Hey Lindsey!
I've tried a few:
First of all I was using Reflex instant whey (chocolate). Its got no added carbs so was just a protein shake, so really you should have it with a banana or something straight after a work out to replenish your glycogen stores. Each serving was around 25g and had around 20g protein and was about 95 cals (with water). It tasted quite nice actually, esp when mixed with skimmed milk!
The one I'm using at the moment was recommended by my trainer as it's the one he uses. Its called Nutrisport MRP 60:30. It's actually a meal replacement shake but I just use as a protein shake. Its 60% protein and 30% carbs and contains both whey protein and casein. The serving size is supposed to be 3 heaped scoops which is 80g but i just have one level one which is about 25g. For 25g your looking at around 76 cals, 15g protein and 7 or 8g of carbs. However it tastes absolutely rank! The reason why he recommends it though is because it does the job and its mega cheap! I just use as little water with it as possible and chug it down!
Apparently the more expensive ones will taste better as they have more added sugar etc but at the end of the day they all get the job done. I wouldn't chose maximuscle if I were you because I think its ridiculously over priced.
One more thing - whey protein is great for giving you an instant hit of protein whereas casein protein is digested and released slower, so depending on what you are after you may want whey only or a mixture of both.
Protein shakes will definitely help repair and "feed" muscles after a workout so they will be great at helping to build lean muscle mass. Don't worry that you'll end up looking like the hulk - you'll never end up with big bulging muscles unless you eat loads and loads of calories, weight train for an hour a day, 5 days a week, and hit the protein shakes big time. Also as you are female its alot harder to build big muscles. I still dont really have any and I've been weight training and having protein shakes for a while. I'd try and stay clear of ones that look like they have alot of creatine in them. My trainer says that in small amounts its fine but if you consume loads of it then your muscles retain water (hence its good for guys in the gym looking to add bulk because it makes muscles appear bigger)
As for aiding fat loss I wouldn't worry about trying to take any supplements or fat burners for that because as long as you are reducing calories, exercising and building lean muscle mass then you'll be fine. Also, I really don't think any of them make the slightest bit of difference - i think they are all just a gimmick but I could be being cynical!
Sorry for the long post! Hope that helps a little and let me know if you have any questions! xxx
If you go into a health food shop you might get lucky and somebody there may be able to help you chose one. If in doubt I would recommed reflex as it is quite cheap, low in cals and had a good amount of protein in, plus it doesnt taste too bad either. My trainer recommends having quite afew protein shakes a day mind - if you like I can pm you a sort of timetable he has given me which details when and how much protein I should have?
