Training & Nutrition - What about protein shakes? Better than Ovaltine?

I know its good to repair your muscles, having a protein shake within half an hour when you come back from your ride. Lately I mix my vanilla 100% whey protein powder with some milk and fruit. Would you recommend t his better than Ovaltine for example? Somebody pointed out that it would do the same, is much cheaper though. But comparing the protein in it, there is hardly nothing in Ovaltine but in my protein shake is 24 grams.

Is this a serious question? If so, then you answered it yourself. Ovaltine has no protein, and you need protein for recovery. If you were joking, well, then.. nevermind.

They may have meant adding the whey protein to the ovaltine? That might be cheaper than milk+fruit. It looks like ovaltine has some good vitamin/mineral levels, so that + whey protein should make for a decent recovery drink.

Nothing like buying 100% pure (unflavored) Whey Protein Isolate in bulk (Now Mega Pack 10lbs) and mixing your own. I use non alkli processed 100% pure coco and/or frozen/fresh fruit with Stevia to sweeten. Why pay a high price for all that unpronounceable added crap that are in commercial shakes?

I also buy 100% pure (unflavored) Soy Protein Isolate in bulk too and use in my power breakfast mix (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?684389-Start-the-day-off-right-with-my-Power-Breakfast-mix&p=11549446#post11549446).

Drink some chocolate milk if you want. I think most people get carried away with unnecessary proteain concoctions when eating normal food is fine. Most training rides don't do much damage to your muscles.

Glass of chocolate milk + PBJ = hard to beat post-ride refuel.

A glass of milk has plenty of protein for a post-ride recovery drink. We're not weight lifting here, no need to consume over half the protein you need for an entire day. You should also get some carbs. There are better sources of that than refined sugar. Like a piece of fruit or two. Put them together in a smoothie if you like.

I don't really get the obsession of adding 100 grams of protein to your diet via protein powders. If I were to do it, I'd definitely go the unflavored pure whey protein route and skip all the preservatives and artificial sweeteners. But I don't see the point. I don't have any trouble getting protein, even on days I don't eat any meat.

I've been thinking about the Ensure products, the Ensure Clinical Strength. 4 bottles (8 oz each) for 13.49 = 3.37 a bottle

http://ensure.com/products/ensure-clinical-strength-shakes

350 calories; 910 mg potassium; 13 grams protein; 240 mg sodium; 52 grams carbs; 22 gram sugars

This would be great on a long ride, maybe somewhere during the rest stop.

The most beneficial aspect of whey protein is the fact that it contains all of the essential amino acids. For optimal health, you are way ahead of the game if you are in the habit of flushing your system with the good stuff it needs.

While you are at it, don't forget some flax oil to hit your daily dose of essential fats.

+1 for chocolate milk

We're biking, not bodybuilding and a lot of the supplements are grossly oversold on the basis of very questionable science. East a good balanced diet, stay well hydrated and they're pretty much unnecessary unless you're trying to bulk up.

If I need a lot of calories, I'll add Ovaltine to my protein shake. I just love the taste of the malt Ovaltine. :) But as you could see on the label, Ovaltine itself is just sugar. It's definitely not a replacement for whey protein powder.

Milk is such a highly marketed food, and it has become accepted as a healthy drink. For me anyway, it is far from it. It is heat processed (affecting the proteins), comes from cows typically fed hormones, contains a lot of fat (unless that has been removed), and doesn't digest easily (particularly for lactose intolerant people). When I stopped drinking milk, years ago, it had a positive affect on both my weight and overall health.

+1 for chocolate milk

We're biking, not bodybuilding and a lot of the supplements are grossly oversold on the basis of very questionable science. East a good balanced diet, stay well hydrated and they're pretty much unnecessary unless you're trying to bulk up.

Yes I think you're right. I just had a few protein shakes and that got me start thinking. Since I want to lose weight as well, the protein keeps you pretty full. Maybe better stay away from extra sugars and calories. Nothing taste better than a cold glass of milk plus a PB/banana sandwich!;)

You won't get your orphan annie decoder ring if you stop drinking your ovaltine!!

Milk is such a highly marketed food, and it has become accepted as a healthy drink. For me anyway, it is far from it. It is heat processed (affecting the proteins), comes from cows typically fed hormones, contains a lot of fat (unless that has been removed), and doesn't digest easily (particularly for lactose intolerant people). When I stopped drinking milk, years ago, it had a positive affect on both my weight and overall health.

+1. Personally, I don't think dairy products are good for us. There is a lot of evidence out there that supports this. If you are worried about calcium, then just take a look at countries that have low dairy in their diets - they have a lower rate of osteoperosis than countries with high dairy intake. I just think it doesn't seem right that we should consume milk from another animal.

Milk is such a highly marketed food, and it has become accepted as a healthy drink. For me anyway, it is far from it. It is heat processed (affecting the proteins), comes from cows typically fed hormones, contains a lot of fat (unless that has been removed), and doesn't digest easily (particularly for lactose intolerant people). When I stopped drinking milk, years ago, it had a positive affect on both my weight and overall health.

+1 ON Milk.. I stopped drinking milk and my overall health also improved.. I personally now only drink almond milk.. As far as recovery drinks, I prefer Hammer Recoverite, not sure but when I take it right after I ride, recovery is vastly improved.. If I were to go the protein drink only route, look at Hemp Protein, you will not get the bloat that comes with whey protein.. Nutiva is a good brand to look for..

http://nutivahempshake.com/

If you ever stopped drinking milk for a long period you'll stop producing the enzyme required to digest the lactose. That will give you trouble. Personally i think milk is an ideal food. Maybe some objections are based on it's source? I know, almond milk or soy milk aren't without health risks either so do your research before taking those up also.

If you ever stopped drinking milk for a long period you'll stop producing the enzyme required to digest the lactose. That will give you trouble. Personally i think milk is an ideal food. Maybe some objections are based on it's source? I know, almond milk or soy milk aren't without health risks either so do your research before taking those up also.

I know the negatives on soy based products. what are the ones regarding almond milK??

I know the negatives on soy based products. what are the ones regarding almond milK??

Commercial almonds(from California) are covered in pesticides, to increase crop yield. Probably not a big problem when eating small quantities like raw almonds, but when you're drinking liters of almond milk a week it stands to reason you're ingesting a lot more pesticide...

Commercial almonds(from California) are covered in pesticides, to increase crop yield. Probably not a big problem when eating small quantities like raw almonds, but when you're drinking liters of almond milk a week it stands to reason you're ingesting a lot more pesticide...

The nut of the almond grows encased within a relatively thick drupe. I'm wondering how big of a concern pesticide application actually is to the consumer, since the dehulling process should (ostensibly) remove any remaining pesticides and leave the nut clean. I too drink almond milk instead of soy or cow's, and would be interested in knowing if there are potential health issues.

Staying on topic, my recovery drink usually consists of a banana, serving of almond milk, and a serving of hemp protein power mixed in a blender. Not necessary after a typical ride, but I'll have one after a hard training ride or rock climbing.

The nut of the almond grows encased within a relatively thick drupe. I'm wondering how big of a concern pesticide application actually is to the consumer, since the dehulling process should (ostensibly) remove any remaining pesticides and leave the nut clean. I too drink almond milk instead of soy or cow's, and would be interested in knowing if there are potential health issues.

Not too much data on it, pesticide use was up 12% for almond fields in California from 2003-2008 i think. I'm not sure if the husk protects the almond from pesticides. However, what concerned me is that even if the amount of pesticide in an individual almond is small when you consider how many almonds go into making a jug of almond milk...

I mix unflavored soy protein with Ovaltine, I call it Provaltein.

I mix unflavored soy protein with Ovaltine, I call it Provaltein.

Are you going for the moobs look?

Are you going for the moobs look?

The what look?

it's been suggested that soy products are linked to increased estrogen, which in men may cause man-boobs (moobs).

Oh my, I am going to buy protein from some other source now. Thanks for your concern, Black_Box and Mike868y.

do some google searching first, I don't know how serious of a correlation there is. You may need to be downing concentrated levels of it to have an effect. It probably wouldnt hurt to finish off whatever supply you have. After that, whey protein is popular for recovery drinks since it's quickly absorbed into the system.

Provaltine is made of people, PEEEEEEOPLEEE! :)

LOL
That's going in my signature.

LOL
That's going in my signature.

Hahaha :)

Protein, youdontneeditlol.
That being said, brown rice protein is pretty good.