Protein Shakes

I'm using GNC's Lean Shake.  It's 180 calories for 1 serving and I mix it with a cup of skim milk which is 90 calories.  This gives me 9g of protein from the powder and 8g from the milk, so 17g total of protein and 270 calories.

I'm using this shake as my first lunch at work.  I need a quick meal at work because I never get a chance to actually sit down and have a break.  It seems to only keep me going for 2-3 hours.  Is this about right for protein shakes?  I want it to keep me fuller longer because I end up having to have a second small lunch.  I've never really been into the shakes because I like to actually eat food and not drink it but like I said I want to do this because of the time constraint at work.

Any advice on this would be apprecatied.  I am willing to try other shakes but not willing to spend a ton of money on them.

Hey! I am not an expert in protein shakes, but I think the reason it doesn`t keep you full may be that the whole concoction lacks fiber. Could you somehow spare the extra calories and make a smoothie at home, adding a small banana (or half a large one) to your mix, then bring it along to work? If not, you could just eat it the old-fashioned way, along with the shake, though it would take an extra few minutes.

Actually I did do that the first time I took it with me, I had the same thought.  The shake's consistancy was kind of funky once I got to it.  I also added Flax to it.  If I could just make it up and drink it it wouldn't be a problem, but I have to make it up and then put it in a container and then it sits for a few hours and settles before I can get to it.  I purchased a Blendy Cup thing, it has wisk like ball in it that is supposed to help mix shakes on the go but it didn't do the banana mixture justice in my opinion.  It does well with just the shake though.

Are those numbers right? 180 calories and only 9 grams of protein? that leaves 144 calories in the powder from sources other than protein.  I'd try a higher protein shake (ON whey is 120 cals and 24 grams/protein and I think GNC brand Whey powder is similar).

Designer Whey

Optimum Nutrition

EAS

Those are three different brands of whey proteins that are good, relatively cheap, and more protein for less calories.

I like the EAS ready mixed drinks (160 cals, 17 grams protein), and the variety box of protein powders from Optimum Nutrition best. You can get HUGE tubs of the Designer Whey for around 15 bucks.

I have been searching for a decent tasting protein shake that doesn't taste nasty and isn't horribly expensive.  I like Syntax 6 and Matrix.  They both really feel me up for several hours without a lot of calories.  Syntax 6 os 200 cal for 23 grams of protein but it also has 6 grams of fiber.  Matrix is 130 cal for 23 grams of protein.  I find them both really filling and yummy.  I can go for a 3 to 4 hour stretch on one of them.  I paid around $30 for each of them for a 2 or 3 lb container but I know that the matrix can come in a larger size for cheaper if that is what you want.  Good luck and I hope this helps.

It would depend on your total calorie intake for the day,  But it won't last you all day. If you want it to last longer -  I would suggest eating something with it like an apple or banana to fill your belly a bit more. While it is a shake, it still is just a liquid and will digest more quickly and go thru you faster then solid foods.But 2- 3 hours is a pretty good estimate on how long a shake will last you before you get hungry again.

But I would suggest BNS Syntha 6 as well... its got a bit more calories but a ton more protein and is really filling and yummy. One of my fav snacks is mixing it with a g2 gatorade after a workout. About the same amount of calories as you are drinking now. And it mixes really really well. I can get a nice smooth shake with just a few stirs of a spoon.

EAS is a great pre-mixed drink as well. I keep those at work for my snack with a piece of fruit.