Whey protein wasn't as popular the last time I was riding my bicycle for fitness. It was used by some of the ultra endurance athletes that I knew, but most of us didn't know much about it.

Now, it seems like it is ubiquitous and I have learned that it does seem to help me feel better if I have a big drink of it after a strenuous ride.


So, I am wondering about sourcing a good quality product... a product where the listed available nutrients are actually absorbed and utilized by your body.

Has anyone here been through this? There are an overwhelming number of choices, buzz words, and descriptions of technologies for producing whey protein.

Does anyone have any insights to share about what to look for and what to maybe avoid?



Thanks.

best regards,
mike

No idea personally, but a mad-keen cyclist friend of mine uses this: http://www.pro-10.com/en/whey-protein.html

Apparently it's got very little in it except whey protein. Doesn't taste too great on it's own by all accounts, so he adds some flavouring.

I'm addicted to the Greens+ whey protein bars. There's about 19g in every bar and like other protein bars they're made with nothing but healthy natural ingredients, including the Greens+ powder. Just read the ingredients, it's a powerhouse of health. 

too much protein will mess you up.

be careful.

hey Mike:
 
I've been a work-out nut for decades and I've tried many protein drinks and energy bars over the years; and I've listened to hundreds of opinions and well-intentioned advice.
 
What has helped me the most:
 
look at sugar content (or the lack there of) as the most important ingredient. Some of these products have 20 plus grams; Also, some will list 'sugar' and 'sugar alcohols' separately.
 
Less sugar, even if it means less protein, has worked well for me.
 
I've had better results with water and a handful of nuts than most of these energy/protein drinks, but this is not the case with my work-out buds.
 
Experiment and find what works best for you.
 
As Batsbrew mentioned don't go overboard with this stuff.

batsbrew


too much protein will mess you up.

be careful.

No whey!

http://www.menshealth.com..rition/best-whey-powder I've tried many different brands - for me, just as long as there's not too much sugar and don't taste too nasty (the first thing I tried was absolutely awful tasting). I've turned my wife onto that stuff and now it's what she wants for breakfast before the shows - a whey shake w/ fruits in it gives her plenty of energy that's quickly digested w/o her feeling bloated. I've had one (sometimes but more rarely two) whey shake a day 5-6 days a week for years w/o issues.

As for the powders, I quite like the Jarrow brand. They make an unflavored version (I find the flavored ones to be way too sweet and sickly) to which I add water, a splash of lemon juice and the Ultima electrolyte powder. 

Um, there's always good old cottage cheese. It's what cured my diabetes. No kidding.

Wash it down with some prune juice, though.

Thanks for the thoughtful replies.

I've been a vegetarian for 30+ years so I'm not too worried about too much protein and in fact I think that as I get older and eat less quantity of food that I need to trend towards a higher percentage of protein in my diet. In the past, I've never had a lack of protein but I also had to eat a lot. Back when I rode the bicycle as a life style and for competition I made great use of all the extra carbs and stuff that I get with my beans and tofu, but now it seems like I eat a lot less, have still put on the weight, and I wish I had more protein.

My recent return to cycling as a workout has highlighted the situation and I need to get the protein but I no longer want to eat big plates of racer fuel.

I have been amazed at how good the whey protein I have tried makes me feel. I think Rain mentioned it, I feel like I have enough nutrition going into my blood stream but I don't feel bloated.

The whole idea is counter to my personal interest in whole food... but it's working for me so I'm going to give it a try as a regular source of protein.

When I went to learn more about it I was over whelmed with the barrage of conflicting information so I am glad to get some advice from you all as it gives me a head start.

Thanks again.

best regards,
mike