Protein Shake - never had one....should I?

mammytotwo

Hi gang
I'm confused. I read in so many posts that people are taking protein shakes as a snack. From what I have read here and elsewhere, protein is good to keep me full or to increase feeling of satiety. So, even though I don't lift weights (only excercise is 3 x 5km runs per week or maybe 2 x 5km and 1 x 10km), would I benefit from drinking a smoothie made with protein shake. (sounds delish.....ha maybe they taste awful???).
Any advice much appreciated. I find I do get hungry from time to time - I'm new to this. Just 14 days in but I consume 1590 cals per day so I'm definitely not suffering (1200 cals seems like suffering!). I have to curb my appetite I know.....I'm working on it. I'm hoping if I stick my 1590 per day plan that 1590 will seem enough after another few weeks. Anyhoo, would a protein shake here or there help me?
- Thanks in advance for any replies -

babaNOTontheway!! (am changing username asap!)

PurpleTina

Don't think there would be any particular benefit IMHO. It's actually quite easy to throw a lot of calories down your throat in the form of a fruit smoothie; add protein to that and there are even more calories.... but then I've only used protein shakes after training exceptionally hard and when I can't stomach solid food for a bit.

Low GI snacks, like rye bread with hummous work quite well for me, as does yoghurt.

Please bear in mind that there are an awful lot of people on here who will have widely differing opions, and this is only mine. My theory is that I'm trying to educate myself into healthier eating habits that will be sustainable after I reach my target. I don't plan on drinking shakes 'then', so won't use them now, if that makes sense?

TavistockToad

i have protein shakes on days i am a bit low on protein... you dont have to drink them, but getting adequate protein and fat will help keep you full.

i would suggest adding some resistance/strength training to your running to help maintain LBM.

auddii

Depends. Are you getting enough protein in your diet through food? There's no reason to have one unless you want one or you are completely unable to hit your protein goal without one (if that's the case, you might want to reassess your eating habits in general).

I have one every morning because it's a fast, easy breakfast that can keep me feeling full for a few hours. And I've found some tasty flavors, so I look forward to them.

jpaulie

They are a good way to supplement if you aren't getting enough protein in your diet. But supplement is the key word.

slittle80

If you aren't able to get enough protein in your diet through whole foods, I would definitely recommend a shake. I'm on the road a lot for work and eating my food isn't always an option, so I resort to shakes so I don't fall short on my goals through the week.

jacksonpt

auddii wrote: »

Depends. Are you getting enough protein in your diet through food? There's no reason to have one unless you want one or you are completely unable to hit your protein goal without one.

Agreed.

Liftng4Lis

Is your diet lacking protein?

Ginaaa71

I have at least one every day, because I'm way to low on my protein. I'm avoiding high fat meats, due to cholesterol. I'm getting my fat with healthier options like avocados and nuts. If you are still hungry after 20 minutes of eating a meal, drink one and you will be full. I Like EAS chocolate, they are pretty good. Didn't care for Six Star.

AlisonH729

Before I committed to an entire tub I found small single serve packets of strawberry & chocolate at CVS. And while I haven't ever gotten any, I understand many health food/vitamin shops have samples available. In addition to helping you find one you like, you can see if it actually fits in your routine and is something you want to continue using.