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Whey Protein Review

8 November 2009 59 Comments

I have been wanting to write a whey protein review for quite some time now. As you all know, I believe that whey protein is the most important supplement to take, and that’s why I recommend it to everyone that I coach. Now, I’m going to get into how I discovered whey and how it effected my performance.

All through high school, I was the kid who thought that all supplements were bad for you. I used to lift quite a bit in my basement on our workout machine, but that was about it. I never went to the gym, and never benched pressed before. I was in good shape, but not as strong as I would have liked to have been.

When I got a scholarship to play baseball in college, one of the first things that my new coach talked to me about was putting on some muscle. He told me that I needed to get in the gym as much as possible, and wanted me to get on whey protein and creatine to gain some mass. I was very reluctant at first, but that all changed after I had my first team workout. Yeah, it was embarrassing! I’ll never forget it: There was this guy on the team who was jacked, and when I mean jacked, I mean his arms were like 18 inches around! Of course my coach placed me with him for bench press, and I struggled to get up the 50 lbs dumbbells. Here he was, using 110’s, and I couldn’t even get 4 reps with 50 lbs! You have to remember too, though, that I was only about 145 lbs. After that day at the gym, I knew some things needed to change.

I talked to my coach and some teammates, and they all recommended that I get on whey protein and creatine. After doing a lot of research online, I decided to try the whey, but stay away from the creatine for now (I got on it a few years later). The first whey protein that I ever took was Optimum Nutritions Chocolate whey. After a few weeks of taking it, I noticed that I started to gain some weight and was getting much stronger. I believe I was able to put up 8 reps of 65 lbs about a month after I first began taking it. I had also gained 15 lbs in a month! Yes, 15 lbs! I went from 145 lbs to 160 lbs in one month from taking whey protein and working out religiously in the gym. I have been taking it ever since.

So how do I take it? I’m glad you asked! I take one whey protein shake, which I just mix whey protein and either water or skim milk, every morning and once right after my workout as well.

Final thoughts on the whey protein review: If you’re looking to get stronger and need something to boost your protein intake for the day, whey protein is the way to go!

59 Comments »

  • Gonzalo said:

    Hey Josh, I’ve been visiting your site constantly and have been reading everything you say, and have put almost everything into action. You’re an inspiration man! Well anyway, I recently started taking whey protein, and I am about to start week 2 of p90x. I am taking EAS protein, and I would like to know what you know and think about that brand. Thanks!!!

  • firat ersoy said:

    hi josh,
    my name is fırat and i m from Turkey. I just bought p90x and i got my supplement such as whey proteın, proteın bar and gnc mega man vitamins. But i cant find recovery drink anywhere in Turkey. Can you help me to make my own recovery drink? And do you prefer recovery drink or protein shake after workouts? Thanks for helping me :)

  • firat ersoy said:

    and one more questıon, in the first phase, ı decide to eat bread for my daily carbs, how many slice can i eat at breakfast and hole day? And which type of bread you can advice?

  • Josh (author) said:

    I have tried many brands of whey, and I actually like EAS the least. For some reason it really bloats me and I feel I don’t see good results from it. I like the P90X Whey and Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Standard.

  • Josh (author) said:

    It’s hard to replace the Recovery Formula because of all the ingredients, but what you could do is mix whey protein, a fruit, and glutamine together in a blender for a shake. Make sure you add ice of course!

  • Josh (author) said:

    Make sure it’s 100% whole grain or 100% whole wheat bread. Make sure that you follow the Nutrition Guide, which will let you know how many carbs to take in per day. Remember, in phase 1 you want to follow a fat/carb/protein % of 20/30/50.

  • Juan said:

    Hey Josh,
    I have taking GNC Amplified Wheybolic Extreme 60 for postworkout and before I go to bed. Each time I take this it consists of about 60g of protein I was wondering if taking that many grams of protein in a single drink is way too much? I realize after workouts that this mix is probably good since my body is really wanting nutrients but again the amount in protein sounds like a lot. One more quick question since I work out early in the A.M I already take my N.O Explode and I don’t think that I have room to take this 16oz protein drink for pre-workout do you think that drinking this before I go to bed is a good idea? The drink has 280 cals and only 2g of sugars or do you recommend a slower digesting protein before sleep since this drink consists of hydrolysates and isolates? Thanks again sorry its so lengthy.

    Regards,
    Juan

  • Josh (author) said:

    60g is not too bad. Also, there is nothing wrong with takin protein before bed, but it needs to be cassein protein rather than whey because of the slower digestion.

  • tommy said:

    hey i am 14 years old and have p90x but haven’t started it yet. what should i get to take before and after a workout. Like recovery and stuff? and something with a reasonable price…
    Thank you! -tommy

  • Josh (author) said:

    I recommend the P90X Whey Protein and Recovery Formula, which you can find on this site. http://www.iwanttogetripped.com/supplements/p90x-results-and-recovery-formula-tub/ and http://www.iwanttogetripped.com/supplements/p90x-whey-protein-chocolate/

    Make sure you read the directions before you take them both.

  • Kelly said:

    Hey Josh,
    I just (re)started P90X again after reading through most of your website. I really liked your article about setting goals. I spent two hours yesterday making sure I had set up some realistic and detailed weekly goals for myself.
    One thing I am having a hard time finding is information for women doing P90X. Especially in regards to taking a whey protein. I don’t want to gain any weight, am trying to lose about 15-20lbs, but have a hard time getting the recommended protein intake every day. Is there any advice you can give me?

  • Josh (author) said:

    I’m glad that you’ve found my articles helpful! OK, I recommend taking one whey protein shake per day, which is what my fiance takes. We both take a shake right after our workout. However, taking two whey protein shakes isn’t going to hurt you. You could take another in the morning to boost your protein intake since you said you’re having trouble reaching the daily recommendation.

  • John said:

    Hey Josh, just starting up my p90x routine and have muscle milk to use along with it…good idea or bad idea? Thanks

  • Josh (author) said:

    Muscle Milk is a good supplement to use, but I like whey protein better.

  • Ken said:

    hey josh i was always very skeptical about drinking protein shakes and im quite happy with the body i have already but i guess i was wondering if drinking protein shakes were safe?

  • Josh (author) said:

    Protein shakes are probably the safest supplement to takes because it’s mostly all natural protein. I’ve been taking them for many years and haven’t had any side effects. They help tremendously with post-workout recovery.

  • Rachel said:

    Do you recommend taking the recovery drink after work outs or a whey protein shake? Or both?

  • Josh (author) said:

    I recommend both actually. Take the Recovery Formula directly after the workout and whey protein about 45 minutes later.

  • phil said:

    hey Josh, I’m 16 and swim and play water polo competativly at my high school, I have a slight six pack and wouldn’t say I’m very weak, I’m 5′9″ and about 150lbs, I want to become more defined and have a more built body, what kind of protein would you recomend I take? and how? thanks!

  • Josh (author) said:

    You can find the supplements that I took and when I took them in the “Q&A” section of this site.

  • Dillon said:

    hey josh, first i would like to say thanks for making an amazing website…my question is what is the best tasting whey protein drink? because mine is pretty nasty haha

  • Josh (author) said:

    I like the Chocolate flavor the best.

  • John said:

    Hey josh,

    Ive been doing p90x for almost 4 weeks now. I am seeing some results but having really hard time getting rid of some stomach fats.

    I am currently taking 100% whey optimum neutrition. it has 1% fat (2g). I was wondering if you can gain fat from taking protein.

    You said that you gained 15 pounds in one month. Is that 15 pounds of fat or muscle?

  • Josh (author) said:

    First of all, you have to be patient! You’re not going to lose the belly fat in 30 days! Also, I didn’t gain 15lbs in one month. I gained 15lbs in muscle over a 5 month timespan. And whey protein is not going to make you fat. Be patient, focus on the right diet, complete all the workouts, and you will get results.

  • josh said:

    hey josh im 15 years old and work out twice a day 2 a day monday through friday i was wondering if creatine is okay to take?

  • Josh (author) said:

    Since you’re young, you are going to want to check with your doctor before using any supplement.

  • Richard said:

    I am about to start the p90x and i have Amplified mass xxx and nitro-tech hardcore should i take that or just stick with whey protein. Also how would you take the whey protein and follow the nutrition guild.

  • Josh (author) said:

    You can find out when to take whey in the “Q&A” section.

  • Eddie said:

    Hey Josh I know you probably dont dedicate all your time to answering questions 24/7, but i had a question that i could not find the answer to on your Q&A…

    I take a whey protein that contains 15g per serving…is that considered a protein “block” on the portion approach from the P90X Nutrition Guide..I’m having a little trouble getting my daily protein in so i was wondering if that 15g counts as a serving according to the nutrition guide becuase i usually double the dose in my shakes..

  • Josh (author) said:

    Yeah, that counts as a protein block.

  • Vernelle said:

    Hi Josh I am 30 5ft 5in and about to start the p90x program and have gained some weight.i am currently 205 lbs and and the goal that i set for myself is 160 I have a question about the amount of cals that I am expected to take in daily.It is 2500-3000 and since I’m trying to lose weight I feel that is to much I thought I should be taking in between 1800-2000 no more then that.Please help

  • Josh (author) said:

    Yeah, you need to take in around 1,800-2,000 if you’re looking to lose weight. Also, have you made me your coach yet? If not, you can do so through this link: https://teambeachbody.com/signup/-/signup/free/11685

  • Vernelle said:

    I thought I should also mention that I am the mother of two children 12 and 5 and as a result have a pouch when I sit.I really need to lose all this access weight and really need a little help.Thank you

  • Vernelle said:

    I just made you my coach

  • Josh (author) said:

    Focus on the diet and workouts and you will get results!

  • Dustin said:

    Should I still take whey protein if im trying to lose weight?
    Thanks.

  • Josh (author) said:

    Yeah, whey protein is an important supplement regardless if you’re looking to lose or gain weight.

  • shaun said:

    ive been using muscle juice 2544 for my whey protein and weight gain. is that ok. i also take the p90x recovery drink. ive been reading and thinking about creatine and jack3d would that be good as well. thanks in advance 5′7″ 135 and gaining.

  • Josh (author) said:

    I’ve never heard of Muscle Juice. If you’re looking to gain strictly mass, then you should look into Jack3d and creatine.

  • shaun said:

    would it be ok to mix the creatine with my recovery drink after a workout, since the recovery has a small amount of creatine.. Thanks
    shuan

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Shaun. I actually don’t know if you can mix the two. I always just took them separate.

  • Eddie said:

    Hey Josh, me again.
    I had a question, i believe you wrote on your article about muscle mass gaining, that you drank two protein shakes, 45 min before work out, and 45 min post work out, with a recovery formula right after work out.. My question is, if im correct about the two shake part, is that should i drink the shakes everyday before n after work outs.. or just the days where I actually lift weights..because for some reason i feel like using them on days such as plyo and kenpo, they’re a bit unnecessary…I would like to know your opinion and the way you took your protein shakes..Thanks dude. Awesome work, appreciate the feedback and help!!!!

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Eddie. I never took whey protein before the workouts, but I did after the workouts when I was trying to gain mass. Take the Recovery Formula right after the workout and then the whey protein about an hour later.

  • Eddie said:

    alright thanks for the feed back..but i still have some questions because i dont want to be drinking shakes that arent needed…I am trying to gain mass.. Should i take the shakes after my workout everyday for the 90 days? Will this effect me burning fat?( im trying to burn as much as i can). And should i drink my shakes even on work out days such as plyometrics, kenpo, cardio, etc?
    Thanks again Josh. You’ve been all the help i received! TY very much!Q

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Eddie. I can tell you that any shakes that I recommend are important for your diet and what I have gotten results with. I don’t recommend things that I haven’t tried nor have worked for me. Anyways, yeah, take whey protein after each workout, and no, it will not affect your weight loss. Whey protein is very important in terms of muscle recovery, even after cardio workouts. Let me know if you have other questions!

  • Eddie said:

    Thanks again! Very helpful!

  • evan said:

    when u mean whey protien do u mean any protein powders ive never heard is it could u tell me the best one to get

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Evan. P90X has a good whey protein, but there are some other good brands out there as well, like ON.

  • Jacob said:

    Hi I’m 15 and looking to use whey protein? Is it okay to use it at this age?

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Jacob. I think it is, but you need to check with your doctor to make sure.

  • Y.N said:

    Hi Josh,

    I am 19 and weigh about 138lbs. I have been taking some nitrotech protein and havent seen too much results. Just finished my first can of it. I need some help as to if I should maybe take the amplified xxx weight gainer instead of the nitrotech protein again? I want to build muscle and get bigger at the same time, gain weight. But I don’t want too much weight gainer which will start covering up abs with fat. What method of approach should I use and which supplements?

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Y.N. Since you’re looking to strictly gain weight, you can consider a weight gainer or even creatine. However, make sure you check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Also, are you following P90X?

  • Y.N said:

    I was taking creatine for a while then stopped because it just gave me extra boost but nothing else and I took it last week again and started having pain in my right hand after work out, it hurts alot. Its a very weird pain, hard to explain. So I stopped using it and after 48hrs I was fine again without pain. What if I take Whey protein instead of gainer stuff? What do you think. I still want to have lean muscle and I believe the weight gainer would destroy that. I have also heard about casein but not too familiar with that supplement. Could you give me some info on that. Im trying to build a plan to become buff and have lean muscle, gain some extra pounds of weight as well. Nothing too bulky and fat. Thanks Josh.

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Y.N. Whey protein is an important supplement whether you’re looking to lose weight or gain weight. Casein is a slow digesting protein that you take right before bed.

  • Y.N said:

    I went out yesterday and bought the mass/weight gainer stuff that hass glutamine and BCAA in it as well and some creatine all inside. Also bought the Whey protein and Jack3d. Is there anything else I might be needing to take? Also, the weight gainer stuff it says 4 scoops of it in the back panel. I find it alot and it fills up almost my entire 28oz shaker. Another question, is the jack3d necessary to take?

    Thanks

  • Y.N said:

    Josh,

    Why am I experiencing pain in the right arm, uppper in the muscle area? Its not a sore pain, the different pain that makes my arm weak after my work out. I am drinking a lot of water during work out and through out the day. I never had this happen but started having it for the past few weeks.

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Y.N. I don’t know man. I’m not a doctor, and I recommend that you see one if it’s bothering you so much.

  • Josh (author) said:

    @Y.N. I don’t think there’s anything else you need. Also, Jack3d isn’t necessary. Am I your coach?

  • Y.N said:

    Josh thanks for the help and the advice. I appreciate it.

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