working out/lifting weights, sources of protein

[crappieseeker]

I have just started going to a gym and would like to get in shape and start building some muscle. I am looking for good sources of protein. I can not drink the protein shakes, they make me sick. My system is real picky about taste as well. So I am looking for advice on good tasting types of protein bars. Can any of you who work out recommend any good tasting protein bars or a type of drink that is not a shake? Also what kinds of foods do you eat regularly? Do any of you have any good recipes for a good meal or dish that is good for you and or has a lot of protein? Any advice would be helpful. I can not afford a personal trainer so how many times a week is sufficient for Upper body strengthening of arms? Do any of the strength and fitness videos they advertise on tv really work like insanity or body beast?

[crappiewisdom]

When I was younger, I used to lift 6 days a week. I got pretty muscular, but I've since stopped, because I pretty much wrecked my shoulders, back, hips and knees over the years from over doing it. Remember to use good technique and don't overdo it. You too will be old someday and might wish you hadn't injured yourself. When doing upper body stuff ( biceps curls, over head presses, etc.) I would advise doing them seated on a bench with back support and using good form to save your back. Medium weights with more reps instead of heavy weights with fewer reps.

Back then, I would eat a lot of boneless chicken breasts and canned tuna (without oil) for protein. I would just eat it on salads. I tried to not eat many carbs.

Now my wife is into "juicing". She has a contraption that turns fruits and veggies into disgusting slimy drinks that she makes for me every morning. I get many servings of fruit and veggies that way...plus it makes her happy (that's the important part). But every time I drink one, I think how good it would be with some rum or vodka in it. Don't tell her I said that!

Now I just do the treadmill daily as I am more concerned about the heart muscle than I am about the other muscles. Don't know if this helps you or not.

[Locator79]

Most protein bars are loaded with sugar, with won't help with what you are trying to do. You need around 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight to gain muscle, and depending on your age and test levels, it can be really hard. Shakes aren't good, but I down them fast with Almond milk. Its really hard to eat all your protein if you want to grow. Lean meats, and fish are your best options. Eat 6 small meals a day, and keep your metabolism up and your nutrient intake constant. If you are newer to lifting, check out the 5 X 5 program, it simply works, but you have to be ready to throw heavy weights around. Good luck, it can be discouraging but don't give up.

[6poundtest]

I'm not a lifter but you might look in to the "super slow" method of lifting weights, rather than your standard "pumping iron" type lifting.
Regarding protein shakes and bars, Locator79 has it correct, usually lots of sugar. You might sort of decide whether you're looking to stay on the so called "balanced diet" or if you'll be going to a "low fat" or the "low carb" type diet. Diet will definitely affect your results.
Atkins shakes on the low carb side of things taste good to me; have you tried them? Other brands did not taste good to me. The 3 flavors that work for me are milk chocolate delight, cafe caramel, mocha latte; they have to be cold, though.