I’m planning a thru hike for 2011 and i’d like to know if any one is using powdered protien drinks.
I would like to know which brand tastes the best with water, and which brand is most economical.
Thanks
Axl Pumpkinsmasher
Protien drink - Appalachian Trail
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#1
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#3
I’m not sure if anyone else on the trail is using them, but I’m planning on using them for my PCT thru hike in 2011.The nutrition to weight ratio is a pretty goo mix. And if you get a good vanilla flavor it can replace powdered milk for anything you may use powdered milk for (cereal, powder potato mix, etc.) A good and cheap brand i’ve been using for years is under the “Body Fortress” brand and sold at Wal-Mart. The chocolate flavor is great, and it’s only about $13 for 2.2 pounds. Hope this helps, good luck!
Joel
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#4
Look at the ingredients in the protein powders. The first one is usually sugar or high fructose corn syrup. The second one is whey solids, or heavily processed milk. The rest are chemicals. It’s pretty much expensive candy, barely disguised. One I looked at even had a “Cookies and Cream” flavor.
I know some athletes swear by the stuff, and that’s fine for them. (When you buy it, you pay for the endorsements–those aren’t free.) But I have good luck with powdered milk, whole grains and nuts, and dried fruit like raisins and fig bars for a slightly healthier sugar boost. All you need for healthy hiking can be found in a well-balanced diet available at grocery stores. Good hydration and rest are equally important.
Try a handful of “good old raisins and peanuts” (G.O.R.P.) next time you crave a boost, just to see if it works. Compare cost and performance to stuff that comes in a jar from a factory.
I often get offered power bars and electrolyte replacement drinks and such, but have found that they usually give me cramps and gas. The gas can be fun, but cramps aren’t.
Garlic
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#5
GNC puts out a very good protein drink that mixes great with water. Chocolate is a good choice, and I’ve gone through a couple large tubs of the stuff.
The protein drink would be perfect for right after a strenuous hike in/out. Your recovery time is reduced for the next days activities, and I find my muscles less sore.
The benefit to weight ratio is good. I use their shaker bottle with the wire wisk inside. Its stainless, and the container is light weight and highly polished so things don’t stick. Multiuse container for the trail too.
I’ve used “Power Bars” with success, but find the drink easier to digest, and quicker to the muscles that scream for protein.
Can you get a good deal of energy and protein from natures foods…yes. I just think that for the trail there are some designed foods that work better, and weigh less.
These are not meant to substitute for good nutrition, but a long hike on the PCT etc…is not an average day.
M
Mark
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#6
Everybody is different, no doubt about it. Garlic is right when he says it is glorified candy. However, the protein drink worked really well for me. I would drink half a quart of protein drink and half a quart of Hydralite at lunch when I was feeling cranky and I always ended up hiking much better for the second half of the day than the first half. I bought my protein drink at Walmart and the Hydralite on line.
Robocop
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#7
MMMMM…money!!! These foolish hikers don’t know all that soy protein isolate has to come from somewhere, and where does it come from. Well it come’s from my, MR. MONSANTO, patented genetically modified soybeans. I have a near 80% monopoly on soybeans grown in the USA, and near 100% of the market for soy protein isolate found in protein drinks. Little do these hikers know that I am actively taking the cash earned from this to put the few farmers left growing soybeans from old seed out of business. MUAH HA HA HA, soon I will be making tents out of my soybeans too, and they will buy buy buy. VICTORY IS MINE!
Monsanto
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#8
That’s actually a form letter Monsanto sends out to everyone. Where it says “soy protein isolate” is replaced with whatever foodstuff they’re targeting today. Ironically, protein shakes are actually dumb for a lot of other reasons.
__
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#9
I’ve nave been hearing a lot of good things about the hemp protein mix. I find mine at to the local health food store (Whole Foods).
manfire
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#10
I believe it was Daniel Dennett who said: “It’s the carrot, not the carotene.”
I try to eat real food. My body has mechanisms designed to handle things like…real food.
I try to avoid the synthetic and synthesized (as meals, gear is another deal) altogether.
Donovan
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#11
Look out! Fish oil is now available as prescription rx! Ask YOUR doctor about Lovaza today!
bridge to nowhere