Training & Nutrition - Protein recovery drinks - worth it?

Is there really an advantage to using a protein recovery drink after a big ride? Do they genuinley lead to improved muscle growth and development? Are there other supposed advantages?

Hi,

I'm new at this and began training recently. I now ride to work (59 miles round trip) three times a week. Last Friday, I was in a rush to leave and forgot breakfast. No big deal except that I forgot my wallet as well (no lunch) bummer. I was well hydrated but suffered at the end of the ride and felt miserable all day and was sore. The next ride on Monday, I sucked one gel per ride (1 hour and 45 minutes each way) and hit a newly purchased Powerbar Recovery drink (orange flavor). I felt like a million bucks and was ready to go the next morning. I know it's not only because of the recovery drink (gels helped too) but I am sold on the product for now. I found it on sale so it wasn't so expensive. Hope this helps.

Slick

my favorite is optimum nutrition whey - double chocolate - I've found if the cheapest at advantagesupplements.com

I definitely notice the difference if I drink one after a ride.

Works nice if you get the Vanilla Optimum Nutrition whey ($25 for 5lbs....lasts forever) and blend in some strawberries and bannanas. Tastes really good.

Works nice if you get the Vanilla Optimum Nutrition whey ($25 for 5lbs....lasts forever) and blend in some strawberries and bannanas. Tastes really good.

Same stuff I use, where'd you find it for $25? I got a 10-lb bag for $48 + shipping.

.5 grams of protein in each 12 oz can of Keystone Light! Only $3.99 a six-pack. I drink several after every hard right. I feel better right away. I can really tell the difference.

Guys, remember, those aren't just empty calories in the beer. Their good for you!

Tyson

www.vitaglo.com

$44 plus shipping, but if you spend >$50, shipping is FREE!

http://www.vitaglo.com/100whey10lb.html

Same stuff I use, where'd you find it for $25? I got a 10-lb bag for $48 + shipping.

http://www.advantagesupplements.com/100wheyprot5.html

I just googled that. I usually buy from whomever has the best price at the time, but $25 is normally as good as it gets.

I really think this the best brand out there, plus I like how they don't jazz it up with a lot of add-on supplements. That's why I never buy Designer whey anymore.

On another note, I've been trying to come up with a recovery drink that I can make "on the road", away from technology like refrigerators, blenders, fresh fruit, etc. I want a powdered mix that's easy to carry, mix in a bottle, and that tastes good. The commercial recovery drinks taste awful, IMO.

I've tried whey protein and maltodextrin powder, but they have little flavor by themselves. I want something powdered that I can add to the mix to make it taste better.

To that end, I ordered some powdered flavorings from Nature's Flavors (http://www.naturesflavors.com/default.php?cPath=21&osCsid=c9fc991a1f57978c78b447748a3a3be5), some banana, orange, lime, and pear flavors (these are the fruits I usually throw in my blender). I'll give it a try and report the taste test results.

Does anyone have favorite things you like to throw into your blender?

I don't know about improved muscle growth and development. With respect to cycling, some authorities claim 4:1 carb : protein speeds recovery. I guess that indirectly promotes muscular growth & development.

In any case, like everything else dealing with nutrition... stay tuned. Very roughly paraphrasing the comments in the training column in the most recent VeloNews, 'there's no solid proof that protein aids recovery, but it doesn't seem to hurt, so why not go for it.' And you can always brew your own using the recipe from Friel's Cyclist's Training Bible which, if memory serves, is 4 or 5 tablespoons sugar to 12 oz. skim milk.

I like to mix Vanilla-flavoured Whey Protein Powder with Orange Gatorade Powder as a post-ride drink. Just shake it up in a 1L bottle with an ice cube. It tastes like a Creamsicle.

I will 2nd the Powerbar Recovery.. I used to use Endurox for after ride drink but the Powerbar recovery seems to work better for me.. If you sweat a lot this stuff work wonders.. I still prefer Accelerade for my drink during rides..

I'm using Endurox (chocolate) right now and and I think it tastes good.