Personal Trainer
The skinny (or fat) on protein drinks

QUESTION: Can you recommend a good protein drink?

ANSWER: When choosing a protein drink, you must consider the fact that there are different types of protein drinks for different needs.

Generally, there are two types of protein drinks on the market despite the countless brands. Weight-Gainer drinks have lots of calories (from added carbohydrates), so people who consume them gain weight and size. The weight-gainer drinks are usually used by people who are small — thin and want to add more weight and size.

The other type has a majority of calories in protein with a little carbohydrate to ensure proper use of the protein. If your goal is to ensure that you are getting adequate protein or to add lean muscle mass without additional calories, a lower-calorie protein drink will be your best bet.

The three top proteins being used today are:

• Whey (a high-quality protein derived from milk)
• Egg (protein from egg whites)
• Soy (derived from soybeans)

Whey and egg are the proteins of choice for most, but soy is popular as well. There are countless types of protein drink brands but only a handful of manufacturers of these proteins. With that in mind, go to your nearest retailer of supplements and read labels to find out which supplement best suits your needs.

Finally, keep in mind that these supplements are meant to be an addition to a healthy, balanced diet and are ineffective if used as your only source of protein.

Dave Patania, a certified personal trainer, welcomes your questions. Send them to Personal Trainer, Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. Or e-mail davpatania@aol.com.