Protein drinks
Discussion
Having been going to the gym for a few months now, and toning up, I am now looking to build muscle mass and have been recommended to start taking protein shakes in addition to my now healthier diet. Problem is there are so many, and each claim to be the best.
Can anyone recommend any particular ones that wont bankrupt me? Preferably low-carb ones to keep in with my diet?
Can anyone recommend any particular ones that wont bankrupt me? Preferably low-carb ones to keep in with my diet?
I've been using Myprotein products from myprotein.co.uk for about a year now. It's cheap, and high quality stuff.
You're saying low carbs but want to put on muscle. Putting muscle is about calories, not just protein (although this is an important component, obviously). If you want to build muscle, your body's going to need the energy afterwards to pack it on but for this I'd recommend a "lean gainer" such as Myprotein's Weight Gainer Elite (which is what I used). Inevitably, you'll put on some fat whilst using a gainer or you won't get bigger, but it's not too hard to get rid off if you gym regularly (which you sound like you do).
Obviously you're not going to be keen on putting on fat just before summer (and neither am I!) so I recommend taking just some whey protein. I take the Whey Impact for £10.49 per kilo plus however much the flavouring is. It's really good and I take three scoops a day - one at breakfast, one at around 11am, and one at around 4pm/after the gym. I'd recommend buying some L-Glutamine as well.
After the summer, I'll be back onto bulking which means eating more and back onto the gainers. With this protein, if you take it everyday, you're probably looking at around 30-40 quid, same for if you take the gainers. You could try buying an all-in-one such as Hurricane XS but personally I stay away from them because they're filled with so much I don't think I need.
Any more Qs just ask.
ETA: Also, you can get 5% off of your first order if you use this code MP61007
You're saying low carbs but want to put on muscle. Putting muscle is about calories, not just protein (although this is an important component, obviously). If you want to build muscle, your body's going to need the energy afterwards to pack it on but for this I'd recommend a "lean gainer" such as Myprotein's Weight Gainer Elite (which is what I used). Inevitably, you'll put on some fat whilst using a gainer or you won't get bigger, but it's not too hard to get rid off if you gym regularly (which you sound like you do).
Obviously you're not going to be keen on putting on fat just before summer (and neither am I!) so I recommend taking just some whey protein. I take the Whey Impact for £10.49 per kilo plus however much the flavouring is. It's really good and I take three scoops a day - one at breakfast, one at around 11am, and one at around 4pm/after the gym. I'd recommend buying some L-Glutamine as well.
After the summer, I'll be back onto bulking which means eating more and back onto the gainers. With this protein, if you take it everyday, you're probably looking at around 30-40 quid, same for if you take the gainers. You could try buying an all-in-one such as Hurricane XS but personally I stay away from them because they're filled with so much I don't think I need.
Any more Qs just ask.
ETA: Also, you can get 5% off of your first order if you use this code MP61007
Edited by Henry Hawthorne on Sunday 17th May 19:10
Don't think i can be doing with mixing flavours etc - would no doubt end up with one strong batch and one weak!
Thinking of ordering Boditronics Express Whey - looks like it will do the job, the protein levels aren't too bad, and its a decent price at £34 for 2.25kg. OK its dearer than mixing my own, but its off the shelf.
Thinking of ordering Boditronics Express Whey - looks like it will do the job, the protein levels aren't too bad, and its a decent price at £34 for 2.25kg. OK its dearer than mixing my own, but its off the shelf.
No no, they mix the flavouring for you! It's just more expensive than having the unflavoured version. Sorry I didn't make that clear.
Honestly, when it comes down to plain old whey, they're all virtually the same. Just whey. When it comes to mixtures and stuff like that is when you need to worry about the brand (IMO). If you really want to go for a "branded" product, I'd recommend Cytosport, Optimum Nutrion, and PHD. But I honestly think you'll be wasting your money.
The stuff you've mentioned is quite expensive, and also I've never heard of it.
Honestly, when it comes down to plain old whey, they're all virtually the same. Just whey. When it comes to mixtures and stuff like that is when you need to worry about the brand (IMO). If you really want to go for a "branded" product, I'd recommend Cytosport, Optimum Nutrion, and PHD. But I honestly think you'll be wasting your money.
The stuff you've mentioned is quite expensive, and also I've never heard of it.
Ok, have had another look at the myprotein site. Shall give it a try as it is alot more value.
Shall be ordering 5lb or smooth choc Impact Blend tomorrow once their shakers are back in stock.
I am taking creatine in loading phase at moment, and shall also be taking amino acids alongside the protein shakes so hopefully will see the improvement in size i am looking for.
Thanks for the advice.
Shall be ordering 5lb or smooth choc Impact Blend tomorrow once their shakers are back in stock.
I am taking creatine in loading phase at moment, and shall also be taking amino acids alongside the protein shakes so hopefully will see the improvement in size i am looking for.
Thanks for the advice.
Whey is a good form of protein but its more of an immediate (like an insulin spike if you see what i mean).
I've tried all sorts of allrounders over the years, would narrow it down to these tho Maximuscle Cyclone (good but v expensive and tastes gash), Sci Mx's Grs-5 Protein (mint choc is the nicest flovour protein on the market) and their new Omni MX as well, althought, thats can be a little pricy to. Reflexs Pure Protein is another good one.
Pick of the bunch for an all rounder and value for money has to be PhD's Synergy protein tho, mixes well and contains all the right ingredients and is good price (about £32.00 on line). Go for the Choc Orange flavour, its like Terrys choc orange. Combine with some good testosterone boosters as well
and some No-Xpode (pre training drink,give you lots of energy a bit like a legal form speed) and you'll be well away.
I've tried all sorts of allrounders over the years, would narrow it down to these tho Maximuscle Cyclone (good but v expensive and tastes gash), Sci Mx's Grs-5 Protein (mint choc is the nicest flovour protein on the market) and their new Omni MX as well, althought, thats can be a little pricy to. Reflexs Pure Protein is another good one.
Pick of the bunch for an all rounder and value for money has to be PhD's Synergy protein tho, mixes well and contains all the right ingredients and is good price (about £32.00 on line). Go for the Choc Orange flavour, its like Terrys choc orange. Combine with some good testosterone boosters as well
and some No-Xpode (pre training drink,give you lots of energy a bit like a legal form speed) and you'll be well away.
ts like the really cheap stuff does.Legend83 said:
Feel free to tell me I am a goon, but I bought some Soya Isolate Protein from Holland Barrett...
...have I wasted my money? Not looking to put on much bulk just trying to tone up and help my muscles recover after a session.
Without looking at the key ingredients its hard to tell, in my (and a lot of other peoples opinion) Holland & Barrett branded training related products are just cheap low quality crap tho. There are hundreds of different proteins out there and it's potentially a mindfield if you dont know what you're looking for....have I wasted my money? Not looking to put on much bulk just trying to tone up and help my muscles recover after a session.
My advice, stick to the ones i've mentioned above and you wont go far wrong. They are not laced with carbs either and thats what give you the bulk (and a massive beer gut if you're not doing CV either)
Check out sites like:
www.affordablesupplements.co.uk
www.monstersupplements.com
Both give non biased users reviews that might help, dont forget tho, its as much to do with your diet as the weights you're pushing. Always try and alternate what you are training as well and shock your muscles.
I've used monster a bit and no complaints. They're pretty good to chat to on the phone too.
Also the cheapest I've found to buy PhD... I wonder why...
hint is their addresses are the same location...
Having said that, Nutricentre in Milton Keynes isn't bad. They have lots of offers on plus 10% discount for gym members, makes it nigh on the same price as the mail order places. So if what you want is on offer, saves a lot of hassle with couriers etc.
Also the cheapest I've found to buy PhD... I wonder why...
hint is their addresses are the same location...
Having said that, Nutricentre in Milton Keynes isn't bad. They have lots of offers on plus 10% discount for gym members, makes it nigh on the same price as the mail order places. So if what you want is on offer, saves a lot of hassle with couriers etc.
Boditronics Express Whey. After much testing 
, they are conclusively the best tasting options out there. Cookies'n'cream is arguably the best of the bunch.
, they are conclusively the best tasting options out there. Cookies'n'cream is arguably the best of the bunch.Edited by parapaul on Wednesday 20th May 12:58
Lads I can't see phd synergy protein on that monstersupplements site - or is it this stuff:
http://monstersupplements.com/store/p/3663/1/PhD-N...
Ignore me, I'm a spacker.
http://monstersupplements.com/store/p/2809/1/PhD-N...
http://monstersupplements.com/store/p/3663/1/PhD-N...
Ignore me, I'm a spacker.
http://monstersupplements.com/store/p/2809/1/PhD-N...
Edited by FoolOnTheHill on Wednesday 20th May 13:21
FoolOnTheHill said:
Lads I can't see phd synergy protein on that monstersupplements site - or is it this stuff:
http://monstersupplements.com/store/p/3663/1/PhD-N...
http://www.solosupplements.co.uk/prodview.asp?idPr...http://monstersupplements.com/store/p/3663/1/PhD-N...
It wont last you very long though at only 30 servings! you may want to start on something a bit more basic, the boditronic stuff is good.
Edited by SoapyShowerBoy on Wednesday 20th May 13:28
If you do go with the PhD Synergy, dont pay more than £32.00.
Affordable supplements will match their Ebay shop price if you ask nicely (or alternatively order it via Ebay). I ordered some more on monday and it was delivered this morn, total £31.96
As mentioned, there are many other good proteins out there, buck for buck tho, Synergy is def my fave at the mo. The best tasting has to be Sci Mx's Mint Choc flavour protein tho, just like a cooling mint Cornetto, f'kin lush..
Affordable supplements will match their Ebay shop price if you ask nicely (or alternatively order it via Ebay). I ordered some more on monday and it was delivered this morn, total £31.96
As mentioned, there are many other good proteins out there, buck for buck tho, Synergy is def my fave at the mo. The best tasting has to be Sci Mx's Mint Choc flavour protein tho, just like a cooling mint Cornetto, f'kin lush..
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