Protein Powder

Does anyone here use protein powder? If so, what kind (whey, soy, etc.)?

I've done whey protein in the past because I've heard it's the best for muscle building but it tasted horrible! I've tried various flavors but all made me want to gag. I ruined so many smoothies because I would detect the whey in it. So I would just end up mixing the protein with water and holding my nose to get it down - lol.

I'd like to get about 20 grams of protein at a time with the minimal amount of calories. Any suggestions on types or brands or flavors?

Thanks!

I am actually drinking a protein smoothie right now.  :)

I use Muscle Milk Light - Vanilla Creme.  I use frozen strawberries, 1/2 banana or some pineapple, honey, orange juice and 2 scoops of MM.  I use frozen strawberries in replacement of ice so I can use less orange juice (less calories).  My smoothies usually range from 325-375 calories.

I also get 25g of Protein for 195 calories (not including the added ingredients). 

I haven't tried any other protein powder because once I find something I like, I stick with it.  I tried the Strawberry flavor but I wasn't fond of it so much.  The Vanilla Creme works best for me because I can pretty much mix any ingredients and it will taste good.  :)

I love Perfect Isopure protein powder - they sell through 24Hour Fitness. You mix it with water - 220 Calories - 50g of protein. Tastes good too!!

I use Optimum Nutrition whey. It has 120 calories and 24g of protein per scoop. I like the Double Rich Chocolate and Rocky Road flavors.

Dumb question. Are these protein drinks a healthy breakfast? And what other benefits do they provide, like for energy? Is there a chocolate flavored one that is good? Where do you get them? Ok, several dumb questions.

They're really not a healthy breakfast. They're better than a donut, but that's about it. Real food is always preferable.

They do not provide energy. They provide protein that is isolated from milk. You could eat a piece of chicken or steak and get the same effect.

The brand I listed in my post tastes pretty good. You can get these powders at a store like GNC or online from Amazon.com 

Thanks, everyone, for your suggestions. I haven't tried any of those brands so maybe there's still hope of finding a whey protein I can live with. I'm going to start experimenting with those. 

stilltryin...None of those are dumb questions. Personally, I use protein powder, (that is, when I'm not gagging on it ), as a supplement post workouts esp after weight lifting. You need enough protein in your diet to help repair & build muscle which is metabolically more active. I'm certainly not a body builder or looking to "bulk" up, but just be more toned. I usually buy protein in 5 lb containers.

I agree with dm84 that lean foods are your best protein sources. You can still make a good, quick meal replacement packed with nutrients using protein powder, fruit, milk, yogurt etc. and putting it in a blender (smoothies). Better than donuts like dm84 said and also better than skipping a meal altogether. Or you can sprinkle it in yogurt or in oatmeal, etc., to help increase your protein intake.

  

I use whey Protein Powder and you are absolutely 100% correct it is terrible. I buy the vanilla flavor and have found ways to use it that are much more palatable! I mix a few teaspoons in with yogurt and make smoothies or I'll add it to pancake batter when we have breakfast I have found that mixing with Plain yogurt or vanilla yogurt really is the best way though. I even have my daughter using it now in yogurt. Anything that you are cooking that is on the sweeter side it will work with like pudding too. I have heard of putting it in the blender with milk is tastier too.

I love the taste of this...from the fiber 35 diet the strawberry Fit smart Shake.....20grams protein, 10 grams fiber and a serving is 2 scoops, its 165 calories...1 GRAM SUGAR...sweetened with stevia!!!!just what i was looking for...and it has sooooo much other good stuff in it...really recommend it...i have it in my cereal everyday!!!!soo good its like dessert!!!!!

I have been using EAS Whey protein powder (I bought it at wal-mart) and I use the soy milk with it for more added protein (and vanilla flavor!) I have also added a container of light yogurt to give it more flavor and to make it more of a meal replacement and it was good that way!

23 g Protein

with the soy milk (Silk) it has 30

I love Aria Women's Protein powder (the chocolate flavor is great!)  I like to mix 2 scoops with a cup of water or milk, 2 tbls. of peanut butter, half a banana and 3 ice cubes in the blender.  SO YUMMY!  The powder is a mixture of soy & whey.

I use whey protein.  And yea, a lot of them taste awful, but I love Designer Whey products.  Their chocolate flavor is to die for.  They also make fruit juices that taste really light and refreshing if you're not into the shakes.  http://www.designerwhey.com/samples.htm