protein shakes

[Jer_1974]

Silly question but do protein shakes fill you up?
I go to the gym 4 or 5 times a week and have been doing so over the last 18 months or so doing a mix of Cardio and strength work. I have lost two stone and I am now 13 stone which I'm quite happy with. But.. I still have a bit of fat round my gut I want to shift it and wouldn't mind putting a bit more muscle on.
I have switched to a low carb high protein diet but I am struggling with cravings, food ideas and lack of time. I go to the gym early in the morning and was thinking about taking a protein shake before work. Is this a good idea and if so what's the best one to buy?

[Bosshogg76]

I have never been filled up with a protein shake, i can understand your lack of time etc especially if you are going to the gym in the morning before work. Something that might be an idea are the maximuscle protein bars, however i consider them expensive, you may not though as i'm a cheap skate.

Other than that do you have time to make a protein shake, throw a banana and hand full of mixed nuts and dried fruit etc into a container and that take that instead. Maybe a wholemeal muffin with peanut butter on.

Here are some links to products i have used:

I would particularly recommend the Gold Standard whey, however i do know a lot of people that swear by the my protein products

http://www.maximuscle.com/promaxmealbars

http://www.myprotein.co.uk/

http://monstersupplements.com/store/p/447/1/Optimu...

[Kylie]

I used to do the shake thing and answer was no. However I used to blend in a banana and berries to make it more stodgey (viscous) but be careful on calorie intake with the banana. Dont do it every time just when you think yr body needs the energy most.

[Matt_N]

My favourite protein shake:

1 scoop of unflavoured whey protein (25g scoop = 20g of protein)
50g of oats
choc milkshake powder
spoonful of natural peanut butter
about 300ml of water (or 50/50 mix of water/milk)
blitz it up in a juicer / blender

Makes a lovely Snickers shake!

[Wildfire]

As Kylie said, no. Promax bars are good, but expensive, especially seperately. I tend to go for a low GI food as a snack. You need to use protein bars and shakes in conjunction with training or they are a fast way to get fat. A friend thought he could lose weight by switching his Mars Bar to Promax bars, without a change. It was just an expensive chocolate, that didn't taste as good.