How necessary is protein/supplements to the average guy?

Protein helps because it's cheaper than buying Chicken breast, cooking and eating chicken every single meal.

You basically get a lean meal in a shake form and you take it as soon as you're don working out.

 

Perhaps they found an additional source of protein outside of mealtime ?

 

One word: carbohydrates.

 

What exactly do they eat in prison? And how big are the servings?

 

i've taken supplements for just about 6 months total in my lifetime. mostly because i'm too lazy or forget. i've hardly ever dieted. i just eat what i want and hit the gym to stay in shape.

if you don't change your diet but increase your workout, you'll still see and feel a significant change. but if you're trying to increase muscle mass, it can be as simple as calories in > calories out.

 

In the winter, don't neglect your vitamin D supplement to avoid colds.

I don't believe that most regular guys need protein supplements - you'd be far better off trying to eat natural foods instead of processed foods as much as possible.

Now for vegetarians who work out - those protein supplements can come in handy.

 

None of them are necessary, some can be helpful. Protein is worth it for convenience only.

 

I think its the big waste of money for an average guy.

 

I think the average guy can do without the supplements but it would probably cost you the same anyway, unless you load up on tuna (for example). Lean meat is not cheap at all.

If you're really committed, it's possible.

I have to say though, the value of a protein shake shouldn't be underestimated. A lean "meal" with a decent amount of carbs and a very good amount of protein, takes a couple of minutes to make and feeds your body immediately. I've read tons of stuff that says getting protein within 1 hour of your workout is very important, and eating a steak (for example) takes 30+ minutes for your body to turn it into protein.

Again, if you're looking for decent results, you can probably do without. But if you can afford to get some protein shakes, it's well worth the investment.

 

Convenience. There is no other way to ingest 25-50g of protein in less than 2 minutes.

I'd rather carry a bottle of choc. protein than a chicken breast in my car.

The key is to always be on the lookout for deals. Protein has a pretty good shelf life, so it's never a bad idea to stock up when you come across a good deal. I buy 10lb bags and split them with ultimatepaki and okaylam.

 

Should you take the protein before or after the workout? Do you have any good sites for workout advice?

I've been wanting to create a similar thread, I want to put on a bit of bulk (5"7, 135 pounds atm) but don't have a lot of time. Bought a chin-up bar and some free weights last year to use at home, and do around 4-5 sets of 6-9 chin-ups a day (not precise and not very disciplined I realize, i just do however much I can lol), but I haven't seen much effect (just a bit more toned). Any workout advice Mathloom?

Also, when I went to the shop to ask about protein shakes, I noticed that they came in huge tubs which were expensive. I asked the salesgirl if they sold them in smaller amounts, but she told me I had to keep taking them to maintain... even after bulking up, is this true?

 

It IS just the movies. I work in prisons, and have yet to see a roided-up looking guy. They're all couch potatoes with lots of tattoos.

 

Or just don't eat it everyday for 6 months?

 

There's nothing wrong with eating tuna in moderation... obviously 2 cans a day everyday for 6 months is beyond excessive.

I've eaten 2-4 cans a week for as long as I can remember.

 

I don't have too much experience with this stuff other than reading up when I can. I know that bodybuilding dot com is a resource that tons of people use. The good thing about it is that you get a variety of views from their forums - with bodybuilding, there will always be a ton of opinions mixed in with the facts. It's difficult to seperate the two.

The most consistent advice I've heard is to have a protein shake within 45 minutes of the end of your workout. So as soon as you finish, you have 45 minutes to get some. If you aren't taking the shakes, then you can shower and immediately have a lean proteinous meal and that shouljd do the trick. That's not always convenient though.

Also, you need to have a consistent flow of protein. So rather than having 3 scoops right after a workout, have one when you wake up, one after your workout and one a couple of hours before you sleep. That's just an example, you may not want/need to have that much protein. Obviously, the most important one is the post-workout shake. That's when your body needs the quick injection of the protein.

 

Good advice for the most part.

if youre serious about lifting and getting stronger protein supps should be used as they're meant to be used -- as supplements. Replacing full meals with a protein shake is not a good idea. You can use a water-based shake as a supplement to, say, a bowl of oats in the morning or skip it all together if you get up early enough to cook breakfast.

You should also get in a good source of complex carbs and protein 1-2 hours before lifting and within an hour after lifting.

 

Thanks!