Protein Powders - for recovery/suggestions please

May4Baby

I'm in the process of training for my second half marathon and would like to train while actively losing weight on WW. My last half is part of the reason I gained back 10lbs that I had lost a few years ago. I say "part" of the reason b/c I know that I justified over-eating b/c of my long runs and the dreaded runger. This time around I'm trying to be smarter about my fueling. I'm going to use GUs on runs over 8 miles and limit my consumption post-run to smart foods that will fuel me, but also help me recover. That said, I want to start adding protein powder to my smoothies for a little more staying power, but have no where to start. If you have any suggestions on the powders or just post-long run fueling I'd love to hear them. Thanks! If it helps I'm 5'8" 159lbs working back to 150. My average pace is about 9 minute miles.

JW28

Unless you're vegan, I recommend using whey protein powder, not soy, it's a more complete protein. I like the Vanilla Whey protein powder at Trader Joes, but any simple protein powder should do (don't get one that's got all sorts of weird additives). Also chocolate milk is a great recovery food post-run/exercise - delicious and a good mix of carbs and protein. Sometimes if I want more protein, I'll take skim milk, stir in vanilla whey protein, then add Nesquik for extra chocolaty goodness. If you have a recovery drink, your next meal shouldn't be extra large (maybe a little bigger), but if you don't then go ahead and eat a bigger meal - as long as it's right after your run. Eating a big meal 90+ minutes after your workout with no post-workout snack is a recipe for bad recovery and gaining fat - I used to do this before I learned that eating right after exercise felt way better, even if a full meal had to wait.

Starryfish

I have tried a couple different brands, and this is my favorite so far:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002DYIZHG/ref=oh_o00_s00_i02_details

Extra milk chocolate is the flavor i get

shorty20

I like the 100% Whey Protein powder from GNC.  Both chocolate and vanilla are good.  I'm drinking a smoothie right now with the vanilla in it.

daisysle

I buy the vanilla and chocolate whey protein from Sam's club.

Gummybear

We use the vanilla protein powder from Costco -- Cytosport 100% whey. I make my smoothies with a heaping TBSP of PB, a banana, a serving of the whey, and a cup of milk of your choice (soy would be best for protein, I prefer almond milk), and ice. I also have been adding fresh spinach!

It's not "low-cal" but it has a ton of protein and is very healthy and filling w/o being overly artificial. I love it!

megstoo

I buy the designer Whey Protein in Strawberry from Vitamin World (I think GNC also carries this one).  I add a scoop of this to my smoothie that I make after workout (greek yogurt and frozen fruit)