I just starting using Protein Powder and I'm just skeptical about the whole thing. Does it actually make a significant difference in your overall build? Until now, I've taken the protein powder with milk in the morning and post-workout - not sure if that is the correct way to do it. Are you supposed to drink it with or without a meal?
Significant difference? Not likely. Worth taking? Yes. I've been taking protein powder for a long time and it definitely helps with recovery. The most important thing is putting in the work though. Don't expect it to magically make you appear swole. It's not gonna happen if you don't train hard. I feel it also helps your immune system. Ever since i've started taking BSN True Mass a few years ago I can't remember getting sick. And this is coming from a person that used to get sick regularly as the seasons changed. Probably has something to do with all the vitamins and BCAAs. Another supplement to consider is Animal Pak. Basically a multi-vitamin. I don't personally take this but have heard nothing but good things about it. Provides everything your body needs to build muscle. Hope this helps.
it's basically a meal replacement...don't think of it as something magical that's going to bulk you up. It's protein, for the most part. You could just opt for chicken, beef, etc... The important is in getting enough protein daily, not whether you use a protein powder to get it or not.
Cool thanks. So it is okay to use protein powder and pill supplements, like Animal Pak, at the same time?
Protein powder is great for quick acting, clean protein to your muscles which is what you need post workout. I always drink mine with straight water because it allows the protein to be broken down faster in your body opposed to drinking it in a shake or milk where your body has to break down all the other stuff you added with the protein.
Pill supplements is such a vague term, multiple drugs can be in the form of pills. But Animal Pak is a type of multi-vitamin which is 100% OK to take with protein. You get protein and multi-vitamins from everyday foods but you have to eat the right ones. People take supplements like protein powders and multi-vitamins because they know they will be getting sufficient amounts of those nutrients.
While it can satisfy hunger, I don't think straight protein is intended to be a meal replacement. That's Ensure and the like.
Yea, something like Whey Protein powder is different than a weight gain/mass powder which is considered a MRP because those usually have 1200+ calories per serving.
Don't forget that getting an excess amount of calories is just as if not more important than protein intake, assuming this guy wants to bulk.
