Is it bad to eat protein shakes if you don't weight lift a l

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californiansun
californiansun Posts: 392 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Hi all!

I'm starting to eat protein shakes as a meal replacement in the morning (EAS by itself or with peanut butter and banana), and I've heard if you don't "use up the protein" in your work outs, it could store as fat? I am starting to drink the protein shakes because I don't get enough protein in my diet, it keeps me full for forever and it doesn't shoot up my blood sugar

Is there any harm in protein shakes and will it be stored as fat? I'm studying to be a dietitian, and I've been told YES it can be stored as fat!

Thank you!

Replies

  • SergeantSunshine_reused
    SergeantSunshine_reused Posts: 5,382 Member
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    I'm also studying to be a dietitian, I remember learning about this first year.

    No, it will not store as fat in a calorie deficit.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
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    Hi all!

    I'm starting to eat protein shakes as a meal replacement in the morning (EAS by itself or with peanut butter and banana), and I've heard if you don't "use up the protein" in your work outs, it could store as fat? I am starting to drink the protein shakes because I don't get enough protein in my diet, it keeps me full for forever and it doesn't shoot up my blood sugar

    Is there any harm in protein shakes and will it be stored as fat? I'm studying to be a dietitian, and I've been told YES it can be stored as fat!

    Thank you!

    only if you are in a caloric surplus

    and no no harm in protein shakes and for improved body composition, some weight lifting is advisable
  • Kirabelly
    Kirabelly Posts: 60
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    People having gastric bypass drink them... but most are working out a lot.
  • MisterDubs303
    MisterDubs303 Posts: 1,216 Member
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    Pay attention to your macro-nutrients and just keep it balanced. You need protein regardless of your workout program, so just make sure your protein levels are reasonable.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,682 Member
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    Like the two posts above, you would have to be in calorie surplus for it to store as fat.
  • Marzipans11
    Marzipans11 Posts: 10 Member
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    I'm NOT a dietitian, but it seems to me that if you're not getting enough protein and having trouble modulating your blood sugar, your body will use the protein in shakes to feed yourself first. Of course anything can be stored as fat if it isn't being used-- so keep up on your exercise! But I'd say that protein would be a healthier thing to have in the morning than fat or sugar (/carbs.) Still, I'd love to hear an actual expert weigh in (pardon the pun) on this. :)
  • NoAdditives
    NoAdditives Posts: 4,251 Member
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    Protein NEVER gets stored as fat. Only fat and sugar get stored as fat. If you consume more protein than your body needs it will just filter the excess out with other "waste".
  • msbanana
    msbanana Posts: 793 Member
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    Simply, no. Protein itself is fine. You will use the protein longer (which is why it keeps you fuller longer) as it breaks down slower than, say carbs that you need to use immediately or they will be converted to sugar which will be stored as fat.

    Make sure you look at your protein to calorie ratio and that most of the calories in the protein mix don't come from sugar and filler that WILL be stored as fat.

    One of the beautiful benefits of protein when you're on a reduced calorie diet is that it assists in retaining muscle mass. Restricted calorie diets that are Low protein and high carb can lead to energy crashes during the day (3 o'clock doldrums) and loss of muscle mass (leading to flabby skinny) because your body would prefer to consume your nutrient dense muscle that the fatty bits. You're on the right path... now what would it take to convince you that you should start lifting heavy stuff? :bigsmile:

    :drinker:
  • MissMaryMac33
    MissMaryMac33 Posts: 1,433 Member
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    I drink 2-3 GOOD protein shakes a day.... it's the only way I can get enough fluids each day AND enough calories. Plus I love them. I aim for 100-150g protein a day and that would be almost impossible to do with just food alone.

    Anything you eat and drink can be stored as fat if you are in a calorie surplus. Track them in your diary just like you do food and if you're under your calories, you're fine.

    PS I would avoid wasiting money on any of those pre-mixed one...EAS Is concentrate as are most of the bottled ones. Buy a good whey protein isolate and mix it yourself. Much better protein, better stats and cheaper.
  • californiansun
    californiansun Posts: 392 Member
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    Hi all!

    I'm starting to eat protein shakes as a meal replacement in the morning (EAS by itself or with peanut butter and banana), and I've heard if you don't "use up the protein" in your work outs, it could store as fat? I am starting to drink the protein shakes because I don't get enough protein in my diet, it keeps me full for forever and it doesn't shoot up my blood sugar

    Is there any harm in protein shakes and will it be stored as fat? I'm studying to be a dietitian, and I've been told YES it can be stored as fat!

    Thank you!

    only if you are in a caloric surplus

    and no no harm in protein shakes and for improved body composition, some weight lifting is advisable

    I used to weight lift a lot and drink a lot of protein shakes, and I got way too muscular. Should I only drink the protein shakes on days I do lift weights or does it really matter? I heard to either drink them an hour before your work out, or an hour after. I don't know if any of that matters either! I need help haha.
  • cheeksv
    cheeksv Posts: 521 Member
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    was told by a trainer that it is great for weight loss becasue it keeps you full and helps build lean muscle. He also said if you are drinking protein shakes you should be exercising. Now we did not get into the calorie surplus thing he just explained " if you are taking in portien shakes you should be working out". I would try talking to a weight loss specialist. Just ask them for advice maybe someone at school?

    All that being said I use protein shakes as meal replacements for breakfast and sometimes lunch as well. With my diet and working out I have lost weight not gained.
  • californiansun
    californiansun Posts: 392 Member
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    I drink 2-3 GOOD protein shakes a day.... it's the only way I can get enough fluids each day AND enough calories. Plus I love them. I aim for 100-150g protein a day and that would be almost impossible to do with just food alone.

    Anything you eat and drink can be stored as fat if you are in a calorie surplus. Track them in your diary just like you do food and if you're under your calories, you're fine.

    PS I would avoid wasiting money on any of those pre-mixed one...EAS Is concentrate as are most of the bottled ones. Buy a good whey protein isolate and mix it yourself. Much better protein, better stats and cheaper.

    It's EAS powder! :D Is it still bad protein? I heard it's good. I hope it is... I used to drink it a lot!
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
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    Hi all!

    I'm starting to eat protein shakes as a meal replacement in the morning (EAS by itself or with peanut butter and banana), and I've heard if you don't "use up the protein" in your work outs, it could store as fat? I am starting to drink the protein shakes because I don't get enough protein in my diet, it keeps me full for forever and it doesn't shoot up my blood sugar

    Is there any harm in protein shakes and will it be stored as fat? I'm studying to be a dietitian, and I've been told YES it can be stored as fat!

    Thank you!

    only if you are in a caloric surplus

    and no no harm in protein shakes and for improved body composition, some weight lifting is advisable

    I used to weight lift a lot and drink a lot of protein shakes, and I got way too muscular. Should I only drink the protein shakes on days I do lift weights or does it really matter? I heard to either drink them an hour before your work out, or an hour after. I don't know if any of that matters either! I need help haha.

    drink them on any days you cannot meet your minimum amount of protein for the day through whole foods (roughly 1g per lb of lbm)
  • californiansun
    californiansun Posts: 392 Member
    Options
    Hi all!

    I'm starting to eat protein shakes as a meal replacement in the morning (EAS by itself or with peanut butter and banana), and I've heard if you don't "use up the protein" in your work outs, it could store as fat? I am starting to drink the protein shakes because I don't get enough protein in my diet, it keeps me full for forever and it doesn't shoot up my blood sugar

    Is there any harm in protein shakes and will it be stored as fat? I'm studying to be a dietitian, and I've been told YES it can be stored as fat!

    Thank you!

    only if you are in a caloric surplus

    and no no harm in protein shakes and for improved body composition, some weight lifting is advisable

    I used to weight lift a lot and drink a lot of protein shakes, and I got way too muscular. Should I only drink the protein shakes on days I do lift weights or does it really matter? I heard to either drink them an hour before your work out, or an hour after. I don't know if any of that matters either! I need help haha.

    drink them on any days you cannot meet your minimum amount of protein for the day through whole foods (roughly 1g per lb of lbm)

    Thanks! I'll do that! And I just noticed my protein powder has a "best by 1Sept 2011" date on it, is it still safe to use?
  • mrsredneckmorris
    mrsredneckmorris Posts: 119 Member
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    I don't think its bad, as long as you alot for them in your calories.
    I drink Protein Shakes (in addition to meals) and have managed to lose weight. And I am not lifting weights a lot.
  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
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    Protein NEVER gets stored as fat. Only fat and sugar get stored as fat. If you consume more protein than your body needs it will just filter the excess out with other "waste".

    Wha what??

    So if I were to eat 5.000 calories a day of protein, the caloric surplus would just be pissed away and not stored as fat?

    I think you're talking crazy!
  • xraychick77
    xraychick77 Posts: 1,775 Member
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    the only way you store anything as fat is if you go over on your T.E.E. calories
  • californiansun
    californiansun Posts: 392 Member
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    Thank you all for your replies.
  • MissMaryMac33
    MissMaryMac33 Posts: 1,433 Member
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    I drink 2-3 GOOD protein shakes a day.... it's the only way I can get enough fluids each day AND enough calories. Plus I love them. I aim for 100-150g protein a day and that would be almost impossible to do with just food alone.

    Anything you eat and drink can be stored as fat if you are in a calorie surplus. Track them in your diary just like you do food and if you're under your calories, you're fine.

    PS I would avoid wasiting money on any of those pre-mixed one...EAS Is concentrate as are most of the bottled ones. Buy a good whey protein isolate and mix it yourself. Much better protein, better stats and cheaper.

    It's EAS powder! :D Is it still bad protein? I heard it's good. I hope it is... I used to drink it a lot!

    Read the label :) It all depends what you want from it. I personally look for protein that is pure whey protein isolate, has low carbs/sugars and high protein. I make mine with almond milk and a typical shake is 145 calories, 1g carb, 0g fat, 27g protein. I also avoid aspartame and when I have a choice, I choose no sweetener or stevia. You might be looking for different things --- just read labels and you'll find one perfect for you.

    PS There are tons of places online where you can order many different samples before you shell out 30-40 bucks for a big 2lb jug.

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