[Discussion] Are protein shakes vital for working out/lifting weights?

[lndra]

I just started two weeks ago. Anyway I'm neglecting the most important aspects of working out (the diet portion). I don't really eat unhealthily, but I feel like I should add more protein/etc to my diet.

Should I start using protein powder before or after the workout? Are they vital? When do I take it?

If not, do I just substitute it with something else with a high protein intake like eggs? Thanks the information in advance.

Also if there is anything else I should know, feel free to educate me. I've googled most of these things but I kind of want real secondhand information rather than a yahoo answers/blog :lol

 

[Sagebee]

I'm not a working out expert, but it depends what you want do you want to bulk up or be lean and toned. Protein shakes is just a good way to quickly get your calorie intake. I personally drink mine after my workouts not sure if it matters

 

[ChicagoJhawk]

Not an expert but from what I've seen working out and diet are 50/50. Yea you'll make gains but a good diet maximizes those gains

 

[-immortal-]

It usualy says on the Protein box you bought if they are for Gaining more muscles or for losing weight.

If you're not fat. Obviously you would pick Gaining muscles.

You should take either one before you go work out Or after. I use them after my work outs.

But if you are going to use protein shakes. You really HAVE to work out. Otherwise what should grow into muscles will become fat.

 

[rollin]

How much u weigh is how much grams of protein you should take a day
Ex:140lbs-140 grams of protein
You don't necessarily need protein shakes it just helps u get your protein intake
But what really matters is your caloric intake,in order to grow muscles you need to eat more calories than you burn

And also don't forget to use the 4 basic primal patter movements for a well-rounded workout
Push,pull,squat,bend

 

[Ciao]

if you are on the thinner side you should be using shakes
if you are average take protein but a low calorie one
if you are over weight dont take anything

where protein really makes a difference is when you are already decently sculpted and you wanna get more mass to add to your existing mass

 

[Amazeballs]

I just started two weeks ago. Anyway I'm neglecting the most important aspects of working out (the diet portion). I don't really eat unhealthily, but I feel like I should add more protein/etc to my diet.

Should I start using protein powder before or after the workout? Are they vital? When do I take it?

If not, do I just substitute it with something else with a high protein intake like eggs? Thanks the information in advance.

Also if there is anything else I should know, feel free to educate me. I've googled most of these things but I kind of want real secondhand information rather than a yahoo answers/blog :lol

Well, what's important is that you get enough protein daily. 1 scoop of whey is generally 25g. For reference, a pound of steak is roughly 100g. Eggs are considered "high protein", but really only have 4-6g each. I eat a ton of eggs, but mainly because they contain a lot of cholesterol (good for increasing testosterone, and thus gainz) and are low carb. Protein shakes just make it very easy to hit macros.

But no, they aren't needed.

 

[~Ethereal~]

You should lift a motorboat.

 

[HENI]

The'yre not vital. just drink water.

 

[~WastelandSociety~]

 

[Hexuze]

Don't consume eggs. You can eat nuts/seeds, beans, spinach, broccoli, chicken, fish, etc. for high protein.

Idk about protein powder. I'd stay away from them but you should research that yourself.

 

[HashiraMadara]

For me Whey Protein Hydrosualate works magic

 

[Yubel]

Don't take shit, get your protein like a real man by eating lots of food.

 

[YowYan]

I never used any supplements due To my metabolism and genes. I grow muscular really fast and I Always eat a lot (and healthy). You don't need proteine shakes, Just eat well and eat more so You gain more calories Than You burn. And expand Your limits in terms of lifting weights every week or two by 2.5kg.

A friend of mine is asian and really skinny. So I made a batch of calorie bars for him with components like peanut butter. Each calorie bar is 600 calories. It helped him a lot since he doesn't eat too much in general. Consider calorie bars.

 

[HashiraMadara]

I never used any supplements due To my metabolism and genes. I grow muscular really fast and I Always eat a lot (and healthy). You don't need proteine shakes, Just eat well and eat more so You gain more calories Than You burn. And expand Your limits in terms of lifting weights every week or two by 2.5kg.

A friend of mine is asian and really skinny. So I made a batch of calorie bars for him with components like peanut butter. Each calorie bar is 600 calories. It helped him a lot since he doesn't eat too much in general. Consider calorie bars.

That works out for thin people. Whey is the super product for good weight lose and gaining lean muscle

 

[Deadlift]

Personal trainer here: Protein powders and supplements CAN BE useful if you make a good use of them. Their utility is due to the fact that instead of eating whole foods you are directly taking the substance you need (protein, aminos, carbs and so on). Anyway, they don't make miracles and are completely useful if you don't train properly. They also are far from being indispensable, see them as a tool rather than a necessity: if you can reach a point, you can do it with no supplements.
We are all bombed by advertisements of them, but trust me, it's just a business thing

 

[Оdin]

It depends on your metabolism, diet, and what you want to do with your body. Shakes are mostly used by those who are thin and/or those who want serious/quick muscle gains. Shakes are good pre-workout so that your body has immediate access to nutrients so you don't lag while working, and post-workout for quick healing and so that your body doesn't feed on itself in search for energy (this applies to pre and post). Keep in mind that food takes a long time to digest, whereas whey shakes are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Only take shakes if you're trying to gain (don't forget a proper diet - shakes aren't a replacement).

 

[nefraiko]

I just started two weeks ago. Anyway I'm neglecting the most important aspects of working out (the diet portion). I don't really eat unhealthily, but I feel like I should add more protein/etc to my diet.

Should I start using protein powder before or after the workout? Are they vital? When do I take it?

If not, do I just substitute it with something else with a high protein intake like eggs? Thanks the information in advance.

Also if there is anything else I should know, feel free to educate me. I've googled most of these things but I kind of want real secondhand information rather than a yahoo answers/blog :lol

absolutely not vital. don't try to gain weight fast, you'll only gain fat. just keep on eating what you need (your body tells you). and keep on training, if you gain 2 or 3kg in a year and see in the mirror that you have gained more muscle than fat then you are doing great. if not then start looking at your diet.

ah, and I forgot that if you are a beginner then you will probably gain around 5 kg just by going to the gym, training normally. in around 3 mounths. after that the gains will be more difficult.

remember : 2 / 3 kg of muscles per year are great. there is no need to bulk and gain 7kg of fat, and 3 kg of muscles, then work on burning that fat to end up with 2 kg.

your first year will be an experience, don't bulk, eat what you desire when you want it, and train hard. see what you will gain. always look at the mirror, if you find that you get some belly fat cut on your diet, the mirror should be your best friend. take lots of photos and measure yourself to see the progress each mounth.

 

[Оdin]

absolutely not vital. don't try to gain weight fast, you'll only gain fat. just keep on eating what you need (your body tells you). and keep on training, if you gain 2 or 3kg in a year and see in the mirror that you have gained more muscle than fat then you are doing great. if not then start looking at your diet.

ah, and I forgot that if you are a beginner then you will probably gain around 5 kg just by going to the gym, training normally. in around 3 mounths. after that the gains will be more difficult.

remember : 2 / 3 kg of muscles per year are great. there is no need to bulk and gain 7kg of fat, and 3 kg of muscles, then work on burning that fat to end up with 2 kg.

your first year will be an experience, don't bulk, eat what you desire when you want it, and train hard. see what you will gain. always look at the mirror, if you find that you get some belly fat cut on your diet, the mirror should be your best friend. take lots of photos and measure yourself to see the progress each mounth.

@Bold: You clearly haven't got a clue about working out if you really think that's anywhere near true. You only gain fat weight if you take in more than what you burn. Hit a gym before spewing nonsense.

 

[YowYan]

That works out for thin people. Whey is the super product for good weight lose and gaining lean muscle

Well, I don't lean on supplements for results. Just get the right nutrients from the right foods combined with the right exercises. I wouldn't recommend pumping your body with chemical supplements