I use MET-Rx Natural Whey, and I love it. Up until this year I never believed in using supplements, but now I use a pre-workout powder and the MET-Rx whey protein powder for afterwards. I feel a huge difference, and every now and then I'll go to the gym without taking anything to see how I do without them. I'm about halfway through with my current one, and even though I like it, I am going to try the ON Hydro Whey that Salvy posted earlier. I've been curious about it for a while, I think you'll be good with either one.
I had a feeling the Muscle Milk stuff wasn't high on the list, as Rodman23 suggested, so I'm glad I got to hear some insight and experiences with different stuff. I'm about out so I decided to try the Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey this go-around, based on many of the posts, but I'm going to look into the hydrolyzed protein that Salvy posted as well. I've been doing Crossfit for almost a year and a half and am happy with it, but I just want to maximize what I'm doing with the right post-workout stuff. I appreciate the good advice given by so many in the thread -- thank you.
I've used dynamitize before too. It's more sweet than ON. Also was doing insopure hydrolized whey for couple years. It digest really fast and is $$
With Crossfit I feel like a post workout supplement is a must. Main reason is because you are pushing your muscles to their limit every time so after your WOD your muscles are pretty much depleted. Post-workouts like dark matter and secret sauce are going to help your muscles recover faster and stronger meaning less sore time and more time to hit the gym hard. My daily routine before crossfit is ON Hydro-Whey in the morning with creatine. A good lunch with plenty of protein and lots and lots water. Right after my WOD I take secret sauce and head on home for dinner. Right before bed I take a different protein that is opposite of hydrolyze protein. So instead of fast absorbing its slow. Reason for that is because the body will be resting for 6+ hours without eating and receiving any fuel. Muscles will absorb this protein while you rest. Supplements are great to give you that slight edge and speed up goals and gains but for Crossfit the most important thing is your diet Clutch. Cutting sugars, sodium and carbs can have an impact in your performance. I don't do the Paleo diet because I cant. I literally cant handle such a strict diet but I do have a strict diet very much like it. No sugars, no sodium, low carbs, tons of protein!!!!, fruits and veggies and tons of water...
I would say, unless you're a high level athlete/bodybuilder, who's already pushed their potential and is trying to squeeze every ounce left of it, then trying to figure out what is the best/better protein mix is not worth the time and cost. I always see beginners stressing over all these different kinds of protein formulations, but all they need for now is protein and to put in the work, and not the extra ingredients they put in protein mixes, that may or may not work. Protein works and working out works. I would rather spend that time counting macros/calories and maximizing your workouts instead. That's going to go further in maximizing your results, at least for now. People get great results from just eating protein-rich food, from costly protein powders, and even from the $18 tub at Walmart. If you need the protein mix because it's convenient, that's cool, but don't stress over the fancy stuff. I'd say any mix with whey protein and creatine is enough.
I don't know about the Wal-Mart stuff RV6..... Bad workout supplements will give you diarrhea sooo fast....
I've been using it for over 2 years, without any problems. They actually just replaced the old formula with a new one that has creatine. I should have mentioned taking a look at the ingredients would be good, just to make sure they don't have a bunch of nonsense in there. The one at walmart was pretty simple with basic ingredients.
A lot of them have magnesium which is one of the main reasons it can cause problems but even expensive products may have that. Everyone will react different to different products and some people are genetically more gifted as well... But you are right, a persons diet has more to do with gains than a persons protein. If the diet is already there than adding some good products can really help. I know what worked for me and what didn't. I'm pumped for crossfit tomorrow morning now.... GRRRRR
Optimum nutrition 100% whey is great, low carbs unlike many others. If you put it in milk you gotta remember to total the carbs. Clutch are you meaning to take it for meal replacement or just post workout? Meal replacements if choose higher carb protein like syntha 6 and it's also one of the better tasting ones.
Clutch, Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% whey IMO. You can get 5lbs which contains about 77 servings. Each serving has 120 Calories and a solid 24 g of protein. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000QSNYGI/ I have been using this for years. I advice you to not buy it at GNC as it is usually a good 5-10 bucks more expensive. I buy mine at a local HEB for $56.
http://truenutrition.com/p-1019-team-skip-formula-1lb-eggmilk.aspx You can flavor it yourself...and also pick flavors without artificial sweeteners.
I would do hydrolyzed whey by ON. Fast absorption rate. It is expensive so buy another protein with plenty of serving for resting days. All this is not going to matter if your not taking creatine by beast before you workout. Best supplement on the market.
I like hydrolyzed before and after working out. Sometimes Ill just take the normal whey during my workout and sip on it while working out. In the morning if i want a breakfast shake I do normal whey with oats and almond butter or coconut oil The casein protein the a good shake before bedtime because its slow burning and will prevent your muscles from going catabolic before you sleep.