Muscle Milk Protein Powder - 2lbs $12.49 (Was $24.99) @ Walgreens B&M YMMV

A couple of questions for those who use protein shakes. I just recently started working out again ( I do strength and cardio classes), someone suggested I drink a protein shake in the morning which got me thinking. What is a protein shake good for? How often do I take it? Do I drink it before or after I work out? I am a 42 y.o woman, I weigh about 135 lbs, I do have definition to my muscles (chasing and still carrying a 45 lbs toddler around ) so I'm not starting from point A, but I would like a smidgen more definition and of course minimize my muffin top. Is there something wrong with the brand muscle milk? What brand would you suggest? And lastly, what should I be looking for when I purchase protein, I think a poster said muscle milk had too many carbs, so what should I be looking for?

I know I asked a lot of questions but I am soooo confused and cannot hire a personal trainer to ask these questions to and the internet has 50,000 differing viewpoints. Any input would be soo appreciated since it seems most of you use protein.

Thanks!!!

How did you calculate that its 64 Cals from protein?

A couple of questions for those who use protein shakes. I just recently started working out again ( I do strength and cardio classes), someone suggested I drink a protein shake in the morning which got me thinking. What is a protein shake good for? How often do I take it? Do I drink it before or after I work out? I am a 42 y.o woman, I weigh about 135 lbs, I do have definition to my muscles (chasing and still carrying a 45 lbs toddler around ) so I'm not starting from point A, but I would like a smidgen more definition and of course minimize my muffin top. Is there something wrong with the brand muscle milk? What brand would you suggest? And lastly, what should I be looking for when I purchase protein, I think a poster said muscle milk had too many carbs, so what should I be looking for?

I know I asked a lot of questions but I am soooo confused and cannot hire a personal trainer to ask these questions to and the internet has 50,000 differing viewpoints. Any input would be soo appreciated since it seems most of you use protein.

Thanks!!!

A couple of questions for those who use protein shakes. I just recently started working out again ( I do strength and cardio classes), someone suggested I drink a protein shake in the morning which got me thinking. What is a protein shake good for? How often do I take it? Do I drink it before or after I work out? I am a 42 y.o woman, I weigh about 135 lbs, I do have definition to my muscles (chasing and still carrying a 45 lbs toddler around ) so I'm not starting from point A, but I would like a smidgen more definition and of course minimize my muffin top. Is there something wrong with the brand muscle milk? What brand would you suggest? And lastly, what should I be looking for when I purchase protein, I think a poster said muscle milk had too many carbs, so what should I be looking for?

I know I asked a lot of questions but I am soooo confused and cannot hire a personal trainer to ask these questions to and the internet has 50,000 differing viewpoints. Any input would be soo appreciated since it seems most of you use protein.

Thanks!!!

A couple of questions for those who use protein shakes. I just recently started working out again ( I do strength and cardio classes), someone suggested I drink a protein shake in the morning which got me thinking. What is a protein shake good for? How often do I take it? Do I drink it before or after I work out? I am a 42 y.o woman, I weigh about 135 lbs, I do have definition to my muscles (chasing and still carrying a 45 lbs toddler around ) so I'm not starting from point A, but I would like a smidgen more definition and of course minimize my muffin top. Is there something wrong with the brand muscle milk? What brand would you suggest? And lastly, what should I be looking for when I purchase protein, I think a poster said muscle milk had too many carbs, so what should I be looking for?

I know I asked a lot of questions but I am soooo confused and cannot hire a personal trainer to ask these questions to and the internet has 50,000 differing viewpoints. Any input would be soo appreciated since it seems most of you use protein.

Thanks!!!

How did you calculate that its 64 Cals from protein?

i actually use to be a trainer back in 2001 at our local 24hr fitness. long story short it's all about calorie intake, calories burned and stable blood sugar. generally protein in the morning and as a last meal are a good idea.

my personal favorite? met-rx packs.

as for a pure protein? get some type of whey. costco has 6lb bags of cyto whey, same makers as muscle milk but a pure protein. the optimum nutrition gold whey is a good buy on amazon.

lastly, join a fitness forum and read up, make friends and keep learning. this probably isn't the best place to seek advice on nutrition and workouts

remember, there's no perfect way to do anything fitness wise. it's all about getting in tune with your body and developing good habits

Protein is protein.. protein comes from the foods you already eat such as fish, chicken, different types of meat, and etc. Of course it's best to eat natural but some people can't do that. The best protein supplement out there in my opinion is ON (Optimum Nutrition) but they rarely and I mean rarely go on sale.. The last crazy deal they did was last year. It was 4x 5lb ON gold standard for 30$ a pop which I got in on. Still waiting for a crazy ON deal as of today.

If you want to lose weight, protein can be used as a meal replacement.
If you want to gain muscle, protein is used as supplement. That's what I was looking for!!

There are a lot of top tier protein sellers that hold high regards in the industry: ON, Syntha-6, Dymatize, etc (the list goes on). However, you should not hold yourself to those brands. No one knows how a specific protein will affect YOU except YOU: different people react/digets the protein differently.

Generally, any "good" protein has above 70%+ protein/serving.

Most people look for whey isolates, which have a higher protein/serving percentage ("good" isolates are 80%+). Though more expensive, it has less of the "fillers" and more protein. Isolates are also better for people who are lactose-intolerant.

For the most part I use isolates with natural flavoring and stevia from truenutrition.com ... basically just the whey protein, cuts the fat and other stuff that you aren't looking to gain from it. I wouldn't worry about it too much. I also like unflavored Jarrow whey concentrate, it mixes with about everything. For a meal replacement the extra fat won't hurt you. Basically take something you can afford and enjoy. ON makes some tasty concentrate that will definitely work, but it is not top-tier, however your goals seem fairly basic. I would mostly try to control the carbs in your diet and add in healthy fats and protein where needed

edit: Another worthwhile thing to mention is that isolates won't have the lactose and are generally better tolerated.

Mmmmm, muscle mlk, full of arsenic, lead and other toxins that the FDA is not allowed to regulate. Yummy!

http://www.consumerreports.org/cr.../index.htm

Sarcasm aside, this stuff is seriously dangerous.

How did you calculate that its 64 Cals from protein?

Thanks for the pointers, that's basically what I was looking for since I didn't know where to start.
Thanks for the pointers, you are the 2nd person to suggest ON, I'll give it a try.
Thanks a bunch!! I think I'll take some time to read labels tomorrow.
Thanks for the info! I definitely don't want tummy troubles.

Thanks guys, I feel a bit more informed. I'll go read labels tomorrow and buy some whey isolate, along with some fresh fruits and veggies to throw in with the protein! Reps for all your help!