Which Protein and When

The GNC products are pretty good. I think the one you are using is protein isolate so you are pretty good. Its on my list to try. You have to be careful with GNC as many of their products are blends and concentrates like the Lean line. So make sure when you goto GNC you read their brand's label if you are trying something for the first time. I switched over to BodyBuilding.com because they offer just about every product you can imagine and then some plus their prices, even with shiping were lower than I was getting at GNC or VitaminShoppe. Now I have had a couple of really good deals at GNC lately like when they have the buy 2 get 1 free on protein bars you can save a lot.

I liked the Pure Protein products when I first started out. Eventually the can taste got to me and I stopped using them. I sort of remember that they have a lot of "stuff" in them, extra chemicals, etc. I could be wrong its been a while since I used them. But I remember them being very tasty and convenient. There are a couple of good RTDs that I have gotten from the VitaminShoppe, they have singles in their cooler section so its easy to try a bunch. The OhYeah brand is really tasty and the MetRx is pretty good too. Here again, read the label, you will want something low carb.

All told I think what you are using is fine. As for the point of this post, the one you drink before bed if it doesn't have casein in it, then you are not getting the slow digesting over night feed of protein while you sleep, but if you drink the shake and eat some cottage cheese before bed you will get some benefits from the casein in cottage cheese.

The optimum nutrition line has a couple good flavors of casein protein. I have the cookies and cream and I don't like it all that much, as soon as I am done I will switch to chocolate or vanilla.

Thank you so much for your advise.

The chocolate Wheybolic Extreme 60 is my current powder, the only one I can stomach! And yes, it's whey protein isolate.

Thanks! I also like the taste.

this is good to know.  I was starting to get worried since my favorite protein drink at the moment is Big Train Fit Frappe which is Calcium Caseinate.  I like it because it tastes great blended with ice (no milk or anything) and it also really fills me up, for a very long time.  I mix 1.5 scoops of this (15g caseinate) with half scoop of unflavored whey (13g whey) for a total of 157 calories for 28g protein.  This is a phenomenal deal and a great treat **IF** i can actually absorb all the protein, which i'm hoping i can now that i've seen your post.  I will confirm with my NUT in 2 weeks (though i'm sure she'll stick to her whey-only mantra)

I also like to have Simply Protein Chips (which are kinda like frito shaped spicy salty things).  140 cals for 15g of PEA PROTEIN.  they are really tasty, but dont seem to fill me up that much.  not sure if that is because of the small serving size, saltiness, or the type of protein.   I only have maybe once a week so i guess it's no big deal.  But would nice to know how well i absorb this nutrient also.

Just make sure what you are taking fits in with your carb count. I will have to look up those products as I am not familiar with them. But again, if you found something you like and can live with to supplement protein, that is half the battle, so stick with it. You can definitely absorb all that protein. I do not believe the only absorb 30 grams crap people spew. I believe 30 is optimal, but the way you are blending it, you are definitely absorbing it all. Now casein is really hard on your stomach, so you may want to only mix that in at night. But because it is slow digesting you are pumping in the whey and then casein is taking longer so you are good here. If you are doing any kind of exercise you may want to consider a bit more protein, you can easily handle up to 40g. 30g within 30 mins of waking up. 

With the protein chips, try eating them with some Hummus, good protein and fiber and will help to fill you up a bit more. Also here check the carb count, sometimes those protein chips are made with potato starch which are hidden bad carbs.

ya the fit frappe alone is pretty carb heavy.  the way i make it now, it's 18 carbs (5 of them fiber).  so it's a bit above my carb-per-serving rule but it really gives me a boost that pushes me to do some work on the treadmill afterwards, or go run errands.  so it's not too bad but i'll keep an eye on it.  the chips are 11 carbs, so for a treat it's ok for me.

You would actually get more benefit from drinking the shake after you do the work on the treadmill. The extra carbs in the shake will help to shuttle the protein into your muscles when it is most needed.

Has anyone tried Trutein protein shakes?  Just curious, they say they have 40% Whey, 40% Micellar Casein, and 20% Egg White.  Not sure if that would be good or not, I'm new to this whole protein shake thing.  Guidance is appreciated!  So much to learn here for sure!

Yes, they are very tasty. I liked all of their flavors. I think they were a bit pricey but its a good product.