the best/are the best - spend some time looking up old posts about protein powder, then pick one to try. Some nutrition stores sell individual packets, so you can try it without the commitment of a big jug of protein powder.
Of course, without a good nutritional intake and a decent workout, no supplement will work magic on it's own. It is just an additional piece of the puzzle.
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Vitality shows not only in the ability to persist but the ability to start over. - F. Scott Fitzgerald
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2005/05/03, 08:43 PM
Wow, thank you so much! My main goals are just to maintain my athletic abilities, lose a little fat and regain the tone I used to have. My muscles are starting to get a little soft in some places and I'd like to totally firm up again. I have always been in shape, and still am but I never had the time to figure out about proper diet and nutrition. Exercise has always been an important role in my life but my diet was 2nd place. I'm fine with most of my body but my abs and thighs are becoming a concern. My abs appear fine but they have maybe a half inch, or 3/4 inches fat over them that I'd like to have gone...and my thighs are pretty bulky and I'd like to slim them down. How do you slim down muscle? Pilates? Stretching? I thought that I'd get serious again about fitness but this time, I'd like to include a proper diet. Having read what you said, I think protein shakes are a good addition to my diet to make it more well rounded. Thank you!
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