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Protein Shakes & Supplements

  • 20-09-2017 8:29pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,912 ✭✭✭


    Well folks just wondering what other supplements if any you put in your protein shakes.

    Thanks to previous advice from this forum i now use ZMA, good multi vitamin and Fish oil daily.

    I bought Psylium husk, milk thistle & nac last week and wondering would this mix be ok in one shake.

    Any thoughts appreciated


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,718 ✭✭✭whippet


    Spinach, berries and oats ... just blitz all that up with the whey and away I go


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭Blacktie.


    Creatine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,825 ✭✭✭IvoryTower


    protein, creatine, 4 x frozen strawberries, a banana, milk, some flax seeds

    is the science behind ZMA good? just googled it and it sounds bloody great!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    IvoryTower wrote: »
    is the science behind ZMA good? just googled it and it sounds bloody great!

    Does it?
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZMA_(supplement)
    It was developed by Victor Conte (founder of BALCO Laboratories in Burlingame, California, and a felon who served time in prison in 2005 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute steroids and money laundering).
    The study most often used to support the hormone effects of ZMA is one done at Western Washington University. Dr. Lorrie Brilla...However, one of the scientists who conducted the study holds the registered trademark for the original formula of ZMA, and his company funded the research, contrary to the best-practices in scientific research that avoids conflicts-of-interest.

    A substance created by a felon and tested by someone who stands to make money from a positive result...not entirely inspiring science.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,825 ✭✭✭IvoryTower


    sorry they were supposed to be separate, i was asking if the science was good and meant to say the claimed "benefits" sound great

    I'll stick to my spinach


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,694 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    I'd only be getting ZMA if I wanted mental dreams.


    My protein shakes are made with water, Mi Wadi, leucine and maltodextrin...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,371 ✭✭✭✭Zillah


    I'd only be getting ZMA if I wanted mental dreams.


    My protein shakes are made with water, Mi Wadi, leucine and maltodextrin...

    More of an amino-acid shake...

    Isn't maltodextrin really high GI? Is it any better than table sugar?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,694 ✭✭✭✭Alf Veedersane


    Zillah wrote: »
    More of an amino-acid shake...

    Isn't maltodextrin really high GI? Is it any better than table sugar?

    I wasn't being entirely serious. I do put Mi Wadi in my water from time to time but it would be kinda pointless adding maltodextrin on top of Mi Wadi.

    When I do occasionally have protein shakes, I add malto and leucine to it.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,870 ✭✭✭✭Dtp1979


    I mix choc whey, creative, leucine, dextrose and water


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,468 ✭✭✭DylanJM


    Zillah wrote: »
    Does it?
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZMA_(supplement)




    A substance created by a felon and tested by someone who stands to make money from a positive result...not entirely inspiring science.

    Isn't ZMA just zinc and magnesium in one tablet? Surely any studies relating to zinc or magnesium supplementation would be applicable?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,912 ✭✭✭kilburn


    Thanks folks but can we get back on topic please i really want to hear what supplements people are taking and or putting in their shakes.

    ZMA chat is probably for another thread


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,900 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    Zillah wrote: »
    Does it?
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZMA_(supplement)

    A substance created by a felon and tested by someone who stands to make money from a positive result...not entirely inspiring science.
    Not sure if you know who Victor Conte is, or you're just being flippant to make a point.
    BALCO under Conte was the "Sports science" lab that developed The Clear. A highly potent, undetectable PED. I wouldn't use the fact he went to jail for his part in those doping scandals to undermine anything he developed.

    I agree that having a vested interest in a study isn't a good thing of course. But it's not like they were testing some new chemical compound. It's it just zinc and magnesium. If I buy some ZMA from the shop, I doubt that scientist makes a penny.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 364 ✭✭LincolnHawk


    Creatine, but I don't put it in my shake, I take it in my tea


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,007 ✭✭✭s7ryf3925pivug


    Whey, maltodextrin, glucose. Small amount of Creatine HCl in water separately at same time.

    Monohydrate upsets my stomach no matter how well it's dissolved. HCl tastes like stomach acid but is easy to digest. The taste of it mixed with the other ingredients I mentioned is outrageously bad. Consumed by itself it's tolerable and can be washed down with the other.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Robinio


    This is a little bit vague. What do you put in your protein shake? Depends on the results you're looking for and what you are already getting from your diet.

    I mix HMB with my BCAA and protein shake (taking a couple of times a day). However, I am only using HMB because I am doing German Volume Training. Benefits of this supplement are more focused on those training hard, and this is literally the first time I have used it.

    I don't mix dextrose or anything with my shake. I fast, and then eat fast-releasing carbs after a workout, and drink orange juice.

    It also depends on what results you seek, and how long you've been lifting. If you've just started out (I assume this isn't you), you probably don't even need a protein shake!

    Aside from multi-vitamin, creatine, BCAA and a protein supplement (ideally casein if you're not vegan and not hitting protein requirements) and essential fatty acids (if not already getting it from your diet), not much point in other fancy supplements. Saying that, l have not tried pre-workouts. Normally just have a double espresso ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭Blacktie.


    Robinio wrote: »
    how long you've been lifting

    Why does it depend on how long you're lifting? :confused:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Robinio


    Blacktie. wrote: »
    Robinio wrote: »
    how long you've been lifting

    Why does it depend on how long you're lifting? :confused:
    If you are new to lifting, your protein requirements will be lower. By simply increasing your "habitual" protein intake, you will make gains.

    So, if you follow guidelines and eat around 60 grams of protein per day - for example - an increase in habitual protein intake of 40-80% is enough to encourage protein synthesis. 40% of 60 grams is 24 grams. That is like 3-4 whole eggs. Or two slices of toast with baked beans. Anyone who cannot eat 84 grams of protein per day without supplementing will need to look seriously at their diet and look to fix that, first.

    If you've been lifting for longer 6 months+, your intake of 84 grams becomes "habitual". Therefore, you should ramp up your protein intake again by around 40%. This will take you to around 117 grams. And so on. By the time you hit the higher end of protein requirements (you are lean, and nearing your maximum muscular potential), you would have been training for a couple of years anyway, and your ability to pack on muscle slows, and your need to eat higher protein to preserve what you have added becomes more important.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,870 ✭✭✭✭Dtp1979


    Robinio wrote: »
    This is a little bit vague. What do you put in your protein shake? Depends on the results you're looking for and what you are already getting from your diet.

    I mix HMB with my BCAA and protein shake (taking a couple of times a day). However, I am only using HMB because I am doing German Volume Training. Benefits of this supplement are more focused on those training hard, and this is literally the first time I have used it.

    I don't mix dextrose or anything with my shake. I fast, and then eat fast-releasing carbs after a workout, and drink orange juice.

    It also depends on what results you seek, and how long you've been lifting. If you've just started out (I assume this isn't you), you probably don't even need a protein shake!

    Aside from multi-vitamin, creatine, BCAA and a protein supplement (ideally casein if you're not vegan and not hitting protein requirements) and essential fatty acids (if not already getting it from your diet), not much point in other fancy supplements. Saying that, l have not tried pre-workouts. Normally just have a double espresso ;)

    What's so different about casein?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭Blacktie.


    Robinio wrote: »
    If you are new to lifting, your protein requirements will be lower. By simply increasing your "habitual" protein intake, you will make gains.

    So, if you follow guidelines and eat around 60 grams of protein per day - for example - an increase in habitual protein intake of 40-80% is enough to encourage protein synthesis. 40% of 60 grams is 24 grams. That is like 3-4 whole eggs. Or two slices of toast with baked beans. Anyone who cannot eat 84 grams of protein per day without supplementing will need to look seriously at their diet and look to fix that, first.

    If you've been lifting for longer 6 months+, your intake of 84 grams becomes "habitual". Therefore, you should ramp up your protein intake again by around 40%. This will take you to around 117 grams. And so on. By the time you hit the higher end of protein requirements (you are lean, and nearing your maximum muscular potential), you would have been training for a couple of years anyway, and your ability to pack on muscle slows, and your need to eat higher protein to preserve what you have added becomes more important.

    As counter intuitive as it is I've actually heard the opposite. Newer lifters need more protein as breakdown and muscle building potential is substantially higher compared to a seasoned lifter.

    Also nearing max muscular potential after two years.... Ah if only.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Robinio


    Dtp1979 wrote: »
    Robinio wrote: »
    This is a little bit vague. What do you put in your protein shake? Depends on the results you're looking for and what you are already getting from your diet.

    I mix HMB with my BCAA and protein shake (taking a couple of times a day). However, I am only using HMB because I am doing German Volume Training. Benefits of this supplement are more focused on those training hard, and this is literally the first time I have used it.

    I don't mix dextrose or anything with my shake. I fast, and then eat fast-releasing carbs after a workout, and drink orange juice.

    It also depends on what results you seek, and how long you've been lifting. If you've just started out (I assume this isn't you), you probably don't even need a protein shake!

    Aside from multi-vitamin, creatine, BCAA and a protein supplement (ideally casein if you're not vegan and not hitting protein requirements) and essential fatty acids (if not already getting it from your diet), not much point in other fancy supplements. Saying that, l have not tried pre-workouts. Normally just have a double espresso ;)

    What's so different about casein?
    Studies comparing casein to whey protein have shown little difference, post workout. The benefit of casein, is that it is slower releasing. Therefore, you can take it before bed to aid in protein synthesis while the body is fasting. The supplement industry wants you to think you need 10 types of protein supplement, but it is not true.

    If you're in a caloric deficit, and looking to add muscle, casein is a must. You will be eating less, so will need a slower digesting source.

    I used to use two types, but after lots of research found that it is unnecessary.

    So if you want to choose just one to buy, I would go for casein. Typically has a better amino acid profile, too!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Robinio


    Blacktie. wrote: »
    Robinio wrote: »
    If you are new to lifting, your protein requirements will be lower. By simply increasing your "habitual" protein intake, you will make gains.

    So, if you follow guidelines and eat around 60 grams of protein per day - for example - an increase in habitual protein intake of 40-80% is enough to encourage protein synthesis. 40% of 60 grams is 24 grams. That is like 3-4 whole eggs. Or two slices of toast with baked beans. Anyone who cannot eat 84 grams of protein per day without supplementing will need to look seriously at their diet and look to fix that, first.

    If you've been lifting for longer 6 months+, your intake of 84 grams becomes "habitual". Therefore, you should ramp up your protein intake again by around 40%. This will take you to around 117 grams. And so on. By the time you hit the higher end of protein requirements (you are lean, and nearing your maximum muscular potential), you would have been training for a couple of years anyway, and your ability to pack on muscle slows, and your need to eat higher protein to preserve what you have added becomes more important.

    As counter intuitive as it is I've actually heard the opposite. Newer lifters need more protein as breakdown and muscle building potential is substantially higher compared to a seasoned lifter.

    Also nearing max muscular potential after two years.... Ah if only.
    I developed and built my own protein calculator. I added 8.4lb of muscle, and lost 6.2lb of fat in just 13 weeks using the research I did.

    I am not able to post links here, but as soon as I am able, I will send you links to all the studies, the calculator, and my DEXA body scans both before and after my recomp to show you what is possible. I have now added 12lb of muscle in 6 months, and aim for 25lb within first year - that is over half of my genetic potential at 5 foot 8 inches.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭Blacktie.


    Robinio wrote: »
    I developed and built my own protein calculator. I added 8.4lb of muscle, and lost 6.2lb of fat in just 13 weeks using the research I did.

    I am not able to post links here, but as soon as I am able, I will send you links to all the studies, the calculator, and my DEXA body scans both before and after my recomp to show you what is possible. I have now added 12lb of muscle in 6 months, and aim for 25lb within first year - that is over half of my genetic potential at 5 foot 8 inches.

    PM them to me.

    I find it hard to believe you can speak as an authority on this with less than a year of training and some very curious results and assumptions on your genetic potential.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Robinio


    Blacktie. wrote: »
    Robinio wrote: »
    I developed and built my own protein calculator. I added 8.4lb of muscle, and lost 6.2lb of fat in just 13 weeks using the research I did.

    I am not able to post links here, but as soon as I am able, I will send you links to all the studies, the calculator, and my DEXA body scans both before and after my recomp to show you what is possible. I have now added 12lb of muscle in 6 months, and aim for 25lb within first year - that is over half of my genetic potential at 5 foot 8 inches.

    PM them to me.

    I find it hard to believe you can speak as an authority on this with less than a year of training and some very curious results and assumptions on your genetic potential.
    I've been training on and off for about 4 years. But not properly. I injured my elbow performing skull crushers last year, and didn't train for 6 months. During this time, I spent a hell of a lot of time researching, so that when I hit the gym again, I would do it as perfectly as I possibly could, and not repeat the mistakes I originally made.

    I was up at 25.8% body fat. Some of the gains could be attributed to muscle memory, however, my recomp results were in line with the studies I researched. Plus, I am now carrying more muscle than I ever did previously.

    For my height, wrist and ankle sizes, I can expect to achieve around 160lb of lean body mass as a natural lifter. I was 118lb when I started, I was 130lb at my last scan (start of this month), and expect to be around 155lb by the end of my second year - 5lb or so away from my genetic potential.

    I am off to demolish my legs with some German Volume Training. Will send you links when I am back.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    Daily Shake is

    25ml prune juice
    10x fresh blueberries
    ~20 pine nuts
    200ml super milk
    50g vanilla whey protein
    Powdered ginger
    Powdered cinnamon
    Chia
    Flax seeds
    Spirulina/Wheatgrass powder
    Pumpkin Seeds
    Sunflower Seeds
    Tablespoon peanut butter
    1 fresh banana
    squirt of honey
    squirt of lemon juice
    handful of frozen berries (strawberry, raspberry, cherry, blackberry, blueberry mix from aldi)

    Blitz and have on the way to the office every morning.

    Keeps me going until lunch and occasionally until 2-3pm if needs must.

    Used to try porridge etc but was hungry by 11 every day.

    Also take it before playing golf/yoga/pilates and it works well.
    After 5-aside & pilates & yoga I will have another 50g whey with skimmed milk and ice


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,903 ✭✭✭Blacktie.


    Robinio wrote: »
    I am off to demolish my legs with some German Volume Training. Will send you links when I am back.

    Got those links?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,167 ✭✭✭B-D-P--


    Dont mean to put down boards, But have you tried google?
    Theres years of experience out there on bodybuilder forums relating to diet and supplements...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,834 ✭✭✭Useful.Idiot


    GreeBo wrote: »
    Daily Shake is...

    That is a shed load of ingredients. How long does it take to prepare that?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,900 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    Robinio wrote: »
    If you are new to lifting, your protein requirements will be lower. By simply increasing your "habitual" protein intake, you will make gains.

    So, if you follow guidelines and eat around 60 grams of protein per day - for example - an increase in habitual protein intake of 40-80% is enough to encourage protein synthesis. 40% of 60 grams is 24 grams. That is like 3-4 whole eggs. Or two slices of toast with baked beans. Anyone who cannot eat 84 grams of protein per day without supplementing will need to look seriously at their diet and look to fix that, first.

    If you've been lifting for longer 6 months+, your intake of 84 grams becomes "habitual". Therefore, you should ramp up your protein intake again by around 40%. This will take you to around 117 grams. And so on. By the time you hit the higher end of protein requirements (you are lean, and nearing your maximum muscular potential), you would have been training for a couple of years anyway, and your ability to pack on muscle slows, and your need to eat higher protein to preserve what you have added becomes more important.

    An intake on 100g is 100g regardless of how long you've been eating 100g.
    Protein is a macronutrient, not a drug. You don't build up a tolerance that mean you need to keep increasing the dose - which is what you are suggesting.
    Robinio wrote: »
    I was up at 25.8% body fat. Some of the gains could be attributed to muscle memory, however, my recomp results were in line with the studies I researched. Plus, I am now carrying more muscle than I ever did previously.

    For my height, wrist and ankle sizes, I can expect to achieve around 160lb of lean body mass as a natural lifter. I was 118lb when I started, I was 130lb at my last scan (start of this month), and expect to be around 155lb by the end of my second year - 5lb or so away from my genetic potential.

    I am off to demolish my legs with some German Volume Training. Will send you links when I am back.

    25.8% BF at 118lbs? That can't be right. And underweight BMI with overweight BF%. By all means PM the links and i'll repost for.
    But if that was you start point, I don't think typical gains are any way applicable to you.


    At 5'8" you genetic potential is a lot higher than 160lbs. Even with tiny wrists


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    That is a shed load of ingredients. How long does it take to prepare that?

    5-7 mins from starting to all cleaned up and on my way out the door!

    All my ingredients are in jars so its literally just add spoonfuls of stuff together (other than peel the banana!) and lash in some frozen fruit and liquids.

    I'm looking at ways to add more fibre as since its all blitzed there is less work for my gut to do....though the prune juice was added to help with that side of things.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Robinio


    Mellor wrote: »
    Robinio wrote: »
    If you are new to lifting, your protein requirements will be lower. By simply increasing your "habitual" protein intake, you will make gains.

    So, if you follow guidelines and eat around 60 grams of protein per day - for example - an increase in habitual protein intake of 40-80% is enough to encourage protein synthesis. 40% of 60 grams is 24 grams. That is like 3-4 whole eggs. Or two slices of toast with baked beans. Anyone who cannot eat 84 grams of protein per day without supplementing will need to look seriously at their diet and look to fix that, first.

    If you've been lifting for longer 6 months+, your intake of 84 grams becomes "habitual". Therefore, you should ramp up your protein intake again by around 40%. This will take you to around 117 grams. And so on. By the time you hit the higher end of protein requirements (you are lean, and nearing your maximum muscular potential), you would have been training for a couple of years anyway, and your ability to pack on muscle slows, and your need to eat higher protein to preserve what you have added becomes more important.

    An intake on 100g is 100g regardless of how long you've been eating 100g.
    Protein is a macronutrient, not a drug. You don't build up a tolerance that mean you need to keep increasing the dose - which is what you are suggesting.
    Robinio wrote: »
    I was up at 25.8% body fat. Some of the gains could be attributed to muscle memory, however, my recomp results were in line with the studies I researched. Plus, I am now carrying more muscle than I ever did previously.

    For my height, wrist and ankle sizes, I can expect to achieve around 160lb of lean body mass as a natural lifter. I was 118lb when I started, I was 130lb at my last scan (start of this month), and expect to be around 155lb by the end of my second year - 5lb or so away from my genetic potential.

    I am off to demolish my legs with some German Volume Training. Will send you links when I am back.

    25.8% BF at 118lbs? That can't be right. And underweight BMI with overweight BF%. By all means PM the links and i'll repost for.
    But if that was you start point, I don't think typical gains are any way applicable to you.


    At 5'8" you genetic potential is a lot higher than 160lbs. Even with tiny wrists
    My lean body mass was 118lb, not total weight. Total weight was 158lb. Should have probably made that clearer

    Again, genetic potential of lean body mass. At 10% body fat, I would weigh 178lb

    Will PM you the links to check out :)


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 903 ✭✭✭MysticMonk




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,900 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    Robinio wrote: »
    My lean body mass was 118lb, not total weight. Total weight was 158lb. Should have probably made that clearer

    Again, genetic potential of lean body mass. At 10% body fat, I would weigh 178lb

    Will PM you the links to check out :)

    Ok that makes a bit more sense.
    FFIW, that equates to a fat free mass index on 24.8, 179lbs would be 24.99
    Max natural potential is usually considered to be 25 - so the above numbers look about right.



    Robino PM'd me the links mentioned above. I said I'd repost for him.

    Protein Calculator
    https://www.fitness-savvy.co.uk/protein-calculator-including-complete-and-incomplete-protein-advice/


    DEXA scan, body recomp
    https://www.fitness-savvy.co.uk/build-muscle-and-burn-fat-body-recomposition-facts/


    I've only skimmed the body comp. It's not dissimilar form my own approach, with added caesin.


    The the calculator. I put in my stats and was told to eat 216. I'm 74kg, so that sounds excessive to me. I think the reason is the habitual protein element. I eat about 100-150 per day currently.
    I've checked out the reference study, and I think you are drawing a bad conclusion. The page states:
    The same investigation found greater benefits when the level of protein consumed was much higher (+40-80%) than habitual intake of protein. Due to this, we have incorporated a field within the protein calculator for you to enter your habitual protein intake.

    While that's true. I think jumping to the conclusion that you need to keep increasing protein is wrong. The wasn't a study to find the best diet approach, this was a review of 17 different studies.

    The logic is that in the studies there the higher protein group was successful, they were consuming protein that was much higher than baseline.
    In the failed to gain more studies, it was only 10% higher.
    (Many studies didn't record the baseline, which makes them a bit useless for this part).
    The control groups are going to still eating more or less at their baseline. If the high group isn't significantly higher, then it's not surprising that there's not a significantly different result. All that proves is that the "failed to gain more studies" were poorly set up, and that higher intakes do help with lean mass growth.

    None of the studies reviewed had any evidence that protein consumption becomes habitual and has to be increased a third (or forth) time.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Robinio


    My primary point is that when starting out, you will likely need far less protein. However, if I was eating 50 grams, upped it to 70 grams when I start, at some point, that 70 grams will not be enough to continue to encourage protein synthesis.

    When I was training a couple of years ago, I seemed to plateau. This was before checking out these studies. I had been training for about a year. I increased my protein from about 140 grams per day to around 190, and noticed huge improvements. My routine did not change, only my protein consumption. I assumed I was eating less protein than I needed. This ties in with what I found from the studies, so has led me to test the whole thing out.

    My theory, is that at some stage, protein consumption must become your "habitual" level. I kept my intake around 140 grams per day while I recently bulked, after my recomp. Only put on 3.5lb muscle - and that was in a caloric surplus. I have now gone back to recomp, and upped my protein intake by 40%. It will be interesting to see if I put on more muscle with the extra intake. I firmly believe I will put on around twice what I did while bulking on the lower protein. In fact, after just 4 weeks, I have already lost nearly an inch from my waist, and only 1-2lb in total weight.

    I looked at how long it would take to build around 75%+ of your total potential, which should be achievable within 2 years if everything is done correctly. If I were starting out at around 60 grams of protein per day (given that it is likely not necessary to even increase habitual protein at the very beginning), and increased by 40% every 6 months (rather than gradually increasing it every week by a little), I would end up at the upper limit of around 1.5g per lb by 24 months. 

    I started this new recomp at the start of September. Will have a scan at the start of December and write up the results.

    At the end of 24 months, I will keep protein the same and see what happens over the next 3 months. I will, as a test, increase my protein intake yet again by 40% - to above what is recommended in current studies - to see if I manage to put on more muscle by doing this. If I put on more muscle, that would challenge much of what is currently understood about optimum protein levels. Now that's something worth being part of!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,900 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    Robinio wrote: »
    My primary point is that when starting out, you will likely need far less protein.
    Nothing in the links posted suggests you need less protein starting out.
    In fact, some of them where probably untrained groups who did better on higher intakes.
    However, if I was eating 50 grams, upped it to 70 grams when I start, at some point, that 70 grams will not be enough to continue to encourage protein synthesis.
    Nothing in the studies suggest that 70g will be enough, but after a while it won't.
    Literally, all that review is claiming and proving is that a higher intake is better.
    When I was training a couple of years ago, I seemed to plateau. This was before checking out these studies. I had been training for about a year. I increased my protein from about 140 grams per day to around 190, and noticed huge improvements. My routine did not change, only my protein consumption. I assumed I was eating less protein than I needed. This ties in with what I found from the studies, so has led me to test the whole thing out.
    If you increase protein, but didn't change anything else, you were consuming more calories. So its not surprising that you increased goals.
    My theory, is that at some stage, protein consumption must become your "habitual" level.
    I understand that's your theory, but you haven't back it up with a study yet.
    I looked at how long it would take to build around 75%+ of your total potential, which should be achievable within 2 years if everything is done correctly. If I were starting out at around 60 grams of protein per day (given that it is likely not necessary to even increase habitual protein at the very beginning), and increased by 40% every 6 months (rather than gradually increasing it every week by a little), I would end up at the upper limit of around 1.5g per lb by 24 months. 
    The studies prove that a higher intake is better. So what would you waste the first 12 m0nths my consuming less <100g. Makes more sense to start off at a moderate level and increase as LBM increases.

    At the end of 24 months, I will keep protein the same and see what happens over the next 3 months. I will, as a test, increase my protein intake yet again by 40% - to above what is recommended in current studies - to see if I manage to put on more muscle by doing this. If I put on more muscle, that would challenge much of what is currently understood about optimum protein levels. Now that's something worth being part of!


    If you go above the recommended max and still put on muscle, that won't challenge anything tbh. The point is that at a certain limit, there is no more additional benefit. Not that you can't put on muscle oer the limit.

    In real terms, thats means eating at 3g/kg or 4g/kg makes no difference.
    You'll put on the same muscle with both. If you manage to put muscle on at 4g, it proves nothing tbh. Sample sizes of 1 are useless


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13 Robinio


    If you look at a calculator like Bodybuilding.com, it tells me I need 220 grams of protein per day - regardless of whether I have just started out. I added 8.4lb of muscle while losing 6.2lb of fat in just 3 months on nearly half that amount.
     
    This was in line with the studies I researched. Anyone who believes I would have added even more muscle than that in such a short space of time by eating 220 grams without taking steroids is crazy!
     
    But I can tell you now, I cannot continue eating just 130-140 grams of protein per day. As I get leaner, and I put on more muscle mass, my requirements will increase. It makes more sense to me to "step" the increase every few months, rather than gradually increase by 1 gram every couple of days - which would be, not least, a nightmare to track.
     
    If my habitual protein intake was only 50 grams before I set foot in a gym for the first time, an increase to 220 grams is not only not beneficial, but completely unnecessary.
     
    Having checked my calculator the logic does take the “higher” of habitual and the calculator’s number to use. So if I enter 50 grams habitual intake, and my other stats it will still tell me to consumer 137 grams, not the lower figure of 70.
     
    The studies state, currently, that there is no additional benefit above 3g per kg. But here is my point:
     
    Let’s say I put on 3lb of muscle over 3 months on 220 grams per day (3g per kg of bodyweight). I am near my muscular potential, have been training for a couple of years, and at the top of the range. If, as an experiment, I increase to 300 grams per day (4g per kg, and an increase on habitual intake of 40%) and I were to put on 7lb of muscle - having not changed anything other than increasing my protein intake, surely this starts to question the upper limit? If the increase is negligible, i.e., 3.2lb v.s 3lb, then there is not much in it.
     
    This has not been investigated, and that is what I am setting out to test. The problem with getting a study with more than 1 sample, is that there are not many people who would keep up with this for several years, from start to finish, in a strict fashion.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 39,900 ✭✭✭✭Mellor


    Robinio wrote: »
    If you look at a calculator like Bodybuilding.com, it tells me I need 220 grams of protein per day - regardless of whether I have just started out. I added 8.4lb of muscle while losing 6.2lb of fat in just 3 months on nearly half that amount.
    220 is excessive. I agree. It's actually terrible advice.
    You're 40% every 6 months will see you around there on the 4th increase.
    What do you propose happens when are training into their 3rd and 4th years.
    Anyone who believes I would have added even more muscle than that in such a short space of time by eating 220 grams without taking steroids is crazy!
    What sort space of time are you talkng about?
    You were training years to get to that point. You're starting bodyfat was also very high.
     
    But I can tell you now, I cannot continue eating just 130-140 grams of protein per day. As I get leaner, and I put on more muscle mass, my requirements will increase. It makes more sense to me to "step" the increase every few months, rather than gradually increase by 1 gram every couple of days - which would be, not least, a nightmare to track.
    As you get bigger all you requirements increae
     
    If my habitual protein intake was only 50 grams before I set foot in a gym for the first time, an increase to 220 grams is not only not beneficial, but completely unnecessary.
    Again, where are you pulling 220 nonsense out from. Increasing to 150g or so would be fine.
     
    Having checked my calculator the logic does take the “higher” of habitual and the calculator’s number to use. So if I enter 50 grams habitual intake, and my other stats it will still tell me to consumer 137 grams, not the lower figure of 70.
    I have similar stats to you. Similar amount of time training.
    It suggested I eat 216g. That's a ridiculous figure (as you said yourself above).

     
    The studies state, currently, that there is no additional benefit above 3g per kg. But here is my point:
     
    Let’s say I put on 3lb of muscle over 3 months on 220 grams per day (3g per kg of bodyweight). I am near my muscular potential, have been training for a couple of years, and at the top of the range. If, as an experiment, I increase to 300 grams per day (4g per kg, and an increase on habitual intake of 40%) and I were to put on 7lb of muscle - having not changed anything other than increasing my protein intake, surely this starts to question the upper limit? If the increase is negligible, i.e., 3.2lb v.s 3lb, then there is not much in it.
    If your rate of gaining muscle mass (not weight) suddenly doubles. That's significant. But I doubt it will.

     
    This has not been investigated, and that is what I am setting out to test.


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