Chocolate is Horrible

huntress74

I'm probably a weirdo, but I just can't stand the taste of chocolate or any type of milky sweet drink for that matter. I've tried to choke down various brands of vanilla and chocolate protein shakes (as that seems to be the go to flavors in so many "healthy" bars and shakes). Gag me! All they do is leave this nasty film in my mouth that makes me crave something salty like chips or cheese. I don't know what to do. I'd rather drink a gallon of salt water than choke down a chocolate shake. Is there some kind of fruit or punch flavor protein drink or something that anyone can recommend?

sardelsa

Then don't drink it! You can get the protein you require from real food: chicken, eggs, fish, dairy, beans/legumes, tofu, etc.
If you really need protein supplements you can try hiding them in pancakes and other goodies if you desire, but again, not necessary.

CurlyCockney

There's wayyyy too much food I do like to worry about food I don't like. You don't need to eat chocolate, or protein shakes.

Francl27

I'm not a fan of shakes either, those artificial sweeteners just gross me out. You really don't need them though, just have a Greek yogurt instead.

zyxst

I'm sure you can find strawberry protein shakes. Not sure if you like strawberry, but it's almost as common as vanilla and chocolate.

Whey Protein Isolate fruit punch is out there. I found a lot of fruit flavored powdered proteins in a Google search.

huntress74

I was going for meal replacement since I work a very sedentary job for 10 hours a day. I am trying to keep my calories low, but am worried I'm not getting enough nutrition. Normally I just drink water all day, however I tend to overeat when I get home which is a problem. I have been trying different brands of protein shakes to help with that, but I just can't stomach chocolate or milky sweet flavors. Perhaps a yogurt will help. I'll try that.

livingleanlivingclean

I used to have one called Nectar - it was like fruit juice.

But.... Why use protein powders at all? If you can get your protein from food you can avoid using any powders!

TavistockToad

chicken

snowflake954

Francl27 wrote: »

I'm not a fan of shakes either, those artificial sweeteners just gross me out. You really don't need them though, just have a Greek yogurt instead.

This--greek yogurt has alot of protein, and you can mix fruits, or whatever, in to your taste. I use Fage 2%, which has alot of flavor, but not alot of calories.

Kenda2427

Don't worry about it. I have never had a shake in my life and have no intention to.

huntress74

Doctor recommended it so I would get more nutrition but not the calories. I thought I'd ask here so I wouldn't spend money on fruity ones that didn't taste good. Those big tubs aren't cheap.

livingleanlivingclean

huntress74 wrote: »

Doctor recommended it so I would get more nutrition but not the calories. I thought I'd ask here so I wouldn't spend money on fruity ones that didn't taste good. Those big tubs aren't cheap.

Protein powder still has calories. All protein is 4cals per gram regardless of whether it comes from powder or food....

CurlyCockney

I find protein powder to be quite heavy on calories, compared to other protein things that I enjoy more. I've got quite a low calorie allowance and, unless I'm having a meat-free meal, I can get all the protein I need from real food and keep within my allowance.

huntress74

Yes I could eat chicken, but I was trying to get protein as well as a few other vitamins and minerals without eating a full meal and consuming the calories. That is why doc recommended shakes I guess. I don't know, this is all so frustrating. I realize I have no concept of the right amount of nutrition I actually need. I'd rather not eat anything than have to worry about it. It's just so much easier. But, I know that's not good either.

huntress74

Thanks for the advice guys.

livingleanlivingclean

huntress74 wrote: »

Yes I could eat chicken, but I was trying to get protein as well as a few other vitamins and minerals without eating a full meal and consuming the calories. That is why doc recommended shakes I guess. I don't know, this is all so frustrating. I realize I have no concept of the right amount of nutrition I actually need. I'd rather not eat anything than have to worry about it. It's just so much easier. But, I know that's not good either.

Does your protein powder have added vitamins and minerals? Wouldn't you just get a multivitamin for that?

Choose mostly nutrient dense foods to fill your calories to get adequate nutrition...

annaskiski

Figure out how many calories you need to eat by using MFP.
Eat the same foods you usually eat, just adjust the portions to meet your calorie targets.

Skipping meals isn't evil. Lots of people practice Intermittent Fasting. I do IF 16:8, which essentially means skipping breakfast. This helps control my hunger throughout the day. (for me, breakfast and snacks are appetizers)

This is just one way to cut calories though. If you're just starting out, I really just recommend eating normally and logging all your meals. You'll quickly find the 'calorie bombs' in your diet, and make adjustments.

And really, don't worry about macros (which means carbs/proteins/fats etc) Honestly, if you don't live in a third world country, you're highly unlikely to be nutrient deficient. If you're worried, take a vitamin.

paulandrachelk

So eat a protein bar.

Hearts_2015

huntress74 wrote: »

Doctor recommended it so I would get more nutrition but not the calories.

huntress74 wrote: »

I was going for meal replacement since I work a very sedentary job for 10 hours a day. I am trying to keep my calories low, but am worried I'm not getting enough nutrition. Normally I just drink water all day, however I tend to overeat when I get home which is a problem. I have been trying different brands of protein shakes to help with that, but I just can't stomach chocolate or milky sweet flavors. Perhaps a yogurt will help. I'll try that.

Greek yogurt is really portable too. Chicken is something you're able to prepare ahead of time on Sunday for the week if you find that easier. You can cook it up in various ways and have some at work and grab a chicken tender and eat it on the way home! ::laugh: Check out the chicken recipes on here. In fact maybe I'll start a new thread "simple ways to prepare chicken for the drive home! "

Of course you can continue with the shakes I just wanted to share a protein that is very high and low on the calories that is very portable.
Just putting things in perspective regarding calories & nutrition

Chicken breast
Nutrition Facts
4 oz (113.4 g)
Calories 187
Fat 4 g
Saturated fat 1.1 g
Polyunsaturated fat 0.9 g
Monounsaturated fat 1.4 g
Cholesterol 96 mg
Sodium 84 mg
Potassium 290 mg
Protein 35 g 70%
Iron 6%

huntress74

I don't take a multivitamin. I read that they don't do much as they aren't absorbed into the body because of the coatings on them. I do take a few individual vitamins that are veggie caps, but not regularly. Yes this powder has 35% calcium, and some iron and fiber, natural enzymes and is low carb. The one I am trying now is called 'BioTrust Low Carb.' My mother recommended it. It's all I can do to try and drink it. That's why I was looking for some other suggestions.

I'm am a dieting dummy. There is so much conflicting info out there, it's frustrating and a bit overwhelming. Eat this and that at this time but not that. Combine these foods, but not those. Micronutrients and macronutrients, low carb, glycemic index, paleo is the answer, vegan is the best, eat everything raw, cook with olive oil, dont' eat white food, all sugar is bad... What the heck are your really supposed to eat? I'm exhausted thinking about it, so I just drink water. LOL

RogerToo

huntress74 wrote: »

I'm probably a weirdo, but I just can't stand the taste of chocolate or any type of milky sweet drink for that matter. I've tried to choke down various brands of vanilla and chocolate protein shakes (as that seems to be the go to flavors in so many "healthy" bars and shakes). Gag me! All they do is leave this nasty film in my mouth that makes me crave something salty like chips or cheese. I don't know what to do. I'd rather drink a gallon of salt water than choke down a chocolate shake. Is there some kind of fruit or punch flavor protein drink or something that anyone can recommend?

Hi
Is it possible that You have been trying the wrong brand of protein shakes? I find the ones I use to be tasty, However I have tried some that I threw out for the reasons You delineate.

Try a 4 Pack of the Atkins for example. I like the Café Caramel Shake and the Mocha Latte Shake

Good Luck
Roger

amusedmonkey

On top of having foods/drinks that you don't enjoy, these shakes are teaching you nothing. They aren't doing much for your diet right now because they are making it unpleasant, and they won't be doing much for your diet later because you will have formed very few habits beneficial for weight maintenance. There are plenty of nutritious and delicious foods that are low in calories.

There are these snack packs of tuna salad that I really like, noodle cups are nice and quick, you could even make your own meals food prepping for the week during weekends, or (and this is the easiest option) just eat like you always have, but in smaller portions, supplementing with random veggies for volume.

Hornsby

True Nutrition has a fruit punch flavor that I like.

lemurcat12

Most of the shakes don't have much but protein, so if you want nutrition I'd do something else. (Some have powdered greens, but I'd rather get that stuff as food, although admittedly that's a prejudice.)

Anyway, if you really want one there are ones without flavor. I find it tastes neutral (I've used it in a smoothie or with oatmeal).

What are your calories and are there issues with bringing/eating things for lunch during the day?

comptonelizabeth

You don't actually need protein shakes but I use them if I'm low on protein for that day. I use an unflavoured whey isolate one and mix with almond milk. It doesn't taste of anything

French_Peasant

huntress74 wrote: »

I don't take a multivitamin. I read that they don't do much as they aren't absorbed into the body because of the coatings on them. I do take a few individual vitamins that are veggie caps, but not regularly. Yes this powder has 35% calcium, and some iron and fiber, natural enzymes and is low carb. The one I am trying now is called 'BioTrust Low Carb.' My mother recommended it. It's all I can do to try and drink it. That's why I was looking for some other suggestions.

I'm am a dieting dummy. There is so much conflicting info out there, it's frustrating and a bit overwhelming. Eat this and that at this time but not that. Combine these foods, but not those. Micronutrients and macronutrients, low carb, glycemic index, paleo is the answer, vegan is the best, eat everything raw, cook with olive oil, dont' eat white food, all sugar is bad... What the heck are your really supposed to eat? I'm exhausted thinking about it, so I just drink water. LOL

My study is n=1, but when I am diligently taking multivitamins (for example, the two times I was pregnant, or now that I've been focusing on health and fitness for the past year and a half), I have noticed that my nails are Teflon strong, whereas they crack and break and split easily if I am not taking vitamins. (There are several times over the past week where I rammed a nail against something, and drew my hand back expecting it to be at least chipped, and it was fine). It's possible that the body doesn't absorb vitamins as well as the nutrients from real foods, but a lot of it will be absorbed and have a positive effect on your health.

For protein, I strongly second the recommendation of Greek yogurt. I have a plain 0% fat Oikos sitting next to me right now; it is 15 g protein for 80 calories, which is a much better profile than most shakes I have seen. I add a small amount of honey for maybe 25 extra calories, and a couple tablespoons of granola just to add interest.

When it comes to your diet, it can be as simple or as difficult as you want to make it. Basically, eat a crap-ton of fresh or frozen or even canned vegetables, a good amount of fruit, a decent amount of dairy and meat (with chicken and fish having some of the best profiles, but bacon and burgers are great in moderation too), a modest amount of bread, whole grain being the ideal, and treats as they will fit within your calorie goals.

I can understand feeling overwhelmed by all the noise out there, but just focus on common sense dietary goals, and soon enough it becomes second nature.

studiog608

I never acquired a taste for flavored protein powder. So, I had to get creative with unflavored powder.
I love chocolate. And I drink PB chocolate protein shake every day. It's the only meal I look forward to....it's like a dessert and doesn't leave a nasty film in my mouth like flavored powders do. Here is my recipe...

1 scoop unflavored whey
1 TBS peanut butter
1/2 banana (frozen)
1/2 TBS natural cocoa
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup water
Ice cubes
Blend in vitamix or ninja

It's really good. Like a chocolate milkshake.

I also drink unflavored whey before bed with water.

MissyCHF

huntress74 wrote: »

I'm probably a weirdo, but I just can't stand the taste of chocolate or any type of milky sweet drink for that matter. I've tried to choke down various brands of vanilla and chocolate protein shakes (as that seems to be the go to flavors in so many "healthy" bars and shakes). Gag me! All they do is leave this nasty film in my mouth that makes me crave something salty like chips or cheese. I don't know what to do. I'd rather drink a gallon of salt water than choke down a chocolate shake. Is there some kind of fruit or punch flavor protein drink or something that anyone can recommend?

Oh honey, count your blessing! I wish I hated chocolate.....

MissyCHF

Sorry, double post.

Rebecca0224

I always keep Idealbars in my purse. They come in a variety of flavors, keep me full for hours, have balanced macros for me, and I love the flavors and texture (some bars are gritty or taste horrible, not these).

Jalexander33

Chicken is a really good source of Protein and it's lean. Opt for Drumsticks and remove skin over Chicken Breast. Breast is great don't get me wrong but it is easy to get a piece that is so dry you want it swimming in some sort of sauce or hot sauce.
If you can afford it Salmon is even better than chicken and is leaner. You can bake it with slices of lemon and juice of lemon with pepper for seasoning. You can pan sear it with Pepper or whatever you like. I like to cut mine up and add it to a green salad with cherry tomatoes.
Lots and lots of Protein. Shakes are alright but you don't have to force a shake into your food line up.