Everything PROTEIN!

My daily protein goal is 110 grams. I've had a lot of success with this (ignore my diary for the past week... I've been sick and haven't been strictly watching macros), but it is hard to get that much protein in depending only on natural sources. I typically eat two protein bars a day in addition to a meat-focused lunch and dinner, and some sort of protein-packed snack in between (imitation PB with sunflower seeds, etc. or cottage cheese and tomatoes). My question is - how bad do you think it is for your body to be getting a decent amount of protein from "supplemented" sources like bars and shakes?

Also, I really want to try a protein coffee tonight. I was going to have a third bar after my work out, but am opting for a Iced Venti Americano from Starbuck's. What are the best powders to use in coffee? I have Arbonne (ICK) but the gym has a bunch of different flavors/brands so I can try whatever! Also, what's your favorite protein coffee recipe?

Replies

  • mamasmaltz3
    mamasmaltz3 Posts: 1,111 Member
    Unsure why protein would be "bad" from a "supplemented" source? Your body just recognizes protein. Now, that being said, it can be more expensive, and I'm not sure why 110g is so hard to get in a day. I can easily hit that with a cup of Greek yogurt (Fage 0% has 23g) for breakfast, a couple pouches of tuna for lunch and a nice sized chicken breast for dinner.
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    Unsure why protein would be "bad" from a "supplemented" source? Your body just recognizes protein. Now, that being said, it can be more expensive, and I'm not sure why 110g is so hard to get in a day. I can easily hit that with a cup of Greek yogurt (Fage 0% has 23g) for breakfast, a couple pouches of tuna for lunch and a nice sized chicken breast for dinner.

    I've just come across a few MFP-er's stating that protein coming from a supplemented source isn't as healthy as the natural sources (tuna, chicken, etc.) Just figured this would be the place to ask! Not sure if it was due to choice bars having too much sugar or what not, but I stick with the 21/P 180/C 2/S option for the most part. And yup! If I have a very regimented day (my week days are when I can most easily hit it) then it is easy to reach this from food sources without any supplements, but often times I don't have enough time to sit and eat full meals. And I don't like to have tuna every day (if I did it would make it significantly less difficult)
  • mamasmaltz3
    mamasmaltz3 Posts: 1,111 Member
    If you like the bars, and they fit into your budget and macros they are not "bad" for you. Then again, I don't buy into the idea of "clean" eating. It's food. Some is more nutritionally dense than others, but it's all food. You gotta do what works for you.
  • piperdown44
    piperdown44 Posts: 958 Member
    Whey and casein proteins from powder ARE natural sources of protein from milk.
    Whey, gram per gram of protein, is cheap.
  • blues4miles
    blues4miles Posts: 1,481 Member
    I agree with some of the folks above, but I am not one of those "clean eating" folks.

    I prefer shakes to bars for the protein to calorie ratio, though I agree eating a bar could possibly be more mentally satisfying.

    I use Syntrax protein powders mostly. They are around 23g for 100 calories. They also make an unflavored type that is 20g for 80 calories that I will sometimes add to things. They have no fat/no carbs/no sugar. By comparison, a quest bar is 21g for 190 calories. But I still have the quest bars occasionally because they are tasty, easy to have on me when I forget to mix a shake, and still very little sugar. If I was more motivated/a better planner, I suspect a diet heavy in chicken breasts and tuna would be more "clean" and honestly, cheaper. But beyond the cost, and beyond fitting the calories in, I think bars/shakes are just fine.
  • 7BakerGirl7
    7BakerGirl7 Posts: 6 Member
    Did you know that Starbucks will add protein into their coffees for you? I found this out a few months ago when ordering. Just make sure you order it "steamed in" or else it can come out clumpy if they just add a scoop in. I don't know what brand they use but the nutrition info is available on their website. I drink a ton of coffee so this was a huge bonus for me!
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    I consume my whey protein immediately after my workout. I also have a protein bar as a between breakfast and lunch snack. I don't believe in replacing meals with shakes or bars. Unless you have no other choice. As they are supplements. I'm not saying it's unhealthy, I just think whole foods are important.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    I get my protein powder on. I don't even really need it most days but I just really like it. No problem.

    As far as coffee goes, I prefer a casein or casein/whey blend. They tend to be creamier. I also like something sweet and personally recommend PEScience Snickerdoodle. I like the ON casein powders in coffee as well.
  • Kr15by
    Kr15by Posts: 78 Member
    edited April 2016
    It is better to get your protein consumption from whole foods but It won't hurt your progress to use supplements
    My protein goal is 170 grams per day and I get most of this from protein shakes as I don't have time or the convenience to eat so much meat in a day.
  • IILikeToMoveItMoveIt
    IILikeToMoveItMoveIt Posts: 1,172 Member
    edited April 2016
    A standard 2 tbsp (24 g) serving of chia seeds contains: Calories: 117. Protein: 4 grams. Fat: 7.4 grams. It's not a lot of protein, especially for the calories, but if you need to throw in a little here and there it works. You can put it in drinks or make pudding out of it etc. I love it, but wash utensils and bowls right away. That stuff is like glue when it dries on things. lol

    Edited to be more helpful...
    Shrimp (4.13 calories per gram of protein)
    24g Protein, 99 Calories per 100g

    Tilapia (4.96 calories per gram of protein)
    26g Protein, 129 Calories per 100g

    Turkey Breast (6.52 calories per gram of protein)
    29g Protein, 189 Calories per 100g

    Coffee recipie 17.5 grams of protein https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=260418
  • StealthHealth
    StealthHealth Posts: 2,417 Member
    Whey and casein proteins from powder ARE natural sources of protein from milk.
    Whey, gram per gram of protein, is cheap.

    ^^This
  • Buff_Man
    Buff_Man Posts: 623 Member
    I normally have. Shake for breakfast, 30g. Some nuts as snack, 10g then chicken for lunch, 50g that's 100 g before dinner!
  • McCloud33
    McCloud33 Posts: 959 Member
    I usually shoot for 150g-180g of protein, but don't always hit it. I'm RARELY under 100g though. I usually do 1 scoop protein powder pre-workout (30g), yogurt/granola for breakfast (20g), Chicken sausage/grilled chicken/chicken burrito for lunch(30-50g), and steak/chicken sausage/grilled chicken/burrito for dinner (30-80g). Depending on calories and such for the day, I might also slip in some cheese, yogurt, or cottage cheese for a little more protein. There's other veggies and such in there too, but those are the main protein sources.
  • DaddieCat
    DaddieCat Posts: 3,643 Member
    I had 87 grams at breakfast alone. I get lost when people say they have a hard time with protein. It seems easy to me, but I'm sure that's just my habits and outlook.
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    arditarose wrote: »
    I get my protein powder on. I don't even really need it most days but I just really like it. No problem.

    As far as coffee goes, I prefer a casein or casein/whey blend. They tend to be creamier. I also like something sweet and personally recommend PEScience Snickerdoodle. I like the ON casein powders in coffee as well.

    Ooooh, Snickerdoodle, I have to look for that one!

    Trutein Vanilla and a cup of strong coffee into the blender and then over ice is yummy.

    OP, nothing wrong with bars. I am finding with practice it gets easier to get up towards 100g with food though, mostly chicken, fish, eggs, greek yogurt, lentils.
  • Gun4a
    Gun4a Posts: 68 Member
    I struggle with protein intake but that's due to me not eating meat (I do love fish though) so I have a protein smoothy (usually with 1 banana and/or some strawberries and milk) for my breakfast and oftentimes post workout. I wouldn't get carried away with bars due to relatively high carb/sugar contents. I do love my protein drinks as often they are my only sweet treats. Scitec has so many delicious flavours :-)
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    cgvet37 wrote: »
    I consume my whey protein immediately after my workout. I also have a protein bar as a between breakfast and lunch snack. I don't believe in replacing meals with shakes or bars. Unless you have no other choice. As they are supplements. I'm not saying it's unhealthy, I just think whole foods are important.

    No, no, I don't replace meals with these bars and shakes! I just eat them as snacks throughout the day
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    I had 87 grams at breakfast alone. I get lost when people say they have a hard time with protein. It seems easy to me, but I'm sure that's just my habits and outlook.

    Okay, I gotta ask - what did you have for breakfast?!
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    McCloud33 wrote: »
    I usually shoot for 150g-180g of protein, but don't always hit it. I'm RARELY under 100g though. I usually do 1 scoop protein powder pre-workout (30g), yogurt/granola for breakfast (20g), Chicken sausage/grilled chicken/chicken burrito for lunch(30-50g), and steak/chicken sausage/grilled chicken/burrito for dinner (30-80g). Depending on calories and such for the day, I might also slip in some cheese, yogurt, or cottage cheese for a little more protein. There's other veggies and such in there too, but those are the main protein sources.

    Never thought about burritos or sausage - need to start incorporating them! I love yogurt and cottage cheese (and regular cheese of course) as sources as well!
  • blues4miles
    blues4miles Posts: 1,481 Member
    I had 87 grams at breakfast alone. I get lost when people say they have a hard time with protein. It seems easy to me, but I'm sure that's just my habits and outlook.

    Well, the more calories you can eat the easier it is :p
  • Hornsby
    Hornsby Posts: 10,322 Member
    I had 87 grams at breakfast alone. I get lost when people say they have a hard time with protein. It seems easy to me, but I'm sure that's just my habits and outlook.

    Okay, I gotta ask - what did you have for breakfast?!

    Want another shocker? He's vegan....

    I am interested in his breakfast as well.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    cgvet37 wrote: »
    I consume my whey protein immediately after my workout. I also have a protein bar as a between breakfast and lunch snack. I don't believe in replacing meals with shakes or bars. Unless you have no other choice. As they are supplements. I'm not saying it's unhealthy, I just think whole foods are important.

    No, no, I don't replace meals with these bars and shakes! I just eat them as snacks throughout the day

    I'm not saying you do, I meant in general.
  • DaddieCat
    DaddieCat Posts: 3,643 Member
    Hornsby wrote: »
    I had 87 grams at breakfast alone. I get lost when people say they have a hard time with protein. It seems easy to me, but I'm sure that's just my habits and outlook.

    Okay, I gotta ask - what did you have for breakfast?!

    Want another shocker? He's vegan....

    I am interested in his breakfast as well.

    100 Grams of seitan (my recipe) 23grams
    Field roast franks & sausages 59grams
    Some bread 5 grams

    Totals:

    87P/25f/32 net carbs

    Breakfast and lunch are usually protein heavy for me, I tend to get veggies and starchy carbs later in the day.