[NocturnalInsomniac]

(Original post by Vox0)
I should clarify - I use Matrix Anabolic, not their standard whey. Huge amount of Protein per serving. I will admit I haven't narrowly scrutinised and evaluated each ingredient I'm afraid. I was looking at protein/fat/carb content (macros), price and taste and it does me o.k.

Trying to build muscle and lose weight. Which one should I buy based on protein/fat/carb content and price? I think I could drink up any foul tasting crap even if it makes me crap!

[Vox0]

(Original post by NocturnalInsomniac)
Trying to build muscle and lose weight. Which one should I buy based on protein/fat/carb content and price? I think I could drink up any foul tasting crap even if it makes me crap!

That's really up to you. I have more or less the same goals as you and you can see what I've gone for and why. There are hundreds of brands and products out there so you can only really go by what other people say in their reviews.

I'll vouch for Matrix Anabolic though. Almost unbeatable macros for my needs in comparison to others. Then price and taste clinched it.

If you've got money to spend check out optimum nutrition. Also I know of people who use myprotein (they do samples) so could be worth checking out.

[NocturnalInsomniac]

(Original post by Vox0)
That's really up to you. I have more or less the same goals as you and you can see what I've gone for and why. There are hundreds of brands and products out there so you can only really go by what other people say in their reviews.

I'll vouch for Matrix Anabolic though. Almost unbeatable macros for my needs in comparison to others. Then price and taste clinched it.

If you've got money to spend check out optimum nutrition. Also I know of people who use myprotein (they do samples) so could be worth checking out.

How do you decide the macros you need? I've got skinny arms and never been the strongest person out there (can only bench about 32.5 kg). Also need to lose a bit of tummy flab. BMI is 23.6. My diet is fairly low carb so I guess I should go for as much protein as I can get?

[Vox0]

(Original post by NocturnalInsomniac)
How do you decide the macros you need? I've got skinny arms and never been the strongest person out there (can only bench about 32.5 kg). Also need to lose a bit of tummy flab. BMI is 23.6. My diet is fairly low carb so I guess I should go for as much protein as I can get?

Well I'm looking to lose fat and maintain/gain lean muscle mass. In itself, I think this is pretty difficult to do because the body is really only accustomed to either losing mass or gaining mass, not doing both at the same time (hence bulking and cutting). In any case, I want high protein and low carbs and by having that I reach a certain amount of protein intake several times a day without adding extra carbs which might otherwise limit fat burning. If I need more carbs or even feel like I'm low energy I can always add.

I won't even go into all the different macro and nutritional advice there is. I'll simply say that theres alot of information out there about it and that one person might benefit more or less than another from any number of gym routines/protein powders/nutritional choices. So find what works for you!

EDIT: It would seem to me that your body type is skinny-fat. Try searching for that.

[NocturnalInsomniac]

(Original post by Vox0)
Well I'm looking to lose fat and maintain/gain lean muscle mass. In itself, I think this is pretty difficult to do because the body is really only accustomed to either losing mass or gaining mass, not doing both at the same time (hence bulking and cutting). In any case, I want high protein and low carbs and by having that I reach a certain amount of protein intake several times a day without adding extra carbs which might otherwise limit fat burning. If I need more carbs or even feel like I'm low energy I can always add.

I won't even go into all the different macro and nutritional advice there is. I'll simply say that theres alot of information out there about it and that one person might benefit more or less than another from any number of gym routines/protein powders/nutritional choices. So find what works for you!

EDIT: It would seem to me that your body type is skinny-fat. Try searching for that.

I guess I have similar goals although you're right skinny fat is my body type. I'm gonna buy Optimum Nutrition 100 % Gold Whey...cant go wrong with that eh?

[Vox0]

Seems a good choice to me!

[Isometrix]

Just wondered what everyone thought about that recent Panorama episode on sports nutrition, claiming that protein shakes have pretty unsubstantiated evidence for their muscle growing/repairing properties when compared to a balanced diet. It did make me think a bit, are we just taking placebos? I've been on protein shakes for a while now, but they put up a convincing argument regarding their unproven efficacy...

For those who haven't seen it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...orts_Products/

[Converse Rocker]

I've never even made a protein shake before but I'm considering grabbing some of this stuff in a sale (not chocolate flavour though I don't think)

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pag...100&prodid=563

I know it's probably not the best, but at 18 quid it's at least within my budget. I really don't have 40 quid to be spending on a tub of great quality stuff. If I grab a shaker as well it's 23 quid, alright for someone who wants a little bit of extra protein without breaking the bank? I know it's seen as a sin to buy from H and B as well, but...it's 18 quid.

Edit: You have to be 18 to buy this stuff? Rollocks.

[Vox0]

(Original post by Isometrix)
Just wondered what everyone thought about that recent Panorama episode on sports nutrition, claiming that protein shakes have pretty unsubstantiated evidence for their muscle growing/repairing properties when compared to a balanced diet. It did make me think a bit, are we just taking placebos? I've been on protein shakes for a while now, but they put up a convincing argument regarding their unproven efficacy...

For those who haven't seen it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...orts_Products/

Hmm, I'm pretty sure they were saying that supplements etc... had no proven benefit over a nutritious diet. This is potentially true but I don't take protein because its better than chicken, only because its cheap, convenient and provides an easy and alternative replacement or extra meal. I think there are many people who use protein, such as bodybuilders, who are living proof of its benefits though, so I would definitely say they are not placebos (some more than others). You just need to look at some people to see this.

(Original post by Converse Rocker)
I've never even made a protein shake before but I'm considering grabbing some of this stuff in a sale (not chocolate flavour though I don't think)

http://www.hollandandbarrett.com/pag...100&prodid=563

I know it's probably not the best, but at 18 quid it's at least within my budget. I really don't have 40 quid to be spending on a tub of great quality stuff. If I grab a shaker as well it's 23 quid, alright for someone who wants a little bit of extra protein without breaking the bank? I know it's seen as a sin to buy from H and B as well, but...it's 18 quid.

Edit: You have to be 18 to buy this stuff? Rollocks.

I don't think anybody would recommend Holland and Barrett ever. I've heard of some unpleasant side effects too... Why not google some reviews and stuff? Also check out matrix nutrition and myprotein for decently priced alternatives. You might just need to shop around. Remember cheap is not always good or effective!

[Converse Rocker]

(Original post by Vox0)
I don't think anybody would recommend Holland and Barrett ever. I've heard of some unpleasant side effects too... Why not google some reviews and stuff? Also check out matrix nutrition and myprotein for decently priced alternatives. You might just need to shop around. Remember cheap is not always good or effective!

Side effects Good thing you raised that point. I'm not sure I could have bought it anyway, it says 'Only suitable for those over 18' so they may not have let me buy it. Just one month off darn it.

I guess I can get it on the internet if I want, it's just the price The only reason I was attracted to that was the half price, not because I thought it would be particularly good. Cheers for the advice

[vn2009]

Is it true that by taking 'mass/weight gainer' protein powders, you put on mass and muscle, but also put alot of fat around your stomach?

[Vox0]

(Original post by vn2009)
Is it true that by taking 'mass/weight gainer' protein powders, you put on mass and muscle, but also put alot of fat around your stomach?

Well, mass and weight gainers have a high calorific content as well as high protein content. To put on mass or muscle you need the high calories to give you the energy to lift heavy and to facilitate protein entry into muscle. Unfortunately, this often means that you will get a surplus of calories in your body at certain times, and you are likely to put on fat as a consequence. Hence, the term 'bulking'. Usually, once a bulker has completed a cycle of training, they will go back to 'cutting' and focus on a more cardio-based routine which will allow them to lose the excess fat they've gained and get that more aesthetic muscly look.

[hash007]

Is it worth taking protein shake if you're only working out lightly, its Ramadan so I can't push myself that hard. I've got some instant oats from myprotein as well that I can chuck into the shake, don't really enjoy the taste though.

[vn2009]

(Original post by Vox0)
Well, mass and weight gainers have a high calorific content as well as high protein content. To put on mass or muscle you need the high calories to give you the energy to lift heavy and to facilitate protein entry into muscle. Unfortunately, this often means that you will get a surplus of calories in your body at certain times, and you are likely to put on fat as a consequence. Hence, the term 'bulking'. Usually, once a bulker has completed a cycle of training, they will go back to 'cutting' and focus on a more cardio-based routine which will allow them to lose the excess fat they've gained and get that more aesthetic muscly look.

Thanks for the reply

I take 3 shakes a day currently, so what about taking my normal protein in the morning and before bed, but taking the 'mass gainer' protein after my workout? Does that sound sensible?

Thanks

[Ryan44]

Hi there,

I've not bought a weight gaining shake before, only whey protein (only contains 20g protein, 100 cals per serving)..

I was looking at Critical Mass 4.4kg by Applied Nutrition, which contains 52g protein, 155g carbs and 920 calories per serving.. although it costs £32 delivered and the tub will be empty after 18 servings (235g per serving).

Is there any cheaper or more long lasting options than this one?

Thanks

[maskofsanity]

Making your own is the best value, i.e. whey + oats + milk + peanut butter.

[stayce88]

you have your answer right there ^

[isitinyet?]

ok, trying to lose weight whilst retaining muscle mass as i play rugby but want to get into cycling. Did some research and found that whey isolate would be best (due to low carbs) - i only plan on taking it after gym sessions as i don't really get enough protein into my diet as it is. Couple of questions...

1) http://www.myprotein.com/uk/products...t_whey_isolate apparently the less ingredients the healther it is. Checked out this and it seems to have less than the rest if you have the unflavoured stuff. Is unflavoured that hard to stomach? + Soy lecithin - googled it and got a mixed impression as to how harmful/safe it is, anyone know anything about it?

2) is casein any use if my main aim is to lose weight whilst retaining muscle mass? I go to the gym around 7/8 in the evening and have read that casein takes longer to digest so is perfect for recovery while you sleep. Would it be better than whey for me?

cheers!

[ch0c0h01ic]

(Original post by isitinyet?)
ok, trying to lose weight whilst retaining muscle mass as i play rugby but want to get into cycling. Did some research and found that whey isolate would be best (due to low carbs) - i only plan on taking it after gym sessions as i don't really get enough protein into my diet as it is. Couple of questions...

The difference is negligible, there's a couple of grams difference between that and concentrate.

Unless you have money to burn buy whey concentrate and save your money.

1) http://www.myprotein.com/uk/products...t_whey_isolate apparently the less ingredients the healther it is. Checked out this and it seems to have less than the rest if you have the unflavoured stuff. Is unflavoured that hard to stomach? + Soy lecithin - googled it and got a mixed impression as to how harmful/safe it is, anyone know anything about it?

Again, concentrate will be fine and work out significantly cheaper.

Unflavoured doesn't taste particularly nice on it's own. Given the choice I would go for flavoured.

There is little or no evidence that "soy lecithin" is unsafe or harmful. In fact there is little or no evidence that consumption of soya or soya based products is harmful or unsafe in moderation.

2) is casein any use if my main aim is to lose weight whilst retaining muscle mass? I go to the gym around 7/8 in the evening and have read that casein takes longer to digest so is perfect for recovery while you sleep. Would it be better than whey for me?

There is little or no evidence that casein and/or pre-bedtime supplements aid weight loss or muscle development.

Again, if you have the money to burn go for it, otherwise don't bother.

[isitinyet?]

(Original post by ch0c0h01ic)
...

£3 extra to have flavoured, worth it? Also, £4 extra for the isolate buys 2.5g extra protein per 25g, doubt it will make a major difference?