Everything You Need To Know About Protein

Page 7 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: Apocalypse23
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Look into Cellmass...most creatine's should be carb free.


I would chose WPI, Creatine, Fish Oil, Multi. everyone should have them.


Also remember, supplementation is only 25% of your workout, 25 being diet and 5 being the acutal workout. If you are plateuing, it is your workout lifts, not the protein.

Well i want ot try creatine to see what diff it makes, I've been all natural on my workouts since this date apart from protein shakes. That's why I'm asking about creatine, but the cellmass you recommended is about 60CAD here and I'm looking into something cheaper.

Thanks

Try looking for Universal Storm. Cheaper cellmass pretty much. Or Animal Pump is a great cheap creatine/pre workout energizer.
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: scootermaster
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Look into Cellmass...most creatine's should be carb free.


I would chose WPI, Creatine, Fish Oil, Multi. everyone should have them.


Also remember, supplementation is only 25% of your workout, 25 being diet and 5 being the acutal workout. If you are plateuing, it is your workout lifts, not the protein.

Thanks for all the insight. I also took my after-workout shakes with milk. I'm now using water for those, but milk before bed.

I'm looking into creatine as well. Never tried it. I'm a little over 6'4", about 205, probably in the 13-15% bodyfat range, looking to bulk up a little bit more before summer. Money isn't the biggest concern for me, as results and most importantly, health. Is that cellmass stuff better than XYIENCE NOX-CG3 (whatever the heck that is?)

I don't mind paying extra for the CEE. You don't have to load with that, right? Also, I've heard you're supposed to cycle creatine. How long, you figure?

I know that's a lot of questions, but we really are all learning and appreciate your help. I'm looking to place an order soon (almost out of ON Whey) so any help would be wonderful!

Thanks!

DPSnutrition.com is cheap and has very fast shipping.

CEE does not have to be loaded (neither does mono actually, but that is besides the point). Every three months or so you can take 2 weeks off, but it really is not necesarry to cycle because the body does not make creatine so it will never get used to not producing it (like steroids etc that do need to be cycled).

Do not waste your money on XYIENCE crap, it is a gimic. My favorite creatines are Cellmass, SizeOn, and Storm.

Cellmass is great for recovery, as is SIzeOn, and storm is a great budget CEE.
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower
You spoke about the downsides of Muscle Milk (which i've heard elsewhere as well) that it has just too much fat.

But what about their newer "Muscle Milk Light"?

Also, from what i've read the fat was a selling point because of the type of fat or something like that.

Muscle Milk light is just with less calories and fat. But, once again all you are paying for is some casein protein and calories. Do not waste your money on the name. Also the fats in the original MM are monounsaturated, so they are "healthy" fats which need to be part of everyones diet, but they also need to be taken in moderation like any fat, and should already be a source of a good diet (nuts, cheeses etc).
 

GrantMeThePower

Platinum Member
Jun 10, 2005
2,923
2
0
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower
You spoke about the downsides of Muscle Milk (which i've heard elsewhere as well) that it has just too much fat.

But what about their newer "Muscle Milk Light"?

Also, from what i've read the fat was a selling point because of the type of fat or something like that.

Muscle Milk light is just with less calories and fat. But, once again all you are paying for is some casein protein and calories. Do not waste your money on the name. Also the fats in the original MM are monounsaturated, so they are "healthy" fats which need to be part of everyones diet, but they also need to be taken in moderation like any fat, and should already be a source of a good diet (nuts, cheeses etc).

Well i know the original muscle milk had like 8grams (40%) of saturated fat. but they said it was a special saturated fat that isn't absorbed into your system and stored as body fat. I didn't know whether to believe it or not, though.
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower
You spoke about the downsides of Muscle Milk (which i've heard elsewhere as well) that it has just too much fat.

But what about their newer "Muscle Milk Light"?

Also, from what i've read the fat was a selling point because of the type of fat or something like that.

Muscle Milk light is just with less calories and fat. But, once again all you are paying for is some casein protein and calories. Do not waste your money on the name. Also the fats in the original MM are monounsaturated, so they are "healthy" fats which need to be part of everyones diet, but they also need to be taken in moderation like any fat, and should already be a source of a good diet (nuts, cheeses etc).

Well i know the original muscle milk had like 8grams (40%) of saturated fat. but they said it was a special saturated fat that isn't absorbed into your system and stored as body fat. I didn't know whether to believe it or not, though.

Actually I believe it has 19gs of fat per serving, and that's BS any fat you eat will be stored if it is not needed. The only thing that can effect fat storing (barring some future genetic alteration) is controlling your insulin level, which is certainly not happening when you ingest MM with all those sugars and carbs.
 

Legend

Platinum Member
Apr 21, 2005
2,254
1
0
Originally posted by: GrantMeThePower
Also, from what i've read the fat was a selling point because of the type of fat or something like that.

It's canola oil, and it can be found in large jugs for a couple bucks at any grocery store.
 

AznAnarchy99

Lifer
Dec 6, 2004
14,695
117
106
Ive been using Syntrax Nectar based off of your recommendation and its been working for me so far, but im beginning to hate the taste. However i would deal with the taste if it is truly one of the best but how does it compare to Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, that u say is also good? And just for curiosity, where would MM rank within these 3?
 

91TTZ

Lifer
Jan 31, 2005
14,374
1
0
I stopped taking supplements a while ago. I didn't go down any. I don't think I need that much protein.
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: AznAnarchy99
Ive been using Syntrax Nectar based off of your recommendation and its been working for me so far, but im beginning to hate the taste. However i would deal with the taste if it is truly one of the best but how does it compare to Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, that u say is also good? And just for curiosity, where would MM rank within these 3?

MM tastes great, but like I said is not a whey protein and should not be used as your only protein supplement if you chose to go the route. Synthax is great, but ON also tastes good. Truth be told you are going to get sick of every flavor after a while...just chug it.
 

AznAnarchy99

Lifer
Dec 6, 2004
14,695
117
106
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Originally posted by: AznAnarchy99
Ive been using Syntrax Nectar based off of your recommendation and its been working for me so far, but im beginning to hate the taste. However i would deal with the taste if it is truly one of the best but how does it compare to Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, that u say is also good? And just for curiosity, where would MM rank within these 3?

MM tastes great, but like I said is not a whey protein and should not be used as your only protein supplement if you chose to go the route. Synthax is great, but ON also tastes good. Truth be told you are going to get sick of every flavor after a while...just chug it.

Guess MM is out. What about the performance of Synthax vs ON? Also, by looking at the flavors of ON, is it possible to mix that with milk? (never used ON)
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: AznAnarchy99
Originally posted by: SVT Cobra
Originally posted by: AznAnarchy99
Ive been using Syntrax Nectar based off of your recommendation and its been working for me so far, but im beginning to hate the taste. However i would deal with the taste if it is truly one of the best but how does it compare to Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein, that u say is also good? And just for curiosity, where would MM rank within these 3?

MM tastes great, but like I said is not a whey protein and should not be used as your only protein supplement if you chose to go the route. Synthax is great, but ON also tastes good. Truth be told you are going to get sick of every flavor after a while...just chug it.

Guess MM is out. What about the performance of Synthax vs ON? Also, by looking at the flavors of ON, is it possible to mix that with milk? (never used ON)

Yep all mix well with milk.
 

scootermaster

Platinum Member
Nov 29, 2005
2,411
0
0
One more question...I looked into that Creatine you mentioned, and I'm probably going to buy some tomorrow (I like allstarhealth because their normal shipping takes a half day to get to my place in LA...they're based in huntington beach). My question: Can you mix the creatine (which you're supposed to take after a workout, right?) with your protein, or do you have to take them separately?

Thanks!
 
Mar 9, 2005
2,809
1
0
Originally posted by: scootermaster
One more question...I looked into that Creatine you mentioned, and I'm probably going to buy some tomorrow (I like allstarhealth because their normal shipping takes a half day to get to my place in LA...they're based in huntington beach). My question: Can you mix the creatine (which you're supposed to take after a workout, right?) with your protein, or do you have to take them separately?

Thanks!

It is fine to take them together.
 

Apocalypse23

Golden Member
Jul 14, 2003
1,467
1
0
Alright man, pricewise the best deal I can get is Prolab Creatine monohydrate, I think I will stick to that for now. I need to know when to take this creatine in the loading phase (1st 5 days), it says 4 times a day so would that mean after breakfast or along with breakfast, one before or after lunch, one before workout and one after?

Thanks man
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: scootermaster
One more question...I looked into that Creatine you mentioned, and I'm probably going to buy some tomorrow (I like allstarhealth because their normal shipping takes a half day to get to my place in LA...they're based in huntington beach). My question: Can you mix the creatine (which you're supposed to take after a workout, right?) with your protein, or do you have to take them separately?

Thanks!

Mixing them is fine as long as it does not say take on an empty stomach.


 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: Apocalypse23
Alright man, pricewise the best deal I can get is Prolab Creatine monohydrate, I think I will stick to that for now. I need to know when to take this creatine in the loading phase (1st 5 days), it says 4 times a day so would that mean after breakfast or along with breakfast, one before or after lunch, one before workout and one after?

Thanks man

Loading is not necessary. One creatine serving in the morning, one after your workout from day one.
 

Cobalt

Diamond Member
Apr 3, 2000
4,642
1
81
http://supplementmarket.com/product_info.php?products_id=39 Best bang-for-buck protein out there.

EDIT: I have the rich chocolate. 2 scoops with water, tastes awesome. With milk it's even better but for some reason it didn't sit well with my stomach but my friends have no problems with milk. Probably just me since I'm a little more sensitive to lactose (not intolerant) but it tastes great with water anyway so I have no complaints.
 

everman

Lifer
Nov 5, 2002
11,288
1
0
Great thread. I think the best piece of advice to keep in mind is that your diet is key, no amount of supplements can bring you to your full potential without a good diet.
 

scootermaster

Platinum Member
Nov 29, 2005
2,411
0
0
That cellmass stuff ( CellMass from BSN ) says take on an empty stomach. A couple of questions:

1). Is this the stuff you're talking about? Is this a CEE or a monohydrate? The money is not an issue for me, so I don't mind paying for the good stuff (i.e. more effective, convenient, etc)

2). If it says to take on an empty stomach, when do you take your protein after a work out? I've always taken a shake after my workout, but if thats supposed to be when I take my creatine, and it's supposed to be on an empty stomach, when do you take the protein?

I'm ready to place an order (for the Cellmass stuff and some more protein) just waiting on your reply!

 

Special K

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2000
7,098
0
76
Originally posted by: scootermaster
That cellmass stuff ( CellMass from BSN ) says take on an empty stomach. A couple of questions:

1). Is this the stuff you're talking about? Is this a CEE or a monohydrate? The money is not an issue for me, so I don't mind paying for the good stuff (i.e. more effective, convenient, etc)

2). If it says to take on an empty stomach, when do you take your protein after a work out? I've always taken a shake after my workout, but if thats supposed to be when I take my creatine, and it's supposed to be on an empty stomach, when do you take the protein?

I'm ready to place an order (for the Cellmass stuff and some more protein) just waiting on your reply!


You should be consuming protein at every meal of the day, not just after a workout. Creatine is best when it is mixed with protein and dextrose immediately after a workout. The dextrose spikes your insulin levels, which acts as a pump to push the nutrients inside your cells.

On off days, just take it first thing in the morning.
 

TecHNooB

Diamond Member
Sep 10, 2005
7,458
1
76
Oh what do you know, someone bumped this thread. Let me take this opportunity to ask a question. Which is better for bulking up, whey or casein? Everyone says whey but wasn't there an article ('A Calorie is not a Calorie') that showed people gaining muscle and losing fat through casein based protein whereas the whey group didn't really show as much physical improvement? So which is it, whey or casein?
 

Special K

Diamond Member
Jun 18, 2000
7,098
0
76
Originally posted by: TecHNooB
Oh what do you know, someone bumped this thread. Let me take this opportunity to ask a question. Which is better for bulking up, whey or casein? Everyone says whey but wasn't there an article ('A Calorie is not a Calorie') that showed people gaining muscle and losing fat through casein based protein whereas the whey group didn't really show as much physical improvement? So which is it, whey or casein?

Whey is a faster-digesting protein than casein, all other things being equal. Immediately post-workout and first thing in the morning, ideally you would want to eat whey because you want something that will get to work quickly.

At other times throughout the day and especially before bed, you would want slower-digesting proteins such as casein.

Honestly though if you are just starting out things like that are not going to be the determining factors in your progress. Make sure you are eating enough total clean calories, make sure you are getting sufficient protein and healthy fats, and make sure your routine is solid.

Little things like rate of digestion/absorbtion, etc will have a much smaller impact on your progress.
 

scootermaster

Platinum Member
Nov 29, 2005
2,411
0
0
Originally posted by: Special K
Originally posted by: scootermaster
That cellmass stuff ( CellMass from BSN ) says take on an empty stomach. A couple of questions:

1). Is this the stuff you're talking about? Is this a CEE or a monohydrate? The money is not an issue for me, so I don't mind paying for the good stuff (i.e. more effective, convenient, etc)

2). If it says to take on an empty stomach, when do you take your protein after a work out? I've always taken a shake after my workout, but if thats supposed to be when I take my creatine, and it's supposed to be on an empty stomach, when do you take the protein?

I'm ready to place an order (for the Cellmass stuff and some more protein) just waiting on your reply!


You should be consuming protein at every meal of the day, not just after a workout. Creatine is best when it is mixed with protein and dextrose immediately after a workout. The dextrose spikes your insulin levels, which acts as a pump to push the nutrients inside your cells.

On off days, just take it first thing in the morning.

Okay, so I should take a protein shake with every meal? Or I should just make sure I'm getting protein with every meal?

The reason I asked is because you said previously that that Cellmass stuff can be mixed with an after-workout shake as long as it's not supposed to be consumed on an empty stomach. But as it says on the description, Cellmass IS supposd to be taken on an empty stomach. So does a protein shake qualify as empty?

I know that's convoluted, and it probably doesn't matter that much, I'm just wondering when I should be taking my supplements. They're expensive, so no point in wasting them!
 

SVT Cobra

Lifer
Mar 29, 2005
13,264
2
0
Originally posted by: scootermaster
Originally posted by: Special K
Originally posted by: scootermaster
That cellmass stuff ( CellMass from BSN ) says take on an empty stomach. A couple of questions:

1). Is this the stuff you're talking about? Is this a CEE or a monohydrate? The money is not an issue for me, so I don't mind paying for the good stuff (i.e. more effective, convenient, etc)

2). If it says to take on an empty stomach, when do you take your protein after a work out? I've always taken a shake after my workout, but if thats supposed to be when I take my creatine, and it's supposed to be on an empty stomach, when do you take the protein?

I'm ready to place an order (for the Cellmass stuff and some more protein) just waiting on your reply!


You should be consuming protein at every meal of the day, not just after a workout. Creatine is best when it is mixed with protein and dextrose immediately after a workout. The dextrose spikes your insulin levels, which acts as a pump to push the nutrients inside your cells.

On off days, just take it first thing in the morning.

Okay, so I should take a protein shake with every meal? Or I should just make sure I'm getting protein with every meal?

The reason I asked is because you said previously that that Cellmass stuff can be mixed with an after-workout shake as long as it's not supposed to be consumed on an empty stomach. But as it says on the description, Cellmass IS supposd to be taken on an empty stomach. So does a protein shake qualify as empty?

I know that's convoluted, and it probably doesn't matter that much, I'm just wondering when I should be taking my supplements. They're expensive, so no point in wasting them!

With cellmass as sson as you have dropped the weight, drink it, then 30 minutes after working out take a protein shake.

As for potein shakes for every mean...I do one after breakfast, one at my second lunch, and one before bed. If you take them with meals (which is usually a good idea, as you get some carbs etc into the mix which can help absorbtion, unless you are cutting and it is a whole different story) make sure to take them after so all the water and the protein does not kill your appetite.

Also regarding whey vs casein and how anabolic each is. Casein contains more beta and alpha peptides which makes it more anabolic than whey, but it is absorbed slow so whey is still better right after working out. You can buy casein which has been hydolized which makes it absorb as fast as whey but it is extremely expensive for a small amount, and is chalky and mixes like crap. But, as always try to get your 1.5-2 gs of protein per lb of body weight per day from food, and then add the shakes in as needed. They are supplements, because they supplement or add to your already existing diet.