Protein shakes??!!

thistimesucess

It seems that everywhere I look these days people are opting for protein shakes. What is up with that?! Are they really that good and are the health benefits really better than fresh natural food?

IronSmasher

Clever advertising, and it's easier to throw money at a quick fix than balance your diet with food

tommygirl15

Protein shakes are ideal for a few reasons. They go down easier for the person that doesn't like eating breakfast, or has little time to even make breakfast. My protein shakes can easily be 300+ cals when I do it smoothie-style and therefore considered a small meal. It's a really good way to boost your protein intake for the day. It's also a good option for vegetarians.

Hollycat

It's easy to either love or dismiss them. I use organic whey protein to supplement my diet. I eat about 70% raw food and add whey protein to my green smoothies to make sure I'm getting enough protein. It's a protein choice, same as eggs, chicken, fish or beef without the hormones or heavy metals.

In other words, it has its uses.

Hollycat:flowerforyou:

alpine1994

I bought a huge thing of protein powder, made like 3 protein shakes that I had to choke down, then decided I like spending my calories on real food way better! I definitely understand the benefits and really, I wanted to be a protein shake girl, but it just didn't work out that way.

IronSmasher

The number one thing to look for in a supplement is that it is what you're looking for to supplement your real food, to hit your nutritional targets.
The fact remains that the vast majority of users (including users outside this site) have no idea what they need, or what they are getting.

Chief_Rocka

Clever advertising, and it's easier to throw money at a quick fix than balance your diet with food

In terms of price per gram, whey is one of the cheapest sources of protein.

RepsnSets

I just have one whey protein shake per day which is for breakfast. Beats oldhabits of scoffing 4 slices of white toast bread smothered with margerine. It also seems to give me a boost for the day and fills me till lunchtime.

ktzmom

I use a protein shake in the morning to replace breakfast, I'm usually not that hungry first thing. I also use a protein shake as a snack. I don't think they're better or more nutritious than regular food, but they're easy (if they're pre-made) and convenient. It's certainly not because they're cheaper!

BehindBlueEyes988

I have one or two of the GNC 25 Lean Shakes a day. Usually right before or after a hard run or workout. Helps my muscles rebuild and on early mornings when I can't make breakfast they are a great alternative. I couldn't tell you if it helps weight loss at all to be honest, I just know it keeps me eating when I need to and gives me lean protein when I need it to help recovery

jumperchick

i was drinking the special k protein shakes once or twice a day. they tasted good and made me full for a while, but i didnt seem to lose any weight and im not really sure how good they are for you. i honestly dont know much about that kinda thing, so im interested to hear more responses !

Flowers4Julia

Personally speaking, I find that real foods keep me more satisfied. And, because any protein shake I've ever tasted is sweet, it just makes me want to eat more sweets.....sets me up for failure.

For my money and health, I want real foods high in good dietary fats and proteins.

Great Question!

DarthH8

It's like taking a vitamin for your muscles. Shouldn't need it.

Chief_Rocka

It's like taking a vitamin for your muscles. Shouldn't need it.

huh?

goofyblonde

I use protein shakes before and after a workout. It's supposed to help your muscles repair themselves faster so you are less sore the next day.

I don't really use them as a meal replacement, unless I know I'm having a high calorie breakfast or dinner. If I try to add a shake to that, then I go over on my count.

And as for taste... I use a whey protein isolate that I mix with milk so I also get the casein protein. Mixing with milk helps it taste better (the extra protein in a plus too), but you can do just plain water to cut out the added calories.

Katbody10

My son is wanting to build muscle .. and of course - he's got to take in a LOT more calories. He uses the protein shakes to supplement his protein only .. not as a replacement for a meal.

He's got a super high metabolism and really has hard time downing 4000 calories a day .. but he does. It's just not all protein, obviously .. although it's a lot .. so he's working on gaining weight and getting enough protein in him for the muscles to build ..not burn off calories he can't afford to burn off when he goes to train/work out.

richardheath

I take one as a snack most days to try and increase my calorie count and ensure I am getting enough protein. I'll put the dry powder in my shaker bottle, and add water after a work out at the gym. Or add milk if I'm at home, and need some more carbs too. I doubt it is better than *real* food, but it is convenient and allows me to target what might otherwise be a hole in my macros for the day.

etoiles_argentees

wasting $.

drusilla126

I like Myofusion Probiotic mostly just to boost my protein for the day plus it tastes sooo good.

cemets2873

Ultimately I think whole foods - fruits and vegetables are best. But most people don't take the time, nor spend the money to take in all their bodies need. I think this is the benefit of a protein/meal replacement shake. There are many good products out there. I personally utilize Shakeology, a completely natural whole food shake with several super food ingredients.

iAMsmiling

I use protein shakes as a big part of eating back my exercise calories. I don't use them on days I don't work out.
This allows me to create a habit of "normal" eating for every day and add the calories and protein only when I need them.

T1mH

For some it's a easy meal and an easy source of protein.

If you've tried one brand of protein and didn't like it try others. They very widely in taste. The more expensive ones usually taste better and dissolve better than some of the cheap ones. Often the directions call for mixing with water but mixing in yogurt or milk is often better. I puts lots of fresh fruits in when I make them. Frozen yogurt is another favorite. A TB of PB2 makes a chocolate protein drink taste like I blended in a reeses.

Always check the ingredients and the Whey isolates or whey concentrates are generally the best. They also cost more.

Also Google for protein powder recipes because you can make a lot more than just protein shakes with protein powder.

joyce1129

I usually have one in the morning on my drive to work. I mix the protein powder in the blender with 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 cup of berries or 1/2 cup of any fruit I happen to have, 1/4 c quick oats uncooked, and some ice. I find it keeps me full until lunch. I am one of those people that have a difficult time eating solid foods in the morning and this serves the purpose.

Sarauk2sf

It's just a way of making sure you get your protein - this can come from 'real food' or protein powder. While 'real food' is generally better, protein powder is a good way to get your protein target cheaply and with as little calories as possible (assuming you use the low carb/fat ones).

myfitnessval

I use protein shakes as a big part of eating back my exercise calories. I don't use them on days I don't work out.
This allows me to create a habit of "normal" eating for every day and add the calories and protein only when I need them.

pretty much this. i use protein shakes to help with recovery after a workout and to hold me while i cook a good dinner. sometimes i'll use them in the morning if i forget my yogurt breakfast snack or know i'll go a long time without eating due to running around town or school. protein shakes should only be used as a supplement to an already healthy diet, not in place of, which i think a lot of people miss sometimes.

Sarauk2sf

Ultimately I think whole foods - fruits and vegetables are best. But most people don't take the time, nor spend the money to take in all their bodies need. I think this is the benefit of a protein/meal replacement shake. There are many good products out there. I personally utilize Shakeology, a completely natural whole food shake with several super food ingredients.

Fruits and vegetables are very low in protein - the purpose of a protein shake/powder should be to get your protein up.

drmerc

Easy and cheap way to get more protein in my diet

FitSlimHappy

In the end, is's all down to personal preference!
But personally I love them. I take a diet protein shake after exercising and I find that it helps with the after exercise aches or ones the following day. Mine is only 151kcals, so it doesnt use up too many kcals and fills me up and boosts my protein intake for the day. I've had some dodgy favoured ones in the past but my current shake (Jst Jodie Skinny Whey) has the best flavours and I find myself really enjoying them!

pastryari

Easy and cheap way to get more protein in my diet

This.

Unless most of the people in here are talking about using a protein shake as a meal replacement??

cemets2873

I agree. The primary focus needs to be a healthy diet and a protein shake should provide additional supplement.

DontStopB_Leakin

I generally get plenty of protein without a shake, but if I'm pressed for time, lazy, or have been having a carb love fest all day, a protein shake is a good way to boost my numbers and fill me up.