Protein powders

[LeadFarmer]

What protein powders do folk here recommend?

My son is nearly 16 and is a big lad, he's recently taken interest in going to the gym which I like. I've spoken to him about not overdoing it etc but want to encourage him. He's just finished off a tub of Optimum Nutrition protein powder and I'm happy to buy him some more as it motivates him.

Any better suggestions than Optimum Nutrition?

[Jamescrs]

Usually buy from.My Protein but don't believe their standard prices on their website because there is never time when they don't have some sort of sale or discount codes out.

Always do a Google search for discount codes before you buy.

[big_northern_monkey]

I use The Protein Works. It's similar to MyProtein and there's always a discount knocking around. Subscribe to the newsletters and you'll get codes and discount codes regularly.

Hope he enjoys the process. If he a big lad see if he fancies a bit of strongman training.

[FreeLitres]

My Protein for me. Their standard Impact Whey is pretty good. They have more pure versions which are a lot more expensive.

[LeadFarmer]

Thanks, not cheap is it at standard price, but as said above they do display discount codes, best I can see is 45% off using code 'MORE'

Edited by LeadFarmer on Wednesday 16th March 00:37

[CarCrazyDad]

big_northern_monkey said:

I use The Protein Works. It's similar to MyProtein and there's always a discount knocking around. Subscribe to the newsletters and you'll get codes and discount codes regularly.

Hope he enjoys the process. If he a big lad see if he fancies a bit of strongman training.

Same - I like the Chocolate Silk, I use the Diet Whey Complex one - saves on calories :-)

[Jamescrs]

LeadFarmer said:

Thanks, not cheap is it at standard price, but as said above they do display discount codes, best I can see is 45% off using code 'MORE'

Edited by LeadFarmer on Wednesday 16th March 00:37

45% off is probably ad good as it gets for protein on their site.
I buy 5kg bags so I'm not reordering often but may be worth buying smaller the first time to make sure he is OK with the chosen flavour.
I just go chocolate every time

[HappyClappy]

A proper protein diet of milk, eggs, fish, meat etc. Do it properly not with milkshakes.

[toohuge]

I agree re. using food instead of shakes.

But if you and more importantly your son are happy with optimum nutrition, then why change? It’s a good option for what it does - there’s very little difference a shake will make compared to good training, recovery, sleep and diet.

[CarCrazyDad]

The idea of shakes is easy, rapid protein which is easily and rapidly absorbed by your body.


So as an immediate post workout.

Much quicker to absorb the protein in a shake than break down a chicken.

[ambuletz]

Just buy whichever unflavoured whey that comes in a large bag from either myprotein or bulk powders. They're always doing deals or % off etc.., so check which one is on offer at the time.

Have with water, you aren't drinking it for the taste. (i dont mind it). buf if you want it to taste better you can always use milk (masks it well). and add some powdered milkshake/nesquik powder.

[LeadFarmer]

I know from my training days that getting the correct amount of protein in a day is difficult with just food, hence why it's supplemented with shakes.

Depending on your weight it might need say six protein meals a day, which is doable when having shakes in-between meals, to you could have milk & egg drinks.

[CAH706]

Bulk (was bulk powders), myprotein or protein works - what ever is cheapest

I always go for plain or vanilla and add frozen berries, banana or A small amount of peanut butter etc.

I never understand the comments about using real food rather than ‘milkshakes’. It’s all about balance and there is a place in your diet for both.

Leadfarmer - you probably already know this but try to get your son to make things like protein pancakes or overnight oats with added protein. Loads to do with the protein powder and home made flapjacks are good.

[popeyewhite]

LeadFarmer said:

I know from my training days that getting the correct amount of protein in a day is difficult with just food, hence why it's supplemented with shakes.

Depending on your weight it might need say six protein meals a day, which is doable when having shakes in-between meals, to you could have milk & egg drinks.

Honestly, a balanced diet will be fine. You are throwing your money away.

[bunchofkeys]

PHD protein for me, lovely flavours.
At the moment I'm on the Salted Cameral Diet Whey and it's proper lush

[CarCrazyDad]

popeyewhite said:

Honestly, a balanced diet will be fine. You are throwing your money away.

If you are just maintaining a regular healthy weight.

If you are building muscle mass then this is a absolutely not OK.

If you are a big (muscely) chap going gym every day or every other day you'll need 2500 kcal and 200G of protein per day at least.

You'll not be getting that with a "balanced meal'

Plus, as has been mentioned, Protein shakes are simply ways to get high concentration of protein easily with limited calories consumed.

I am in my 60s going gym every 2/3 days and I'm aiming for 150g protein per day. I take 1 or 2 shakes per day and a protein cookie or snack (Fridge raiders etc) alongside healthy meals and seems to be working.

Muscles are growing, stomach and man tits are shrinking.

[popeyewhite]

CarCrazyDad said:

If you are just maintaining a regular healthy weight.

If you are building muscle mass then this is a absolutely not OK.

If you are a big (muscely) chap going gym every day or every other day you'll need 2500 kcal and 200G of protein per day at least.

You'll not be getting that with a "balanced meal'

Plus, as has been mentioned, Protein shakes are simply ways to get high concentration of protein easily with limited calories consumed.

I am in my 60s going gym every 2/3 days and I'm aiming for 150g protein per day. I take 1 or 2 shakes per day and a protein cookie or snack (Fridge raiders etc) alongside healthy meals and seems to be working.

Muscles are growing, stomach and man tits are shrinking.

The OP's son is 16, he will have levels of test you can only dream about and gh will be plentiful, no protein drinks needed. Neither do you need them IMO. Congrats on your weightloss BTW.

[CarCrazyDad]

Maybe.
No harm though - my PT explained nutrition is really lacking, I'm trying to build additional muscle mass so cutting out unhealthy junk and ensuring my protein intake is high is good.

A side benefit is helping to remain feeling full.

Thanks btw

I'm aiming to build up strength to be able to do set of 10 chin ups.

I do wish when I was younger I took care of myself - instead of smoking and drinking. Much harder to get into shape at this age.

[Legacywr]

CarCrazyDad said:

Maybe.
No harm though - my PT explained nutrition is really lacking, I'm trying to build additional muscle mass so cutting out unhealthy junk and ensuring my protein intake is high is good.

A side benefit is helping to remain feeling full.

Thanks btw

I'm aiming to build up strength to be able to do set of 10 chin ups.

I do wish when I was younger I took care of myself - instead of smoking and drinking. Much harder to get into shape at this age.

How long have you been back at the gym?

Going back to the original post, isn't Huel a good source of protein?

[LeadFarmer]

popeyewhite said:

Honestly, a balanced diet will be fine. You are throwing your money away.

If my memory serves me correct from when I used to train 30 yrs ago...

To build muscle you need 0.6g of protein for every pound of body weight. So someone weighing 15 stone will need 126g of protein each day, plus say 10% extra to allow for growth. I think the body can only absorb 24g of protein at a time, so the 148g of protein needed with have to be divided into six meals. breakfast, lunch and dinner can cover three of these protein intakes, but unless you are going to eat more than three meals you need to supplement this with protein shakes.

Of course he's only 15 and isn't needing to be a body builder, but try telling him that