Protein Shakes

294Rich

What's the big deal with fellas with protein shakes in and around the gym at the moment? I always used to take the view that supplements were taken by poor people who couldn't afford to buy steaks/"proper food". Shouldn't the right level of nutrition be achievable through normal eating? Is it just that a protein shakes tastes sweeter/nicer? Faster/easier to consume? Cheaper?

Can someone please explain to me that this is (or isn't) just the product of marketing? I didn't see this 5 years ago...

drazani

I take protein shakes mainly for convenience but I also get roughly half of my protein from foods, I take between 200g and 250g a day of protein ( on excercise days around 180-220g on rest day) I think I would really struggle if I tried to get all of that from food.

aynhagenbarth

for me a protein shake is strictly to be used when I am in a hurry. I have them in my house, but the only time I make myself one is for convenience. If the kids are taking too long to get ready and I need something to eat in the car on the way to work I will make one. and I do like having them, but I'm like you i want to get my protein from real food as much as possible.

Socalgal13

For me protein shakes are for when I am trying to make my goal of >100 grams a day and I am going to be short. Trying to get all that protein in with food sometimes is really hard. I just had 6 egg whites for breakfast and that is only 22 grams of protein and I am stuffed to the gills. I also is a very portable way to get your protein in, harder to eat greek yogurt and drive at the same time!

Shawshankcan

Far easier to throw some milk and powder into a shaker before I train than to eat a steak. As well, steak can be 5 bucks a pound so 2.50 for 8oz which is around 60-80g protein. A shake is comparable to that in terms of price when milk is used.

Water can be used in place of milk, but I don't like the taste

kathleennf

The bioavailability of the protein is different. Meaning- steak takes a lot longer to digest and absorb. A lot of people believe (based on data which is admittedly controversial- but there is data) that consuming an easily digestible protein source right after a workout with weights helps build muscle better.

skygoddess86

The protein shakes my husband buys are not cheap. I think he likes that it is high protein and low calorie.

SideSteel

Whey is convenient, whey is a very efficient way to boost total protein intake without a big impact on calorie intake, it's cheap compared to most whole food protein sources. It tastes good.

nehushtan

Powdered whey protein has some great advantages over food, as noted above. To summarize, with some other advantages:

*) Low calorie count for the protein payload
*) Low cost per protein gram when you get it in bulk
*) High concentration of protein per volume
*) Convenience of carriage and preparation
*) You can choose the amino acid profile you want
*) Whey protein is fast-acting compared to others
*) A variety of flavors (including "unflavored")
*) Can be mixed in to a of different kinds of recipes, not just shakes

Whey protein isolate has even more advantages.

rainbow198

For me I drink protein shakes more as a "snack" for the day rather than as a pre or post workout thing. I try to eat my protein as much as I can but when I'm lacking I'll make a shake or blend up a shake with frozen fruit, yogurt, chia seeds and water. I prefer hemp protein because of the fiber and aminos, but if I need protein for that day I'll make a drink with whey protein isolate.