what exactly do protein drinks do for you?

I have been thinking perhaps I should invest in some type of protein drink or powder to use post-workout.  I work out pretty strenuously 6 days per week, a mix of cardio and strength.  The thing  is, I'm not sure whether it's really necessary.  I am good about eating before and after workouts, and I always eat something within 15 minutes after I workout (often a trail mix balance bar or piece of fruit).  So the question is, why do those of you who use protein powders and protein drinks use them?  Is there something you get from using these drinks that you can't get from eating a piece of cheese or some nuts or is it just convenience?    I'm just curious and would appreciate anyone's input.

For one thing, you get a lot more  protein from a protein shake, than from a piece of cheese or nuts--or most other foods you can take on-the-go for after the gym.  Me, I have a hard time getting enough total protein without adding a protein drink to my day.  And since it's generally recommended for after workout, that's when I do it. 

Thanks, I appreciate the advice. I guess it makes sense.  The next logical question is, what's the best kind to use?  Favorites anyone?

i was interested in the answer to this question. i was hoping melkor would answer, and im glad he did. he seems to know a whole lot and has great advice. even though im not the OP, thanks for the answer. lol.

Interesting note, a little web research has revealed that chocolate milk is being touted as the new recovery drink, as it has 4:1 carb to protein ratio.  Anybody have experience with this one? 

I just look for a good whey, soy or even caesin protein, that tastes good.  There are a couple of things to consider, when buying protein.  Don't sweat if it's hydrolized, unless you have serious stomach problems.  Hydrolized whey is so fast acting, you could lose some of the benefits, if you have a normal digestive system.  All 3 have definite benefits, and depending on what you want, any or all, could be the "best".  Find something in your budget, that tastes good, mixes good, and don't get caught up in a bunch of additives, because that's probably just a marketing gimmick. 

This like so many aspects of fitness, are overthought.  I use whey and soy proteins, for the different benefits, on a daily basis, to make sure I get enough protein. 

I drink them mainly because i dont get enough protein in the day from other foods, so its a nice quick boost after a workout.

Ive tried several different types but the one i like for right now is Whey Gourmet by PVL. My fav. is the Raspberry.

They have a TONE of flavors too:

Strawberry Banana, Vanilla, Chocolate chip mint, creamy caramel, peanut butter and chocolate, Dark chocolate, Blueberry, orangesicle, pina colada, Radical Raspberry, Cappuccino Frappe, cookies & cream, cherry chocolate Truffle, Chocolate coconut cream pie.

I have trouble finding some of the flavors because there are several that id like to try, but overall i think its really yummy

It's strictly convienence.

Whenever possible, I try to eat a piece of steak after a workout instead.

You should be careful about protien overload. It can cause serious kidney problems. Especially if your family has a history of kidney dieases or hypertension.

Original Post by xraybeotch:

You should be careful about protien overload. It can cause serious kidney problems. Especially if your family has a history of kidney dieases or hypertension.

If your kidneys are functioning normally, upping your protein intake, to a more adequate level for gaining and maintaining muscle mass should have no effect on them whatsoever. The problem is, around 20 million americans kidneys don't function properly, but they don't know it.

"There is a place for all of God's animals. ...Right next to the mashed potatoes."

re: #12 even if u have the healthiest kidneys, upping protein intake too much (and i mean too much) will give u problems...and in the liver as well. thats like saying "if you have a healthy cholesterol level, then McDonals every day shouldn't have an effect on you."
just because an organ is healthy, doesnt mean it won't change if you overload it. many many many people are born with healthy organs and develop problems later on because of their lifestyle/eating/exercise (or lack there of).

i am a meat lover, so the fact that too much protein can cause damage, even to healthy organs, saddens me.


history of kidney/liver problems wouldnt be good at all. a history of it lets you know you are probably genetically predisposed to a certain problem, should you lead your life to that direction.

Original Post by fightergirl:

"There is a place for all of God's animals. ...Right next to the mashed potatoes."

 

re: #12 even if u have the healthiest kidneys, upping protein intake too much (and i mean too much) will give u problems...and in the liver as well.

Define too much...

thats like saying "if you have a healthy cholesterol level, then McDonals every day shouldn't have an effect on you."

No, it isn't like that, at all. In fact, it's nothing like that at all. 

just because an organ is healthy, doesnt mean it won't change if you overload it. many many many people are born with healthy organs and develop problems later on because of their lifestyle/eating/exercise (or lack there of).

Again I ask to define "overload".

i am a meat lover, so the fact that too much protein can cause damage, even to healthy organs, saddens me.


history of kidney/liver problems wouldnt be good at all. a history of it lets you know you are probably genetically predisposed to a certain problem, should you lead your life to that direction.

I respectfully disagree.  I assume when we talk about too much, we are very far apart, on what that is.  A rule of thumb I have always used is 1 gram of protein per pound of lean mass.  I eat around 220 grams of protein per day, and have done so, with regularity since I was a teenager, and have never had a problem with it.  I have full blood work done, every 3 months, and it's never been a problem.  If you are saying that eating more than say 1.5 grams per pound of lean mass, and kidney function isn't 100 percent, I can agree, but I'm sorry, but if you have good kidney function, they can handle more than the average American protein intake, which is around 70 grams per day, on average.

 I really notice an accelerated loss of weight when I am faithful to my shakes. I like spiru-tein but also do whey. Shakes are a way to up protien without so much saturated fat. I also have a hard time stopping with nuts and cheeses.

I like ON Pro Complex Protein Powder.  The Chocolate is great and it mixes completely in a shaker with no clumps.  Something like 60g protein a serving so I do half servings.

One of the audio lecture on this site: http://webcast.berkeley.edu/course_details.ph p?seriesid=1906978398 goes into great detail about haw to calculate your daily needs for protein. The advantage of this site is that you get to hear a nutritionist from Berkeley tell you exactly why you need a specific amount.

This site: http://www.wheyoflife.org/mydiet.cfm has a calculator that takes into account activity levels. The amount that is too much will vary from person to person.

Basically, if you eat more than your body can process you can get a build up of chemicals in your system wich stresses your kidneys because they have to filter it out. Here is a brief article (not that technical, but it appears to come from a n MD): http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/article s/nutrition/protein_2/ .

Finally, your body breaks down the food you eat to such a degree that you get energy from carbs and protein and fat in really similar ways. The biggest difference is the rate that they add energy to your body. It's not like eating only protien means that your food only get turned into muscle. It just doesn't work that way.  (I highly recommend the college lectures!).

Original Post by vanessa_from_slc:

One of the audio lecture on this site: http://webcast.berkeley.edu/course_details.ph p?seriesid=1906978398 goes into great detail about haw to calculate your daily needs for protein. The advantage of this site is that you get to hear a nutritionist from Berkeley tell you exactly why you need a specific amount.

This site: http://www.wheyoflife.org/mydiet.cfm has a calculator that takes into account activity levels. The amount that is too much will vary from person to person.

Basically, if you eat more than your body can process you can get a build up of chemicals in your system wich stresses your kidneys because they have to filter it out. Here is a brief article (not that technical, but it appears to come from a n MD): http://www.thedoctorwillseeyounow.com/article s/nutrition/protein_2/ .

Finally, your body breaks down the food you eat to such a degree that you get energy from carbs and protein and fat in really similar ways. The biggest difference is the rate that they add energy to your body. It's not like eating only protien means that your food only get turned into muscle. It just doesn't work that way.  (I highly recommend the college lectures!).

 I need to watch the first one and see if they highly recommend granola!  Go Berkley!!!    Come on San Andreas Fault!!!

Original Post by curtinks:

No, it isn't like that, at all. In fact, it's nothing like that at all.

I respectfully disagree. I assume when we talk about too much, we are very far apart, on what that is. A rule of thumb I have always used is 1 gram of protein per pound of lean mass. I eat around 220 grams of protein per day, and have done so, with regularity since I was a teenager, and have never had a problem with it. I have full blood work done, every 3 months, and it's never been a problem. If you are saying that eating more than say 1.5 grams per pound of lean mass, and kidney function isn't 100 percent, I can agree, but I'm sorry, but if you have good kidney function, they can handle more than the average American protein intake, which is around 70 grams per day, on average.

i meant meat itself, not protein. i did call it protein, i made that mistake.
meat can be. when i say overload i dont mean your just a meat lover. i was responding to the post where the poster said that upping protein would have no affect whatsoever, however i missed the part where it was "to an adequate level", and also the fact that i was still looking at the post about protein drinks. i was reffering to meat itself.
our bodies arent so great with meat, particularly our livers not really our kidneys. yeah, you can a lot of meat and still feel good that day, but our livers have the task of cleaning it all up. they can work out through it, yes, but an overload (and i mean overload) wouldnt be good. any problems can arise from too much of something, for example an excess of vitmain B3 (Niacin) can cause liver damage as well. An excess of Vitamin C can include diarrhea, kidney stones, breakdown of red blood cells, vomiting, and may induce a deficiency in B12. the body likes to be somewhat balanced. although, we are eating more protein than we need to eat. but the meat itself is the problem, not the protein. not necessarily a problem, but it can be in excess.