Protein shakes

K2405

Can anyone tell me if protein shakes keep you full or are they pointless? Also, is it pointless to have them on days you don't work out?

auddii

They provide protein? That's their purpose. They will not keep you as full as eating chicken or other lean protein with more volume, but I do think they will fill me up for an hour or two. They are not really meant to be a meal replacement, so I have one each morning made with milk along with a spoonful of peanut butter. Mostly because it's easy and fast. And that's all days, not just when I workout.

rageginger

Agreed with above - the purpose is to get more protein, and they serve that purpose. I feel full for around 2 hours after just the powder and water, but I've bulked up my shakes to create a meal replacement, which then lasts a good 3 hours or so until my next meal. Your body loves protein, so regardless of whether it's a gym day or rest day, it's not pointless.

K2405

Thanks. It's more for breakfast times. I'm currently following weightwatchers so after lunch and tea I usually have 4 points left for breakfast which allows me 2 weetabix with milk. I just wondered if a protein shake would keep me fuller for longer as it's a similar amount of points.

peachyfuzzle

You could try some sort of slow digesting protein like casein, and mix it with some oats, or something. That's what I do in the mornings, and even without the oats I'm good until my next meal a few hours later.

Cajete

You wanna stay full and curv appetite. Mix a little fat in with whatever you eat. Good fats. Oatmeal in the morning with a Teaspoon of Peanut Butter will hold you out for a bit. Eating some chicken for lunch or dinner? Add some olive oil. Fats are amazing for cutting appetite. That, on top of your protein intake- you shall be golden.

SweatLikeDog

Protein in meats absorbs more slowly than protein powder. That's usually a good thing for muscle growth. However, you'll save calories gram-for-gram by getting your protein in powder form, which might be good if you're trying to restrict calories.

MsHarryWinston

It depends on the shake. Sometimes I do a half scoop of protein with water before workouts or if I just want to take the edge off of a "snack" sized hunger. You know, 3am, feeling kinda food cravy but not wanting a meal.

On the other hand I use Pure Protein premade shakes sometimes as a convenient preworkout. Great, nicely filling as its 23g of protein, it also has a good heft of carbs. Or as a full on snack.

If I want an actual meal replacement I do a scoop of protein powder with a ton of fruit so that I get my vitamins. Keeps me full for hours. But I refer to these as smoothies not shakes.

Protein, the king of my EVERYTHING!