"real" vs. "fake" protein

EEpling89

Hi all. I just recently came to the revelation, oh hey, maybe everyone isn't making this whole "eat a bunch of protein" thing up. I have my macros set at 40/30/30 and it's been awesome. I used to have problems with binge eating and I don't anymore because I always feel full.

My question is... Is there a difference between getting your protein from food and getting it from protein bars, shakes, etc.? I probably get about half of my 135 grams of protein from shakes and bars. That seems high to me. I'm sure it would matter if you're hardcore about not eating anything processed, but I'm not really a stickler for that.

Thoughts?

EEpling89

Bump ... anyone?

luluattacks

I've been wondering about this too...

tpittsley77

If I tried to hit my protein without shakes or bars, I wouldn't be able to actually eat that much. I seriously can only handle just so much chicken! But protein shakes, oh so many yummy combos to be enjoyed!

mruszaj

Well, my personal trainer suggest eating your weight in protein in grams. So i weigh 115 lbs so he wants me to eat about 115 grams of protein a day, and he recommends shakes and protein bars. He suggest a high protein, moderate carb, and low fat diet, so your protein count should be a little bit higher or equal to your carb count, with fats being the lowest.

I've been working out with him for 6 weeks and I have lost about 6 lbs I'm fairly small already, so its hard for me to lose weight, but his advice is amazing.

Also, he suggests checking every single protein shake/bar/ any food at all for high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, or chemical sweeteners .. those actually make you put on weight, and they are even in so called healthy foods such as some oatmeal brands.

Hope i helped

parnyparn

Currently I get 90% of my protein from a shake but thats only because I am trying to slowly re-establish a good relationship with food because I too im a binge eater.

Acg67

Hi all. I just recently came to the revelation, oh hey, maybe everyone isn't making this whole "eat a bunch of protein" thing up. I have my macros set at 40/30/30 and it's been awesome. I used to have problems with binge eating and I don't anymore because I always feel full.

My question is... Is there a difference between getting your protein from food and getting it from protein bars, shakes, etc.? I probably get about half of my 135 grams of protein from shakes and bars. That seems high to me. I'm sure it would matter if you're hardcore about not eating anything processed, but I'm not really a stickler for that.

Thoughts?

Not really, the only reason you may want to opt for whole foods would be satiety reasons, generally people find whole foods more filling than shakes/bars

IrishHarpy1

I find it difficult to get in all my protein completely from food (ditto on the previous chicken comment!). I *do* love my nightly protein shake made with almond milk, and keep a supply of protein shots in the 'fridge for a quick post-workout boost in case I won't be able to eat for a while. I have to make sure it's whey protein isolate so it doesn't bother my stomach, but I'm sure plenty of people will chime in with what does or doesn't work for them.

JonathansMom0910

My trainer eats bars and shakes and she isn't trying to bulk up-just stay in shape. I eat a bar in the am B4 my hard core days and if I am hungry in the afternoon between lunch and dinner, I will eat a shake. I only get about 100 protein a day though, so I may not be that helpful...the bar and shake are about 1/2 my daily intake as well

karensoxfan

I'm trying to get 30% protein too, and the only way I'm able to do it is with 1-2 shakes on lifting days and a protein bar for a snack 3-4x/week.

Kerri_is_so_very

Great question

steve1686

no, there is no difference

LillysGranny

I try to eat real food whenever possible, but I do have add a bar sometime. For some reason, drinking a shake just doesn't stick to my ribs like actually chewing something up and eating it does.

kdiamond

I try to eat real food whenever possible, but I do have add a bar sometime. For some reason, drinking a shake just doesn't stick to my ribs like actually chewing something up and eating it does.

Agreed. But if I am needing a snack on the run, I'm apt to choosing a protein bar.

meshashesha2012

i dont think there's a difference besides a psychological one. i personally prefer having to chew the majority of meals and for most of them to be hot. so i'll do at most 1 smoothie or bar a day, but i'd much rather prefer to eat extra eggs, an extra chicken thigh or more yogurt and avocadoes

runfatmanrun

I find it relatively easy to meet my protein "goal" with normal foods. I do have bars just in case my workout or daily activity is a bit more strenuous.

toomanycurves

i dont think there's a difference besides a psychological one. i personally prefer having to chew the majority of meals and for most of them to be hot. so i'll do at most 1 smoothie or bar a day, but i'd much rather prefer to eat extra eggs, an extra chicken thigh or more yogurt and avocadoes

CaseRat

As long as you're getting in the right amount of protein it doesn't matter at all. If bars and shakes are easier, use bars and shakes. If you like eating meat/eggs etc, eat lots of meat and eggs

I personally reach 200-250g protein every day simply from my normal food intake and don't really like forking out the large amounts of money for the bars/shakes

Misbehavin_Red

I'm a vegetarian, and I tend to rely on soy products and protein bars to get my protein (since I can eat so many nuts!). That being said, many protein bars are filled with sugar, so you want to be mindful and pick one that's lower in sugar.

Elizabeth_C34

I eat up to about 20-50% of my protein in supplement form (powder or bar), but I try to get as much as possible from whole foods.

Jersey_Devil

theres no difference. food is food. But just keep track of how much sugar & stuff is in the shakes/bars/etc...

OSC_ESD

~ It's all about preference ... but if your shooting for 100+ grams of protein a day, it will be hard to consume only solid foods to reach that goal ... therefore protein bars and or shakes can be a great source of protein. Just be certain to check the labels for sugar/ carbs / calories.

I get about 60-80 grams from whole foods and the remainder from protein bars / shakes. On really intense workout days I sometimes need 180+ grams of protein ... on non / low workout days I try to consume my lean body mass in grams.

My macros are 30 / 30 / 40 ( Protein being 40% )

DopeItUp

Hi all. I just recently came to the revelation, oh hey, maybe everyone isn't making this whole "eat a bunch of protein" thing up. I have my macros set at 40/30/30 and it's been awesome. I used to have problems with binge eating and I don't anymore because I always feel full.

My question is... Is there a difference between getting your protein from food and getting it from protein bars, shakes, etc.? I probably get about half of my 135 grams of protein from shakes and bars. That seems high to me. I'm sure it would matter if you're hardcore about not eating anything processed, but I'm not really a stickler for that.

Thoughts?

Not really, the only reason you may want to opt for whole foods would be satiety reasons, generally people find whole foods more filling than shakes/bars

Correct, typically whole foods keep me fuller for longer. Probably because it takes longer to digest. But it's not a huge difference. I do a shake every morning for breakfast and a bar for a snack later on. Just avoid the shakes and bars that are just milkshakes and candy bars with a small amount of protein in them. At least 20g of protein in your bar or 20-25g per scoop in a shake is what I aim for. I generally shoot for an average of 225g per day so the supplements help.

graelwyn

I am hitting 126g protein some days, with no supplements and being a pescetarian. I have eggs, cottage cheese, a lot of 0% Fage yoghurt, fish, seafood and avocados. I have no issues eating enough and often go well over my daily protein goal, tho my macros are set to 45, 30, 25 or somesuch. I need my carbs to fuel the amount of cycling I do.

Awkward30

I have tons of shakes. I don't like meat. I eat the meats that I do like, but it ends up not being enough usually. Plus I love protein shakes. I dare someone to have a protein shake made with cottage cheese and psyllium husk powder and not feel satiated!

toomanycurves

I shouldn't post when I'm exhausted. I meant to quote someone who wrote that there was no real difference between real and fake protein and instead I quoted someone who likes chicken thighs. To set the record straight, I am a vegetarian who is clueless when it comes to chicken thighs but I do love Tera's Organic Dark Chocolate Whey Protein Powder. Mix it up, put it in the freezer for a few minutes and voila! a 90 calorie chocolate milkshake.

MMarvelous

I don't believe there really is NOT a difference. I have stopped doing protein shakes but I still eat protein bars on days that I lift weights. I usually get my protein from MEAT lol, eggs and Greek yogurt. I generally can hit 90 - 120 grams of protein w/ out bars or shakes if I pre-plan my meals.

ninerbuff

The biggest difference for me is that I get a bit gassy if I supplemented with too many shakes over actual food. But protein wise, it really doesn't make a difference.

A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

maryloo2011

I am hitting 126g protein some days, with no supplements and being a pescetarian. I have eggs, cottage cheese, a lot of 0% Fage yoghurt, fish, seafood and avocados. I have no issues eating enough and often go well over my daily protein goal, tho my macros are set to 45, 30, 25 or somesuch. I need my carbs to fuel the amount of cycling I do.

Sameish. I hit 130g+ without any protein powder... I don't find it hard at all. In fact I typically hit 130-160g on good days and can actually still be under on carbs, fat, sodium and cals.

Just focusing on the mostly protein foods I have in a day:

• 4+ egg whites at breakfast
• 4-6 oz chicken or turkey for lunch
• serving Fage 0% (single serving container)
• cheese (like Feta or goat)
• lean meat for dinner - typically around 6-8oz
• peanut butter (Bell Plantation/BP2 = low in cals, high in protein, still good fat...)

I guess just do your research and of course eat whatcha want and like but this is my experience.

Rayman79

In terms of the quality of protein, no there is no difference. Most people would get their suppliments from whey products, which is refined from a natural source.

The thing to remember though, is that protein intake - while very important - is not the only thing you need to consider in your diet. When eating other whole foods such as chicken, fish, red meat, eggs, yoghurt etc is that there are a whole host of other nutrients in them. Having some sort of variety in protein sources is beneficial to some point in that it will help meet your micronutrient needs.

hedgiie

if i can take my protein with whole foods then i'll do it, but in times that i'm missing then would rather take the protein shakes, at least it's better than nothing.