Thread: Protein Powders vs Protein Bars

Hey peeps,

In the past I have one hour before my workouts used protein powder with milk (Nutrisport 90+), which leaves me feeling a bit heavy and bloated come workout time. I tried it with water and found it tastes gross. I understand though, that taking it with water helps the protein absorb into the system quicker and is the better way to do it, but I hate the taste.

I've tried Protein Bars before and liked the taste, but wondered if there are any major pros or cons about using them over powders? Like if I would get as much protein as I would from a powder etc etc etc

Any thoughts?

protein powder (as is a liquid) will get into your system quicker, and also have less calories so for the same calories as a bar you could get alot more protein (usually at least double) from the powder - personally, if I where you I would just invest in a quality whey protein powder.

Have one with carbs in an hour or 2 before training and then have another one (with fast sugars) straight after training, i.e:-

PHD Pharma Whey - Pharma Whey - Protein - Supplements - Sports Supplements - Sports Nutrition

Of course if you are really hungry chewing on a bar helps a bit more.

Cool, so water with a decent powder is the way to go? Am I right in thinking it will absorb quicker with water over milk?

I was thinking of looking for a good protein powder with carbs in it. I'll keep an eye out. Any good powders? Anything I've tried with water always ends up tasting vile.

If you want more calories then milk is always good - as then has more protein, good carbs and other nutrients plus normally makes shakes taste a bit nicer...

Absorbtion rate will be slowed slighty as milk is a slow form of protein to be absorbed into the body but your body will still absorb the whey at around the same weight - so personally would not worry about it.

Check out ISO 7 by PHD on the same address (for carbs, creatine etc etc) or a really cheap way of doing it (but use in moderation) is the CNP Pro Mass (protein/carbs so can be used as a replacement).

Can't go wrong with si's advice really. Get a good whey protein and mix with water. I find now actually that when I mix pharma whey with milk it is too rich for me. It does taste good with water, which is why I bought it.

Secondly I reckon that a protein bar must cost over a quid right? Your sjake should cost about 30p so there's the other bennefit

Perhaps leave the protein until immediately after your workout or make sure that you give yourself enough time before the workout for you to absorb it?

I use Nutrisport 90+ aswell and yes it does taste pretty crap with all the flavours tasting pretty much the same but at 86% protein I figure its a hit I'm willing to take. I mix it with skimmed milk to improve the taste. In fairness Ive not found it to be too heavy pre-workout.

simple answer...shakes after training and a cherry active

inbetween meals....a bar slips in the lunchbox and does the trick

Thanks for the info guys, all good stuff to be getting on with you guys are awesome :thumb

Doesn't powder with water usually taste HORRID?

Here's a drinking technique that i found that work mix with water. Then gulp it down as soon as you and maybe think of something else while u drink it!!!!

On a serious note depending how strict you are to your diet, be careful of protein bars can have hidden sugars and fats. But it depends on goals.