Greek yogurt or protein powder?

Morriganmum

Need some suggestions and input. I make a smoothie every morning that consists of one scoop protein powder, water, a cup of protein shake (b0lthouse farms), and 1/3 cup heavy cream. The protein powder I use is vegan and quite pricey; ideally I would like to move away from using this since it is a (to me) specialty item (we order it online and it can be a pain to always have it on hand). Another option I have played with is substituting Greek yogurt for the protein powder. Here's where my questions come in: a $50 tub of protein powder gets me about 25 servings. $42 gets me 24 servings of yogurt. So, small bit of savings by using the yogurt. However, the powder supplies 26g protein per serving, the yogurt 20g. But the yogurt is higher in calories as well as carbs. I have to struggle to reach all my macro goals every day, but protein is the hardest for me.
What do you think? Make the switch to the yogurt, saving a few bucks but sacrificing some easy protein grams? Is the gain in calories and carbs from using the yogurt a good tradeoff for the protein?
Here's the stats lined up:
protein powder- $50; 25 servings; 131 calories; 26g protein; 5g carbs
yogurt- $42; 24 servings; 180 calories; 20g protein; 25g carbs

JoRocka

buy the yogurt- add the protein to the yogurt- win win everywhere.

I mean the numbers are right there- if you are already struggling to hit protein- switching to a lower protein object to save exactly 8$ seems nonsensical to me.

FitMelody4Life

Greek yogurt mixed with protein powder and 7 g lemon sf/ff Jell-o pudding mix with smashed raspberries, best post workout treat ever!

Morriganmum

JoRocka wrote: »

buy the yogurt- add the protein to the yogurt- win win everywhere.

I mean the numbers are right there- if you are already struggling to hit protein- switching to a lower protein object to save exactly 8$ seems nonsensical to me.

=D I've been reading the forum for a while now and love your posts JoRocka! I had the feeling this would be exactly what you would tell me =D
One concern is the expense, but I suppose when this is my health we are talking about, I probably should go the extra mile at least until I reach a decent healthy weight.

aylajane

I go one step farther. I add protein powder to plain greek yogurt to flavor it (along with SF syrups), then I add protein crunchies to it too Like adding granola but pure protein... I use Body 360 Body Crunch Whey Protein Crunchies. They come in natural (no taste really) and cocoa. My 1/2 cup yogurt ends up with 3x the protein and I like it crunchy.

My fave most days - plain greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream flavored protein powder, and egg nog flavored SF syrup with crunchies... yummy pudding with crunch

spa407

Check to see what, if any, protein may be added to the greek yogurt. Stay away from the whey and go for casein protein.

Morriganmum

Awesome ideas! But the cost was my main concern. Aiming for easy, drinkable, budget-friendly protein bolus.

aylajane, what is SF syrup?

LianaG1115

I'm scratching my head because I'm confused, please excuse me for asking. I'm reading over and again the "heavy cream" part and just wondering how that fits into a healthier diet? I am an avid baker and cook of many "bad" things and many of those things I use heavy cream because of taste and thickness because of the fat content. When I changed eating, that was one of the big "no no". I've substituted plain Greek yogurt for meals and protein shakes but never heard of heavy cream?? Can you just clarify why or what the reasoning would be? Thanks.

LaurenAOK

LianaG1115 wrote: »

I'm scratching my head because I'm confused, please excuse me for asking. I'm reading over and again the "heavy cream" part and just wondering how that fits into a healthier diet? I am an avid baker and cook of many "bad" things and many of those things I use heavy cream because of taste and thickness because of the fat content. When I changed eating, that was one of the big "no no". I've substituted plain Greek yogurt for meals and protein shakes but never heard of heavy cream?? Can you just clarify why or what the reasoning would be? Thanks.

I'm not OP, but I would assume it's just to add some extra calories to the shake. This is the gaining weight forum, so OP is probably try to get a lot of calories every day. Plus, cream is yummy!

As to the original question, I'm with the "why not both" mentality. I understand cost is a concern but if you get both, and then use HALF of each in your shake, you still save a little money and you can go longer between ordering the protein powder. Does that make sense? It makes sense in my head.

icrushit

I'm curious - why vegan protein powder ? With cream in your diet, it doesn't seem like you're lactose intolerant or have a problem with dairy, so why not just buy a decent whey or casein powder ?

Seeing as this is the gaining weight forum, perhaps even consider something like skim milk powder instead, so you get the protein and some extra carbs as well, or perhaps just simply milk, although not sure how that stacks up economically compared to your current costs

lishie_rebooted

Morriganmum wrote: »

JoRocka wrote: »

buy the yogurt- add the protein to the yogurt- win win everywhere.

I mean the numbers are right there- if you are already struggling to hit protein- switching to a lower protein object to save exactly 8$ seems nonsensical to me.

=D I've been reading the forum for a while now and love your posts JoRocka! I had the feeling this would be exactly what you would tell me =D
One concern is the expense, but I suppose when this is my health we are talking about, I probably should go the extra mile at least until I reach a decent healthy weight.

If you aren't going to eat this way forever, why do it now?
Why buy the 50$ protein powder now and stop once you hit your goal weight?

Also, why buy vegan protein powder especially when you aren't vegan?
You're using heavy cream and Bolthouse Farms stuff (which btw, I bet you could find a cheaper substitute for that since that *kitten* is pricey) and are contemplating Greek yogurt...


Another idea if money is a concern, make your own Greek yogurt. It's cheaper in the long run.

honeytgb

I always use "Optimum Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey Protein - Double rich chocolate flavour (5lb)" for $57 --- 77 servings, 120calories, 24g protein, 3g carbs

I mix this into 1cup "Silk Soy Milk - Original Light" --- 60calories, 6g protein, 5g carbs

Morriganmum

LianaG1115 wrote: »

I'm scratching my head because I'm confused, please excuse me for asking. I'm reading over and again the "heavy cream" part and just wondering how that fits into a healthier diet? Can you just clarify why or what the reasoning would be? Thanks.

Weight gain. I need the fat and calories desperately to try to get into the healthy BMI range. At this point I go for whatever I can get down that won't affect my gastrointestinal disease too much.

earlnabby

I do a scoop of protein powder in 1/2 c Greek yogurt for lunch almost every day. I may or may not add berries depending on if I have extra carbs to spend for the day.

lishie_rebooted

Morriganmum wrote: »

LianaG1115 wrote: »

I'm scratching my head because I'm confused, please excuse me for asking. I'm reading over and again the "heavy cream" part and just wondering how that fits into a healthier diet? Can you just clarify why or what the reasoning would be? Thanks.

Weight gain. I need the fat and calories desperately to try to get into the healthy BMI range. At this point I go for whatever I can get down that won't affect my gastrointestinal disease too much.

That makes a lot more sense.

I still vote for doing the math on making your own Greek yogurt and if whatever GI issue you have can handle regular protein powder, look into Optimum Nutrition

Morriganmum

I did a little research into the ingredients of the different powders, and it seemed like most of them contained sugars (corn) or fake sugars that my gut will not handle. I went with the vegan because it was the safest for my problematic gut without me spending months looking for another, cheaper alternative, as I wanted to jump start into being very serious and dedicated to packing on the pounds.

Yes, for right now I am kinda going an expensive route, and working towards a more sustainable and budget-friendly menu plan. I have a LOT of restrictions I have to work around.

LianaG1115

Morriganmum wrote: »

LianaG1115 wrote: »

I'm scratching my head because I'm confused, please excuse me for asking. I'm reading over and again the "heavy cream" part and just wondering how that fits into a healthier diet? Can you just clarify why or what the reasoning would be? Thanks.

Weight gain. I need the fat and calories desperately to try to get into the healthy BMI range. At this point I go for whatever I can get down that won't affect my gastrointestinal disease too much.

Ohhhhh OK I was so confused. That makes lots more sense.

AliceDark

If you don't specifically need that brand of powder, I'd look for a less expensive one. $50 for 25 servings is really pricey. But I also say stir the powder into the greek yogurt and get a double protein whammy.

KingRat79

I would say do both, for me eating the same thing every day, day in day out soon get boring. having as much variety as I can keeps me motivated.

mike_ny

I also mix them together. I use the unflavored isolate, so,mixing that in with plain yogurt, a little maple syrup and a couple TBSP of sliced almonds works great for me. It's not a smoothie, though. My homemade full,fat Greek Yogurt is as thick as sour cream. It's mostly protein and enough fat to balance out the carbs from the yogurt and maple syrup.

Unknown

This content has been removed.

icrushit

Morriganmum wrote: »

I did a little research into the ingredients of the different powders, and it seemed like most of them contained sugars (corn) or fake sugars that my gut will not handle. I went with the vegan because it was the safest for my problematic gut without me spending months looking for another, cheaper alternative, as I wanted to jump start into being very serious and dedicated to packing on the pounds.

Yes, for right now I am kinda going an expensive route, and working towards a more sustainable and budget-friendly menu plan. I have a LOT of restrictions I have to work around.

Just so you know, you can buy unflavoured protein powders, which shouldn't have the problematic sugars you mention.. I've bought unflavoured whey before, and have a massive sack of milk protein concentrate on the way currently. You can even flavour them yourselves if you want (I found cocoa powder and a little sugar makes a nice chocolate flavour)

FaithFamilyFitness215

Crush some Peanut Butter dude

_Terrapin_

Just have both; high protein combo and sugar isn't much. In fact, add some honey, and fruit. Now I want a whey smoothie.

xmichaelyx

LianaG1115 wrote: »

I'm scratching my head because I'm confused, please excuse me for asking. I'm reading over and again the "heavy cream" part and just wondering how that fits into a healthier diet? I am an avid baker and cook of many "bad" things and many of those things I use heavy cream because of taste and thickness because of the fat content. When I changed eating, that was one of the big "no no". I've substituted plain Greek yogurt for meals and protein shakes but never heard of heavy cream?? Can you just clarify why or what the reasoning would be? Thanks.

Fat isn't bad for you, and doesn't make you fat, just as eating cholesterol doesn't lead to high cholesterol levels in healthy people. These are things that laypeople (and doctors who couldn't be bothered to read about nutritional science) incorrectly believed in the '80s, but that no serious medical professional has believed in 30 years.

slomo22

Yogurt isn't vegan. It sound's like your only buying vegan protein powder for medical reasons. Try finding a different protein powder (cheaper and non-vegan) that won't have negative effect on your stomach. Check out Now Foods protein powder, it's all natural and doesn't have many additives .

JoRocka

Morriganmum wrote: »

JoRocka wrote: »

buy the yogurt- add the protein to the yogurt- win win everywhere.

I mean the numbers are right there- if you are already struggling to hit protein- switching to a lower protein object to save exactly 8$ seems nonsensical to me.

=D I've been reading the forum for a while now and love your posts JoRocka! I had the feeling this would be exactly what you would tell me =D
One concern is the expense, but I suppose when this is my health we are talking about, I probably should go the extra mile at least until I reach a decent healthy weight.

YAY!!!

BOTH!!!

I second adding berries- so delicious. or throw in heavy cream on top!! WIN WIN!!!

Try looking for some of the no sugar added- Optimum Gold standard makes it (I think it is AWFUL compared to the regular one- but that's b/c it wasn't as sweet and smooth- regardless- it exists)

Do some more hunting- I bet you can find a cheaper protein source. Can you drink milk? That's a great source of protein as well.

Gut issues can be tricky- but if the yogurt works- and the protein works- I'd focus on that... and just eating more of the same crap you are- you just need MORE of everything if you're trying to gain- and with a problematic GI track- anything you can eat- eat more of- and then eat some more.

the struggle can be real!!! I feel you!!

aylajane

Morriganmum wrote: »

Awesome ideas! But the cost was my main concern. Aiming for easy, drinkable, budget-friendly protein bolus.

aylajane, what is SF syrup?

Sugar free syrups - like Toriani or Davinci. They come in just about every flavor you can imagine - so I stock up on vanilla protein powders and use these to change the flavor. Most are made with splenda.
It also helps thin out the yogurt if you prefer to drink it.

I also buy the Premier Protein Ready to Drink (RTD) vanilla protein shakes at costco - 30g protein in 11 oz. I use these in place of water or milk when making protein shakes, powders, oatmeal, a bowl of cereal, etc. Adds more protein and basically tastes like vanilla milk. In fact, my fave right now is Life cereal - maple and brown sugar, with 3 oz protein shake milk stuff instead of real milk (8-9g protein added to the carbs of the cereal). The case from costco lasts me awhile as I dont drink it straight usually.

gothchiq

Lately I have started using PB2. It's powdered peanut butter with most of the fat removed. It tastes good and has protein and is only 45 calories for 2 tablespoons. It doesn't cost a fortune either. Wonderful in banana smoothies!

PwrLftr82

What is your daily protein goal that you're having a hard time reaching?

shartran

For 24 servings of 'Dry curd cottage cheese' (22 g protein, 110 calories, low sodium too) for 125g serving) you would need 6 tubs @ $5.00 each. $30.00
It's another option for you.