Anyone use whey protein smoothies?

melaniedel

I need to find something new for breakfast. Something healthy with spinach, blueberries, etc. but definitely need protein too, so  I started researching whey. 

anyone use this? If so, why kind is good? I researched amazon, but still uundecided. I'm afraid to gain. My husband uses a protein powder when he wants to add bulk. Tia!

rondosa

Protein powders are really just a convenient way to get your protein intake up in general, depending on your fitness goals. I generally try and keep my carb intake to complex carbs, and try and keep my protein pretty high so I was taking protein before I got pregnant.

There are many kinds of protein - whey (milk based), cassein (also milk based), vegetarian or vegan (rice, pean, cranberry etc).

I have tried many brands and kinds and I find that vegetarian/vegan proteins work best for me. I find whey just makes me gassy and bloated. Many vegetarian proteins taste pretty terrible - my favourites so far are beachbody's Shakeology (vegan in strawberry or chocolate) or Arbonne's vegan protein. 

About gaining weight, you just have to read the nutritional information. Be careful because a lot of cheaper whey proteins have artificial sweeteners to keep the calories lower. Also some that are aimed at men for building bulk tend to pack a pretty big caloric punch ie 400+ calories per serving. That's why I like the two I've stuck with because they are natural, have good ingredients, agree with me, taste good and have a good level of nutrition/calories.

hope that helps, 

jglenn4

I used to have a whey protein shake daily after workouts before getting pregnant (as a way to help maintain muscle mass). Now, I have one about 3 times a week because I need added protein and I like them, but I have to be careful because the powder contains Stevia.  My doctor is okay with me consuming artificial sweeteners as long as I do so in moderation.  I usually do a greek yogurt, fruit, ice and vanilla whey mix.  I use Whole Foods' Vanilla Whey and love it.  I believe it has 16 grams of protein per scoop but I only use 1/2 a scoop because greek yogurt is a good source of protein.  Their chocolate version is good too (it's always sold out) but I find vanilla more versatile.

I've tried many others (e.g. muscle milk) but I didn't like the taste and they had way too many calories and more protein than I needed. 

melaniedel

Thanks! I ordered ON brand from amazon. I hope it's good!

kamirault7

Newbie here over from TTGP...first post in H&E forum.  I have a whey protein shake almost every day, usually after P90X workout or sometimes just for breakfast. I actually crave these things.

 Recipe for by far my most favorite shake: 1+ serving of vanilla whey (I use EAS brand - about 25-30grams of protein, depending on the size of my scoops) PLUS handful of ice cubes, about 1oz of water, 1 ripe banana PLUS 1 large tablespoon of peanut butter.  You can adjust the amount of banana and PB based on your desired caloric intake.  BEST shake, and just sweet enough with the ripe banana, and no added sweetener.  It keeps me full for 1-2 hours, and is enough protein for good workout recovery.  Good luck with them!