Training & Nutrition - Protein drinks = energy drinks?

I work out at a gym when not on a bike. My trainer advises me to have a certain amount of protein
intake (I forgot the formula, so many grams per pound of muscle). It was suggested that I try a
smoothie type of drink with 40g of protein right after a gym/bike workout.

I am critical of this assesment. I've always been weary of energy bars and power pills.

Many will say "if your diet is sufficient, then you don't need supplements" Well my diet is not sufficient
and with my cooking skills, probably never will be. (i need to date a nutritionist/chef)

Back on subject, is the protein drink/smoothie/shake worth the cup it's poured in?

CE

You don't need to put anyhting special in a smoothie, I usullay take milk, berries O.J., and a banana and throw it in a blender. If you want some protein throw some peanut butter in there if you dont want to use supplements. You can get most of your serving of fruit in one drink.

Because Protein is a key(read main) ingredient in muscle growth. It's not for energy as much as repair of muscle.

Your body will need approximately 1 gram of protein per Kg(2.2 pounds) of body mass. That's a good baseline

Peanut butter for protein? Hmm...There are better sources for protein than the 5g per 220 calorie serving which is in peanut butter. Try something without all the fat. Sure, a little peanut butter is nice for flavor, but to rely on that and milk for your post workout shake is not a good idea. You need some whey protein powder. ON Whey is good stuff. You just need to make sure you have about a 2:1 carb to protein ratio after heavy lifting. An average serving of whey protein contains about 22g of protein, so add milk, some fruit, and a little bit of peanut butter and you're set.

i think protein powder are great. protein taken at the right time really helps rebuild muscles. here's a lengthy article on recovery. (http://www.e-caps.com/za/ECP?PAGE=ARTICLE&ARTICLE.ID=1278)

I like protein powder.

Every athlete needs at least 1 gram/pound of bodyweight a day. Endurance athletes catabolize muscle like nobody's business. That's why you don't see muscular marathoners but you DO see jacked-up sprinters. If you're not consuming enough protein (wether or not it comes from a supplement) then you're likely losing muscle mass over time.

A 4:1 carb/protein mix appears to be the best combination for recovery drink. Depends upon total calories too, if you're taking in a small amount, like 300-400 calories, it's better to have it be primarily carbs. Better would be 600-800 calories right after the workout, where a 4:1 mix gives best replenishment of muscle-glycogen without having to catabolize existing muscle-tissue.

As for a drink-mix during the workout itself, not sure if you're at risk for bonking during a gym workout. Some ingested energy-drinks can't hurt though. Looks like you want 8-15% protein concentration in the mix: UltraCycling - fueling for endurance (http://www.ultracycling.com/nutrition/fueling_for_endurance.html).

Love my smoothy. Soy milk + OJ + fresh strawberries/blueberries/bannana + (or)some frozen fruit + a bit of yogurt and protein powder (depending on how I feel).

Gonna go fix one now.

A 4:1 carb/protein mix appears to be the best combination for recovery drink. Depends upon total calories too, if you're taking in a small amount, like 300-400 calories, it's better to have it be primarily carbs. Better would be 600-800 calories right after the workout, where a 4:1 mix gives best replenishment of muscle-glycogen without having to catabolize existing muscle-tissue....

DannoXYZ knows the deep level stuff involved with the metabolic process. I have found the advice that DannoXYZ has given in the past to be outstanding. There are a bunch of threads in this forum where DannoXYZ has given a number of explanations both for the biochemist layman and those who know a bit more. Thankx DannoXYZ :) (EDIT I did not mean for your name to line up like that. /EDIT)