The Long Road

03/03/2004 Archived Entry: "For Real This Time."

I love the Internet, I really do. There is so much information out there (here?) that everything you need to know is just a few strokes (of the keyboard) away. But the information you get can comes from so many unverifiable sources it's impossible to know who/what to trust and everyone writes with authority.

This is especially bad when we're dealing with health and nutrition related topics. Everyone's got an opinion! There's always a new diet fad, a backlash against some old diet fad, a new food group that's good for you, an old staple that's now bad for you. The wealth of (contradicting) information out there is overwhelming. It's ironic that our very own bodies are something that so few people can agree about.

In researching whether protein shakes really make a difference in how quickly you can grow muscle mass I've found two wildly different theories. First is that powdered protein is super good for you, it gets absorbed into your muscles a million times faster than eating meat, and you should take it every day whether you work out or not. Of course, sites with this view are usually also trying to peddle their wares so their opinion is most likely a bit skewed. On the other end, we have those who claim that protein mix really does nothing for you at all, they're probably harmful, eat a banana instead, and get rid of those multivitamins while you're at it. Not only does everyone have an opinion, but an agenda as well! I'm either being told to binge on it or avoid it altogether.

Anyways, I suspect the truth to be something like "if you're tearing muscles today and will not be having much or any protein, a protein shake will be an effective way to help supplement your diet and promote muscle restoration", but no one says that! ARGH!

Replies: 5 comments

The Internet's overrated...but I admit it helps a lot.

Posted by dAN @ 03/03/2004 08:12 PM EST

From personal experience, I can attest to the fact that protein shakes are GOOD. My brothers and I have all used them as supplements when going hardcore at the gym. Or you could always try bars...but watch the carbs. The Detour/Uturn/Oneway ones are good and they don't taste bad either. But just remember that these are all SUPPLEMENTS they are by no means meant to replace the protein that you get from meats and other food. But that's just my opinion... :)

Posted by Jenn @ 03/03/2004 11:41 PM EST

Why not seek the advice of a professional?

Posted by Hyperion @ 03/04/2004 12:09 AM EST

well jenn, I do agree with you. In my experience getting more protien is never a bad thing and it has enhanced my workouts by a good amount. however there are protien suppluments and there meal replacement shakes. I use the replacement ones. They have tons of protien and also the carbs and nutrients you need. if you go into any nutrition shop or GNC or store of the like they will give you good advice and set you on a plan that well best suit your needs. One thing you want to be sure you are doing if you choose the route of a replacement is to take a multivitamin to make sure you are getting everything you need.

Posted by Mike @ 03/04/2004 12:28 AM EST

Professionals tend to have different opinions too. Plus they charge you to talk to them.

Jenn, you all bulked up now?

Posted by Rayne @ 03/04/2004 02:03 PM EST