Here is my take on it, early days it is very tough to get all the protein in your healing body requires so I personally think they are really helpful. Many people are being advised to avoid supplements because dieticians want you to learn how to eat healthy and relying on packaged food goes against their training, it makes perfect sense for them to say you don't need them. However, as a bypasser and a researcher I have read alot of research myself into what happens in the real world where people struggle to get the healthy eating without some type of convenience food. I think the use of protein supplements is not only helpful but is an actual advantage because it helps healing and helps you feel satisified for longer with an added energy boost. What could be bad about that I ask you?
As for taste it is hard to tell what one person will like and another will think is vile.
Here are a few of tips:
1. Always make you shakes as cold as possible (if drinking cold), I make mine with 50-75% milk and then top up with water, I put the entire shaker in the fridge for a couple hours or overnight so it gets very cold. It takes the 'ok' shakes to tasty everytime. Also remember they can be frozen and defrost as you drink it, a bit like a milk shake.
2. When making a shake try using fresh fruit, flavoured yogurt or even coffee to add a nice flavour, you can really customise it that way. There are also sugar-free flavoured syrups you can use to make them even better.
3. Add your scoop of protein powder to your favourite flavoured yougurt. That way in just a few spoons of yogurt you have a powerful punch of protein.
4. Use unflavoured protein powder in soup, mash, and squash.
5. Always buy whey based protein powder as it is better for us wls peeps than soy with at least 20g protein per scoop.
6. If you are useing protein shots (fruit flavoured protein ready to drink), add a little sugar-free squash to them and then pour into an ice cube tray and freeze, pop the protein cubes into cold water and sip for hours on the lightly flavoured protein drink. Also, use protein shots when making your favourite jelly, then you have a protein snack.
7. Remember that a good shaker makes all the difference when trying to get a smooth lump-free shake, I use this one
BB and it beats pants of others I have tried.
As you move on, you should be able to get your daily protein requirements through healthy eating. However, many of us long-term peeps still do use them to help keep a nice balance. I make protein cakes, ice cream & cookies on a regular basis because I love them!
As far as protein bars go I do like them, especially the Atkins ones, so tasty, but very expensive. If you find one you like, make sure it has low calories as well as low sugar. They are a great tool to help you along if you want to use them, however again finding ones you like may prove expensive.
Nic
