You probably know by now that I'm a big believer in a high protein low carb diet. But to consume enough protein without blowing your calorie counts on fat is no easy matter. Unless of course you add a couple protein shakes to your diet each day. I personally drink 2 or 3 protein drinks a day.
To keep going on any diet, you have to like what you eat. So taste is a big thing for me and probably you too. Here are the proteins I like.
Update: Right now (January 2011) I've bought and am going to try Optimum brand Nitro 24 protein and Optimum Whey protein. The reason why I've made the change is that recently Gaspari raised their prices a modest amount and the Optimum which had been pricier is now about the same price or in some cases cheaper. This is a brand that always gets great ratings on BodyBuilding.com so I thought I'd try it out. I still like the Gaspari Myofusion in Chocolate which is a slower release protein but want to try this to see if I'll change my preferences. In the mornings after my workouts, I stopped using the Isoflex whey protein isolate in Vanilla. The Isoflex is a good protein for fast absorbtion which helps muscles recover faster but whey isolate proteins have a less delicious taste to them and I'm now going to use the Optimum Whey in lieu of that.
Right now I'm almost out of Shakeology and will likely give that a break for now because I'm on a very strict diet that does not incorporate it. But I have no doubt that after I'm done with my current cutting season, I'll go back to it.
[Note: to buy any of these protein powders just click on the blue underline link. If there is no link provided, it's a protein I can only find at a local store.]
Whey Protein
Body Fortress Brand Super Advanced Whey Protein - Vanilla Flavor: This is my staple for quick protein shots and my berry flavored shake. I add it to the Beachbody P90X Results and Recovery drink (plus a few other additives - see my recipe). You can find this brand at several stores. I find the best price at Walmart for around $15 per 2lb container. Sometimes Walmart will put it on sale for as low as $13 per 2lb tub. Update: I'm not finding the regular whey protein at my Wallmar any longer. I can find a whey protein isolate from Body Fortress which is a bit more expensive ($22) but reasonable for a whey isolate which is much higher quality.
Optimum Brand Gold Standard 100% Whey Protein: What I like about this protein is that the price is reasonable and this product gets very high reviews (9.0 out of 10.0 from over 3200 voters). You can't fudge something like that. Also you can pick from a variety of sizes and many different flavors. Read the reviews as some flavors consistently get the highest taste ratings. This is a shake I recommend for early morning and immediate post workout shakes. If you are going to buy just 1 protein, go with the Myofusion as it's more varied in it's usage.
Optimum Brand Nitro Core Protein: Similar to the Gaspari brand Myofusion below, this is a protein powder of a combination of sources for both fast and long term release. A wide choice of flavors and a solid rating from others although at 8.8 (out of 10.0) it's a bit behind the Myofusion rating of 9.3. I'm just trying this now so I'll be back after 6 weeks to update what I thought. Between this and Myofusion, I'm still recommending the Myofusion for now because that's been a good protein for us and I trust it. However given that this powder is 6lbs for the price of what you pay for 5lbs of Myofusion, I may change my recommendation once I taste it and see how it performs. Update: Just got the Supreme Cinnamon Roll protein flavor and I love it! Try it mixed with some cooked oatmeal for a yummy and warm breakfast to start your day. (I use steal cut organic oats which have a lot of fiber and cook them for several servings first and then when I need a breakfast, I add the oatmeal I keep in portion controlled containers in the fridge, add a little more water and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Then I add in a scoop (sometimes just 3/4ths a scoop) of the protein powder and about a tablespoon of low fat milk and mix)
Gaspari Brand Myofusion Protein - Milk Chocolate (or Vanilla or Strawberry) Flavor: My #1 top recommended shake. Thick and creamy and very tasty. This is a mix of protein types but it's heavily weighted towards whey protein. I get this from BodyBuilding.com for around $38 per 5lb container. I get this shipped to me with other things I buy at BodyBuilding.com for a flat rate of $6.99 using FedEx there. Last time I ordered I bought a 5lb tub of Myofusion protein plus a 6lb tub of the Gaspari Real Mass protein (good tasting and great for anyone who doesn't need to lose weight and wants to gain muscle) plus 2 tubs of SuperPump250 and all I paid for sihipping was $6.99. Myofusion comes in a few flavors and I have read that the Strawberry flavor is good. Many people write that if you like Nestle's strawberry milk, you'll like this strawberry protein too.
Gaspari Brand Real Mass Protein - Chocolate Flavor: This is ONLY for those skinny guys who want to put on muscle mass. I buy this for my son Chris but I don't take it myself due to the caloric content.
Isoflex Whey Protein Isolate - Vanilla: For fast acting protein right after a workout, there is nothing better than a whey protein isolate. And this particular brand is tops in my book. What I like is their low heat processing which keeps certain milk infractions active. All whey proteins are extremely low in lactose and whey protein isolate is the lowest so it's easy to digest. And for a whey protein isolate, the price is very good. I have been buying vanilla and haven't tried the chocolate althoug it got good reviews for taste. Please note, however, that whey isolate powders can have a strange smell.
Shakeology - Green Berry or Chocolate Flavor: If you want to be healthy and don't want to add a lot of ingredients to shake to get there, this may be the shake for you! Beachbody has found a way to blend whey protein with a bunch of fruits and veggies and other good things for a super vitamin and anti-oxident rich shake. My clients are also reporting that this shake is providing them best results for weight loss when taken as a meal replacement shake. They are also reporting more energy - and I've found that also. I have also seen my hair grow in thicker (surprising since I'm 51) and my skin look more youthful (I'm having a hard time describing this but I do look younger). Once you become adicted to this shake (and you will) talk to me about becoming a Beachbody coach to save 25% - it will save you money.
Soy Protein
Some of you don't want a whey or milk based protein and I understand that.
Solaray Brand Soytein Sugar Free - Orange Cream: Not bad for a soy protein powder. There are a number of flavors I can find at my Whole Foods market but I've only tried the Orange Cream which I buy on a regular basis. This protein is also on the pricier side at about $18 per 1lb.
Optimum Soy Protein: Cheaper than the Solaray brand. Vanilla and the strawberry smoothie flavors get the best votes from me.
