I started cutting in July of last year. At that time I used a generic GNC whey protein shake, but now that I have dropped from 242 to 190:nod: I would like to find something with a little more kick. I typically do more cardio than weight training since I do not currently have a gym membership, so I would like something to complement that and help maximize my gains when I do weight train.

What kind of kick are you looking for from protein? Protein is calories and fuel for the body, it doesn't cause weight loss. Protein, even whey, can actually keep you from losing weight or even cause weight gain if your calories are too high.

What gave you the impression the shakes were helping lose weight? Whey is simply a supplement to get more protein. It no more aids in fat loss than steak, fish, eggs, or pizza. If you keep your portion sizes down and burn energy through training, you'll lose the weight.

To maximize your gains when you weigh train, simply focus on overall protein intake. Whey is not magic and isn't critical to maximize that muscle mass. People were building strong, muscular physiques long before the dairy industry figured out they could market their waste byproduct as a supplement and food additive.

I'm not against whey, but it's not a miracle and it doesn't cause the muscles to grow or accelerate fat burning ... that all depends on your training and overall nutrition, not a single shake.

By the weight, congratulations on the weight loss! That is a GREAT accomplishment. Keep up the great work!

Jeremy

I started cutting in July of last year. At that time I used a generic GNC whey protein shake, but now that I have dropped from 242 to 190:nod: I would like to find something with a little more kick. I typically do more cardio than weight training since I do not currently have a gym membership, so I would like something to complement that and help maximize my gains when I do weight train.

i wouldnt recommend a protein shake either for the exact reason Jeremy mentioned.

I was taking a protein shake when trying to cut weight for a Thai boxing match and found it impossible because of the shake.

What???

Protein supplements are IDEAL for weight loss. Why? They are almost pure protein thus the only calories they provide are those from protein. This makes them a very "efficient" source of protein for someone on a hypo-caloric diet.

I am working with a powerlifter who has thus far lost 90 lbs and 3 of his 5 daily "meals" are from my protein products.


To answer the original question, Nitrean is BY FAR the best product for your needs. Why? It utilizes a blend of varying absorption rate proteins (whey, casein, and egg) and this helps to promote satiety FAR better than any whey-only protein product.

Chris

What???


That was basically my reaction to reading Jeremy and Andy's posts.

Never heard of avoiding protein shakes when cutting. But I'm new so what do I know?

I was taking a protein shake when trying to cut weight for a Thai boxing match and found it impossible because of the shake.
No, you found it impossible because your overall nutritional plan was inadequate.

I drink 2-3 protein shakes (Nitrean (http://atlargenutrition.com/nutrition_detail.php?products_id=1), by the way) every single day and I'm presently at 6% body fat, very healthy and in the best shape of my life.

Saying that a protein shake (of all things!) made your goal impossible is like saying egg whites or cod or chicken breasts made it impossible. Protein shakes are just a food, nothing more, nothing less. In fact, protein shakes are a pretty good food if you ask me.

That was basically my reaction to reading Jeremy and Andy's posts.

Never heard of avoiding protein shakes when cutting. But I'm new so what do I know?
I don't think it's fair to group Jeremy's and Andy's posts together as sending the same message. They were completely different.

Jeremy merely explained why whey protein alone is not going to speed up fat loss or muscle growth. It can be a great addition to your diet, but it's not necessary. The only time he mentioned gaining fat with whey was when overall calories are too high. And he's obviously correct.

Andy on the other hand claimed whey makes losing fat more difficult. That is an absurd claim and is probably due to the reason Jeremy spoke to of too high overall calories.


As for whey products, my personal favorite was always Optimum Nutrition, but that was before Nitrean was around, and I've since stopped using whey. If I were to start again, I'd definitely go with Nitrean based on all the praise it gets.

That was basically my reaction to reading Jeremy and Andy's posts.

Never heard of avoiding protein shakes when cutting. But I'm new so what do I know?

My point wasn't "avoid protein shakes" and I don't think I said that. I said protein shakes don't cause fat loss and aren't necessary ... like steak, eggs, etc, they are a source.

The post made it sound like the implication was "what protein shake will make me lose fat better." My response was simply, that's like asking which type of pizza or popsicle helps you lose fat. The answer is none of these do, it's your overall nutrition plan. They fit within the plan but they are not the agent that causes fat loss, it is the overall strategy.

I'm not anti-shake, I'm anti-using a shake for the wrong reasons or not understand how it fits into the bigger picture.

Jeremy

For the original poster: I would recommend a protein mix that includes casein protein. Supposedly, this is a slower digesting protein. Since you are cutting, you want to be in caloric deficit while avoiding catabolism and hunger.
Hunger can be a pain and can lead to temptation. When I was searching for a protein mix that tasted good and contained casein, I went for http://www.trueprotein.com. You can customize your mix to the exact proportions that you want and the taste is excellent. Additionally, you can get it in food-grade plastic bags. I absolutely hate throwing out or recycling empty tub after empty tub.

From reading the "Protein Bible" found here (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/planet4.htm), it sounds like it's best to have both kinds of protein on hand.

Whey protein first thing in the morning and right after lifting. Casein protein during the day and before bed..

Sounds good to me.. I will probably use my regular EAS 100% whey protein, and also pick up some Nitrean.. and use them both.

For the original poster: I would recommend a protein mix that includes casein protein. Supposedly, this is a slower digesting protein. Since you are cutting, you want to be in caloric deficit while avoiding catabolism and hunger.
Hunger can be a pain and can lead to temptation. When I was searching for a protein mix that tasted good and contained casein, I went for http://www.trueprotein.com. You can customize your mix to the exact proportions that you want and the taste is excellent. Additionally, you can get it in food-grade plastic bags. I absolutely hate throwing out or recycling empty tub after empty tub.

Wow that's a great site has some good options if you know what your doing. I've done a comparison on many protein products with my criteria concerning price, time of shipping, size, egg albium, casein, and whey isolate in it. Nitrean has all of those the only thing that stinks is even though I live in the midwest it takes a week to get here even though its being shipped from the east coast? (I usually avoid places that are from the west coast unless I don't have a choice).

Anyhow protein powder should be looked like this if you can eat all that beef, chicken, pork, eggs, whatever, then you do not need to buy protein powder. This was where Jeremy and John Stone was trying to get at. Its a cheap alternative to replace those as for myself I can't eat 4-8 oz chicken/beef or eggs 6 times a day nor do i have the money to buy that much meat. (I used to eat 4oz of chicken 4 times a day and the slightest smell or taste of chicken made me gag) Thank the lord for chocolate flavored protein!

First of all thanks for all your responses. To clarify my original post I'm not looking for a whey protein shake that will magically help me decrease my body fat. I have done enough research to know that overall nutrition and a carefully planned exercise program is the only way to effectively see results. I am simply asking for a recommendation on an effective whey protein supplement for my mainly cardio based exercise program. When I did have a gym membership I was doing cardio roughly 40 minutes a day and alternating weight training, much like the program John was following for his initial cutting phase. My diet consisted of a 40/40/20 split of protein, carbs and fat. Now I am mearly seeking a protein supplement which complement the above mentioned diet plan when I am not on a set plan of weight training. My home gym is limited to free weights and I do what I can with them, but other than that I can't do much else.

First of all thanks for all your responses. To clarify my original post I'm not looking for a whey protein shake that will magically help me decrease my body fat. I have done enough research to know that overall nutrition and a carefully planned exercise program is the only way to effectively see results. I am simply asking for a recommendation on an effective whey protein supplement for my mainly cardio based exercise program. When I did have a gym membership I was doing cardio roughly 40 minutes a day and alternating weight training, much like the program John was following for his initial cutting phase. My diet consisted of a 40/40/20 split of protein, carbs and fat. Now I am mearly seeking a protein supplement which complement the above mentioned diet plan when I am not on a set plan of weight training. My home gym is limited to free weights and I do what I can with them, but other than that I can't do much else.

Give Nitrean a try, you will NOT regret it.

Chris

...I am simply asking for a recommendation on an effective whey protein supplement for my mainly cardio based exercise program...

...My home gym is limited to free weights and I do what I can with them, but other than that I can't do much else.
I think you should forget the protein powder purchase and use that money for a gym membership. :)

What are you able to do at home? I think this is a much more important issue than what protein powder is best.

For the record I like Nitrean as well. But it's not going to help you as much as squats. :)

Give Nitrean a try, you will NOT regret it.

Chris

I want to try Nitrean the next time it's on sale.

I tried signing up for your newsletter and got some php error. :mad:

I want to try Nitrean the next time it's on sale.

I tried signing up for your newsletter and got some php error. :mad:


I will check on the newsletter. We look forward to your business!

Chris

When I cut - I replace one meal with a protein shake will a little oats blended together.

I want to try Nitrean the next time it's on sale.

I tried signing up for your newsletter and got some php error. :mad:

The newsletter error was due to some changes made on our server. It should be up later today. If you like, you can send your information to daniel@atlargenutrition.com and he will add you manually.

Chris