Yes or no to using protein powder?

[jem]

hiya, i'm currently in training mode to compete later in the year for the first time (and about time too! :pfft: ). i am currently not using any protein powder and was just interested to know how many other ladies out there have competed and didn't use it in their nutrition/training programme - any pros/cons?

[becbec]

pros: quick meal, increased muscle strength, high in protein etc

cons: farts and an upset belly

[Sportsgirl]

It is definitely possible to diet without it if you wish. I do find it easier for dieting if I need to take in lots of protein without getting in too much fat or carbs. I like Horleys ICE Whey when dieting.

I find it more of a convenience thing. I usually have a protein shake for breakfast (usually with milk and fruit) as sometimes I prefer something fast and not too bulky in my stomach.

Might be an idea to have some on hand but don't "rely" on it.

[AK]

Very convenient. I like to use both whey and casein. I really notice a difference when using casein... I can go without whey but I notice if I give up casein. :shrug:

[nicksmith3]

Protein powder - Yes

Whey powder - Yes

[orange]

It's very handy, but you will be fine without it if you have good access to other sources of protein. Like fresh fish twice a day, red meat once a day, chicken once a day, and a load of eggs once a day.

[becbec]

hiya, i'm currently in training mode to compete later in the year for the first time (and about time too! :pfft: ). i am currently not using any protein powder and was just interested to know how many other ladies out there have competed and didn't use it in their nutrition/training programme - any pros/cons?

are you training for a bb comp or something else?

[bigmd]

Protein powder is just a convenient way of getting your daily protein requirments. you dont have to use it but consuming protein evey meal every 3hrs in solid form can get a bit time consuming. you can also go half and half with P powder and another form of protein. eg you may have a 3 egg omlette and add a scoop of P powder in to boost the total protein. if you are competing i hope you are using someone who should know about this sort of thing? if you are using a trainer that has no experence in BBing make sure they have partnered up with some one or a trainer that does have experence. the last 6 weeks really require you to know what you are doing.

[mr natural]

cons: farts and an upset belly

too true baby! you know what i'm talking about oh yeah! :pfft:

[becbec]

cons: farts and an upset belly

too true baby! you know what i'm talking about oh yeah! :pfft:

prrrrrrrt, silent but so sulphury and violent

[nicksmith3]

rank. :smackbottom:

[Gym rat]

I also say yes as well for using protein powder pro's a good thingh to have after training con's letting off silent and deadly protein farts :pfft: :pfft: .

[jem]

jem wrote:

hiya, i'm currently in training mode to compete later in the year for the first time (and about time too! ). i am currently not using any protein powder and was just interested to know how many other ladies out there have competed and didn't use it in their nutrition/training programme - any pros/cons?

are you training for a bb comp or something else?

Cheers guys - have decided I will use a protein shake post-weight training in the evenings. Have been giving Horley's ICE whey a go and found it to be pretty good (tried the swiss chocolate - will try the vanilla next). becbec - I am training for novice figure at Wellington Champs in Sept - have a little way to go but reckon I'm getting there. Wanted to do NI Champs in June but don't think I'll be anywhere near stage worthy by then, LOL. Any other 'first timers' out there?

[auck_builder]

no dont use it , it gives u the shits

[gmm]

I use it off season prior to my workouts, and after. I use a mixture of whey (1.5 scoops) and soy (1 scoop) which equates to 25gm protein before workout (which I have with low GI carbs) and 25gms protein after workout (which I have with a mixture of high and low GI carbs). During the rest of the day I get my protein from chicken, tuna, steak etc. Hence, I'm an advocate of it - great to mix in glutamine and creatine with it around your workout also.

When dieting I have it up until the last 2-3 weeks of competition diet when I shift to nothing but chicken.

Like bigmd said, just make sure you get advice/help from someone who knows what they are doing with BBing. I would go one step further and suggest you only get advice from a person who has had proven success with many different people competing as everybody is different and you will need to find what works for you. Once you have found that person, try not to get too wrapped up in what others say as taking advice from a bunch of different people can end up making you feel very confused!

Hope this helps.