Best Protein for building muscle and losing fat?

[hornball]

Hi all - first post so please be gentle!

I am relatively new to the world of strenght and fitness and my goals are to lose some fat and build muscle (probably the same as most people)

I`m doing weights 3 times a week and rowing the day after each weight session (an occasional day of total rest). I understand that supplements are an essential part of this process but am bewildered by the choice!

As I`m trying to build muscle Protein is essential but I imagine as I also want to lose weight I should be looking at a low carb (fewer Kcals) version of protein shake

Does this all sound correct? Or am I thinking about this all wrong?

Can anyone point me towards the best Protein shakes with these factors in mind?

Thanks in advance!

[stronglikewood]

Standard whey protein in bulk is a good protein supplement to help you meet you're protein requirements. I tend to stick to it, as it is cheapest. Mixing it with double cream or milk will slow down the absorption some what if you want an inbetween meals snack.

Whey isolate is 'cleaner' as it contains almost zero fat or carbs. You might want to try it if you're worried about the few carbs in whey concentrate but there is probably more important things such as the rest of your diet and training regime with regards to fat loss or gaining muscle.

So I'd got for isolate if you're a worrier, and concentrate if you'd rather save the extra cash and put more focus on diet and training.

[hornball]

Hi,

Those two products were the ones I had considered, thanks for the insight and explaining what the advantages are in simple terms

Cheers!

[stronglikewood]

No problem. If you have the extra cash then there is no reason not to get the isolate, but I think for the extra money the benefits over standard concentrate aren't worth it!

[Rooney43]

Quote

I understand that supplements are an essential part of this process

hey supplements are not that essential, i would rate the following

1.Diet
2.training
3. Rest
4. Dedication and commitment
5. Supplements, only if you have 1-4 done correctly.

as for what protein, well you would want any whey protein from MP.
Dont get so hung up on what supplements to take, yes they can and will help if excecuted correctly, but they are not essential.

And trying to lose fat and build muscle at the same time is quiet hard to do, pick one concentrate on that for a while then start the other, i.e. Lose fat, then build muscle, or build muscle then cut the fat.

Supplements you should have are:
1. multi vit
2. Fish oil

Then the optional ones
1.whey, to fill in the nutritional gaps protein wise
2.creatine, help with strenght and energy etc.


But first get the diet down, get the training down, give it all you got, dont forget to rest and bingo bango your sorted. add the supplements as you go.

If you are worried about carbs or cals, check your diet. whey protein has little carbs but its extra cals being added to your diet so if you wanna lose weight you need to add the extra cals in proportion to how many cals you are already taking. im sure if you post up your diet, goals etc someone will help you out with advice on reaching your goals.

[hornball]

Quote

Welcome to the forum hornball as SLW said above, you cannot go far wrong with plain 'ol whey Just try to get most of your protein in take from whole foods.

P.S. If you fancy a read up - there's some good stuff in the beginner's stickie (quick link to them below in my signature to save you searchin' ).

Hi, Thanks for the welcome!

I`ll probably give Whey a whirl and see how it goes


I did have a quick scan through some of the beginners articles earlier before posting but I still have a lot of reading ahead of me!

[Rooney43]

keep reading, keep asking questions, good luck.
Google is your friend (can also be your foe, but more your educational friend)