Protein Supplement Question

Potency

At the moment, I'm 6 foot, and 75 kilograms. Just joined a gym and starting to get a bit of definition. When I get my timing together (3-4 days a week, all weights), I was thinking about getting a protein supplement, just to help with strength and muscle growth/definition.
My question is, if I take it for a month or so every day, as instructed (2g/kg weight?) , and then reduce my protein intake by about 40 grams a day (the supplement) after the month, will I lose muscle by following the same diet/routine minus the protein?

ulinbac

Should you not be taking it for 12 weeks straight before going on a break?

Which supplement are you considering buying, and why this supplement?

Make sure you are doing the weights correctly and been advised by a proper trainer 1st before taking it, its not always about what you lift but technique!

If your looking to gain weight, protein or a weight gainer like promax are good. Buy online, its cheaper! Personally, I use Reflex, been on ON and creatine before but the best value for money IMO. When I was really into training, was 5'8" and 84kg and did lots of cardio, so not fat.

What are your training goals, what weight do you want to be or do you want to get much bigger, as a healthy/strict diet can is 70% of the battle.

Mellor

Potency wrote: »

My question is, if I take it for a month or so every day, as instructed (2g/kg weight?) , and then reduce my protein intake by about 40 grams a day (the supplement) after the month, will I lose muscle by following the same diet/routine minus the protein?

I think you are getting confused here, there is a couple of mistakes there.

2g/kg or 1g/pound is a guide for total protein, not just the supplement. it's pretty universal, people who are looking to lose weight with a high protein diet or gain muscle can/should all aim for 1g/pound.

Why would you reduce this after a month, why would you reduce it at all.
it's perfectly fine and normal to eat a high protein diet at maintenance level. You just need to know how much you need and are taking.
Are you prehaps confusing protein with cycling of creatine.

Secondly, "protein supplement" covers all sorts of supplements and some are drastically different. Are you refering to a protein based weight gainer (whey with carbs and maybe creatine) or just protein (whey alone)

ulinbac wrote: »

If your looking to gain weight, protein or a weight gainer like promax are good. Buy online, its cheaper! Personally, I use Reflex, been on ON and creatine before but the best value for money IMO.

ON (I imagine you mean they whey, they most popular) is basic protein, promax is a gainer and creatine is totally different again.

OP it all depends on what exactly you plan on taking, and why

Potency

Sorry for coming across as an idiot

I was thinking about getting any cheap protein supplement that provides about 20g of protein per serving but I think I might be better without it.
Basically I can't afford to buy more than 2 tubs in a row, taking it twice a day.

I was thinking after one month on protein it would help with muscle growth and strength. Also, putting on a small bit of weight in the form of muscle. (Weight gaining isn't a massive issue). Then I could stop going on protein while not losing any muscle. Basically I thought it could help as a booster or something!

Mellor

It's just a food source, not a drug or body altering drink.
It's generally a clean snack to have during the day, aids in recovery etc. the rest of your diet is far more important and thats what will decide if you loss weight, build muscle, or get fat

SpookyBastard

I'd start by looking at your diet first. You may find you can swap in/change foods to increase your protein amount. Get an idea of how much protein you actually eat on an average day and then see about getting a shake. As the name suggests, they are supplements so you need to have an idea of how much your getting to see how much you need to add.

You need to be getting enough protein in for muscle repair and growth. If your diet is pretty close to the amount of protein you need then you might find you only need 1 shake a day which means your tubs will last longer.

If you are looking at a basic whey protein shake then have a look around for special offers as whey is basically the same regardless of what tub it comes in. On a side note, consider buying in a bigger amount. Some of the 10lb tubs/bags work out cheaper per lb then the smaller tubs.

SanoVitae

I find protein shakes a great way to consume less calories throughout the day. I taking an Oat & Whey protein powder and find it especially good for breakfast and also for sipping throughout the day.