Help Me Choose Protein

squitely

Hi,

I only started going to the gym about 18 months ago.

Im not looking to get really big, just want to feel energetic and fit etc. Ive been participating in fun runs for a few years, and my jogging has improved dramatically since I started going to the gym and lifting weights.

I dont lift huge weights. I'm 6 foot (180cm) and weigh 11 stone (70KG).

I do about 10-15 different weights exercises. Each one I do four sets. One warm up set, then 3 sets of 15 repetitions each.

I want to start using some protein drinks after my work out, but have absolutely zero knowledge on them. I don't want any creatine or stuff like that, as I'm fairly neurotic regarding my health and paranoid about chemicals. I don't eat any processed foods, or coca-cola etc.

If people could recommend some products for me, or point me in the direction of a good review site which isn't commercially motivated.

So far my research has led me to consider PlantFusion, Pea Protein, Brown Rice Protein, Hemp Protein, Whey Protein etc.

Sorry for the lack of laconics in this post, but hope someone can help.

Also I am allergic to gluten, and have a mild sensitivity to lactose.

Basically if people can:

1. Reccommend some products
2. Reccommend some reading
3. Explain the difference between a product like Plant Fusion which claims to have all sorts of amino acids and stuff, with a cheaper product like plain Pea Protein, which seems to be just protein. Would it be possible to use the two in conjunction?

Mellor

Why do you want to take protien?

You said you don't eat processed foods. Protein supplements are processed forms of whoel food. Why not jsut have the whole food instead.

squitely

Good point I suppose. Well when I said that I don't eat processed foods, I meant to stay I don't eat any sweets, soft drinks, pizzas, frozen ready meals, fast food, crisps.

I would like to take protein, as I have always been extremely skinny and anemic due to my food allergies. I don't intend to take massive amounts, just perhaps half the recommended serving just as a little boost. I think the reason people use these drinks, is that if you wanted to get a similar amount of protein from eating cheese/meat/nuts etc, it would be difficult to eat that much on top of your regular meals.

I have also read alot of people saying that these products can improve your skin. And due to my gluten allergy, my nutrient absorption is poor, resulting in bad skin, so this might be good for that too.

I am confused as there is such a huge range of products out there. Mixtures of protein, amino acids, vitamins etc. I need to figure out which products might be suitable. I am leaning taking a mixture of Hemp protein and something like PlantFusion. But that is just based on my own research over the last few weeks.

The salespeople in shops always recommend the more extreme products that have XXX or MAXI in their titles, whereas I would like something a little more natural if possible.

Mellor

squitely wrote: »

I would like to take protein, as I have always been extremely skinny and anemic due to my food allergies. I don't intend to take massive amounts, just perhaps half the recommended serving just as a little boost. I think the reason people use these drinks, is that if you wanted to get a similar amount of protein from eating cheese/meat/nuts etc, it would be difficult to eat that much on top of your regular meals.

1 shake is about 25g of protein, its completely trivial to get this from whole food on top of normal meals. It's equal to about 100g meat, which is tiny piece.

If you want a little bit of extra protein, then east a little bit more meat.
Protein shakes are of benefit for people looking to take in a lot of protein.

I have also read alot of people saying that these products can improve your skin. And due to my gluten allergy, my nutrient absorption is poor, resulting in bad skin, so this might be good for that too.

I've never heard that. I'm not saying its false, but it sounds a bit vague.

I am confused as there is such a huge range of products out there. Mixtures of protein, amino acids, vitamins etc. I need to figure out which products might be suitable. I am leaning taking a mixture of Hemp protein and something like PlantFusion. But that is just based on my own research over the last few weeks.

I google Plantfusion, and it doesn't look great tbh.
It meantions it is gluten free, i imagien this is what drew you in. I don't know why any protein wouldn't be, ditto for nuts, shellfish etc.

I'd just go with plain whey protein, its derived from dairy, but its not lactose based. BCAAs are just what various proteins get broken down to.

Essien

Mellor wrote: »

1 shake is about 25g of protein, its completely trivial to get this from whole food on top of normal meals. It's equal to about 100g meat, which is tiny piece.

If you want a little bit of extra protein, then east a little bit more meat.
Protein shakes are of benefit for people looking to take in a lot of protein

+1

It's pretty easy to fit a decent amount of extra protein into your diet with a little research.

Get into the habit of reading the nutritional info on the back of whatever you buy (not just for protein but for fibre, fats, carbs etc) as well as learning whats in certain fresh foods like meat or fish and you'll be surprised how much of it will stick. I started doing this a few years ago and I still do it today, almost unknown to myself at this stage.

This is probably not the advice you were looking for but for me, I would always look into sharpening up the diet before worrying about supplements, especially if you're only looking for a little extra protein.

darrenw5094

If you have to add protein with a powder, a blend of maybe, whey, egg white and casein will last longer in the system than a whey only powder. Whole foods are always superior to supplements.

Protein sources are raw chicken, fish, meat, turkey, eggs and cottage cheese. Buy them and cook them yourself.....except the cottage cheese obviously.