Protein powders vs Naturally occurring Proteins.

Ok, so yesterday I caved to all of the talk of protein powders and bought some. Today I ate some for one of my meals and to be honest....it brought back all of the memories of why I didn't like it when I've used it before. It almost made me feel...depressed or something. It was weird. Mostly I just felt unfulfilled by the consumption of the calories. I like to cook and consider myself a good and creative cook.

My question is this - if I stick with lean proteins like chicken, fish, and egg whites....are they as good as these sophisticated powders for building muscle? FYI, I'm trying to consume about 250 gms of protein a day for the next few weeks.

Why do people use them?

Sorry if these seems dumb or uninformed, but I would appreciate knowledgeable feedback from people who are lean and muscular.
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Replies

  • I feel the same way.

    But I use PLAIN whey protein (just whey protein concentrate, not brand named crap) to get enough calories without feeling too full and also when I'm in a big hurry and don't have time to make anything other than a smoothie, or not feeling well and can't be bothered eating.

    I'm gradually using less and less of it.

    EDIT: just noticed you wanted feedback from people who are lean, so maybe ignore me!
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    As long as you're able to meet your protein intake needs through whole food sources, you don't need whey protein.
  • vizsla99
    vizsla99 Posts: 66 Member
    I feel the same way.

    But I use PLAIN whey protein (just whey protein concentrate, not brand named crap) to get enough calories without feeling too full and also when I'm in a big hurry and don't have time to make anything other than a smoothie, or not feeling well and can't be bothered eating.

    I'm gradually using less and less of it.

    EDIT: just noticed you wanted feedback from people who are lean, so maybe ignore me!

    No no, all good man! I really appreciate your thoughts on this topic.
  • vizsla99
    vizsla99 Posts: 66 Member
    As long as you're able to meet your protein intake needs through whole food sources, you don't need whey protein.

    Thank you, I really admire the work you've done on your physique. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    definitely stick to clean eating if you can! Whole foods are always better than processed. I just like protein powder for the convenience. Some mornings I'm hungry, but just not ready to look at food and I need to get out the door for the day.
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    My question is this - if I stick with lean proteins like chicken, fish, and egg whites....are they as good as these sophisticated powders for building muscle?
    Yes - keeping in mind that building any significant amount of muscle mass (beyond noob gains) requires a caloric surplus. If you're taking in adequate protein but still in a caloric deficit, adding any meaningful amount of muscle is basically not possible.
    Why do people use them?
    Mainly to supplement protein intake when they're not getting enough from whole foods. In other words, when you still need 50g of protein for the day, but just can't look another chicken breast, egg white or tilapia fillet in the eye. As Sidesteel said, if you're meeting your protein intake needs through whole food sources, protein supplementation is completely unnecessary.
  • laprovocateur
    laprovocateur Posts: 128 Member
    lol @ "naturally occurring proteins"

    i know a guy...
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    Ok, so yesterday I caved to all of the talk of protein powders and bought some. Today I ate some for one of my meals and to be honest....it brought back all of the memories of why I didn't like it when I've used it before. It almost made me feel...depressed or something. It was weird. Mostly I just felt unfulfilled by the consumption of the calories. I like to cook and consider myself a good and creative cook.

    My question is this - if I stick with lean proteins like chicken, fish, and egg whites....are they as good as these sophisticated powders for building muscle? FYI, I'm trying to consume about 250 gms of protein a day for the next few weeks.

    Why do people use them?

    Sorry if these seems dumb or uninformed, but I would appreciate knowledgeable feedback from people who are lean and muscular.

    They're not sophisticated, they're convenient. I use them because I'm a poor student. Sometimes I'm stuck at university and don't have time to go home and cook before an assignment is due and can't afford buying something expensive on campus. It's really easy to keep a little container of powder on me, and it doesn't go bad like a chicken breast would. Not to mention I'm always looking for ways to sneak more protein into my diet, because my nails have been significantly longer since I've increased my intake. It's also important to increase calcium in your diet the more protein you eat, so whey also seemed like a great idea there.
  • Confuzzled4ever
    Confuzzled4ever Posts: 2,860 Member
    Clean eating is the way to go... Way better source for everything..

    You can use protein powder in a pinch, but it's not as good for you.
  • I you enjoy cooking then you won't like them. They aren't creative... However, they are convenient for post workouts. I love adding berries, oats or flax, even olive oil with milk. Great for getting on with the day quickly.
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    Really not supposed to be a meal replacement. You only need them to supplement your protein needs if you have a hard time getting them from your regular food.

    There is not really anything special about protein powder. The supplement companies add a bunch of crap to them and try to make you think the are magical.
  • mmddwechanged
    mmddwechanged Posts: 1,687 Member
    When I use protein powder it's because I'm not meeting the requirements I think I should be and I love blending frozen blueberries with it. It's not necessary even for weight lifters, not if you love to cook and you are meeting your goals.
  • dsmpunk
    dsmpunk Posts: 262 Member
    Whenever I think of protein powders it reminds me of Cartman and Weight Gain 4000. BEEFCAKE ><!
  • mustgetmuscles1
    mustgetmuscles1 Posts: 3,346 Member
    Whenever I think of protein powders it reminds me of Cartman and Weight Gain 4000. BEEFCAKE ><!

    Beef cake, BEEF CAKE!!!!
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    I use the powder to get protein more as a convenience mainly and as a lower calorie option to increase total protein without other macros getting into the mix
  • trelm249
    trelm249 Posts: 777 Member
    They aren't to replace the protein from your food. They are to supplement your diet when you are struggling to get enough protein beyond your regular food consumption.
  • I only use them because I don't get enough protein. Recently started insanity and I need it.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    Clean eating is the way to go... Way better source for everything..

    You can use protein powder in a pinch, but it's not as good for you.

    I dont know....maybe....probably

    but I will go with the powder rather than going without the extra grams of protein when I need it
  • sunsnstatheart
    sunsnstatheart Posts: 2,544 Member
    I use powder solely to up my protein and/or calories when I need it. Otherwise, I'd much rather get my protein from fish, meat or dairy.
  • the_new_robin2016
    the_new_robin2016 Posts: 97 Member
    Be Like Popeye! Spinach All The way!!!! Lol JK! I also wondered this too!
  • Nataliaho
    Nataliaho Posts: 878 Member
    I agree with everyone here, you don't need them if you can meet your protein needs without them. The informed and intelligent people on this thread use them for convenence which I can totally understand. However ALOT of people use them because they are really well marketed and they are convinced they 'need' them... Over xmas I was shopping with my 19 year old male cousin and watched him spend hundreds (that he can't afford) on protein powders, fat burners, pre-trainers etc... apparently everyone his age is the same. I'm not sure that they even know what they're all for or that is all for nought if you're not working it in the gym :(
  • jeffsweightloss
    jeffsweightloss Posts: 314 Member
    protein powders are good for you...just as food is. they are quick to make and you can take them anywhere. whey protein is fast digesting which means they get to your muscles faster. casin protein is a slow digesting protein that takes 8 hrs to digest. its a good protein to take before bed so your body doesn't break muscle down. eggs, soy, whey..and all protein powders have different absorbtion rates. whole foods take a while to break down..but if you can meet your needs for the amount of protein you need...then you're ok. casin protein is also nice if your out somewhere and you're not going to be eating in a while b/c it's broken down so slow that last for 8 hrs. it's very filling.
  • amonkey794
    amonkey794 Posts: 651 Member
    Ok, so yesterday I caved to all of the talk of protein powders and bought some. Today I ate some for one of my meals and to be honest....it brought back all of the memories of why I didn't like it when I've used it before. It almost made me feel...depressed or something. It was weird. Mostly I just felt unfulfilled by the consumption of the calories. I like to cook and consider myself a good and creative cook.

    My question is this - if I stick with lean proteins like chicken, fish, and egg whites....are they as good as these sophisticated powders for building muscle? FYI, I'm trying to consume about 250 gms of protein a day for the next few weeks.

    Why do people use them?

    Sorry if these seems dumb or uninformed, but I would appreciate knowledgeable feedback from people who are lean and muscular.

    They're not sophisticated, they're convenient. I use them because I'm a poor student. Sometimes I'm stuck at university and don't have time to go home and cook before an assignment is due and can't afford buying something expensive on campus. It's really easy to keep a little container of powder on me, and it doesn't go bad like a chicken breast would. Not to mention I'm always looking for ways to sneak more protein into my diet, because my nails have been significantly longer since I've increased my intake. It's also important to increase calcium in your diet the more protein you eat, so whey also seemed like a great idea there.

    Why do we need more calcium? And how much more?
  • Samerah12
    Samerah12 Posts: 610 Member
    I asked my trainer the same exact question and got the answer everyone else is giving you: protein is protein is protein, for some people/situations it's just easier to use whey powder. I keep coming back to try the powders and getting the same feeling as you- I'd rather have just eaten a ham and cheese omelet, or a burger, or a steak.
  • emtjmac
    emtjmac Posts: 1,320 Member
    Try getting 1g of protein per pound of body weight without protein powder. It's not easy. Also, I lift weights and I believe that it's more effective to drink a rapidly absorbable form of protein within 30 mins of my workout.
  • maqsmj
    maqsmj Posts: 697
    Ok, so yesterday I caved to all of the talk of protein powders and bought some. Today I ate some for one of my meals and to be honest....it brought back all of the memories of why I didn't like it when I've used it before. It almost made me feel...depressed or something. It was weird. Mostly I just felt unfulfilled by the consumption of the calories. I like to cook and consider myself a good and creative cook.

    My question is this - if I stick with lean proteins like chicken, fish, and egg whites....are they as good as these sophisticated powders for building muscle? FYI, I'm trying to consume about 250 gms of protein a day for the next few weeks.

    Why do people use them?

    Sorry if these seems dumb or uninformed, but I would appreciate knowledgeable feedback from people who are lean and muscular.

    dude i will cut it short for you, protien is protien , u can eat it ( food ) or drink it ( shakes ) honestly if u prefer to eat it and cook just dont wast your money buying protien shake
    this is 100% true , do your body know the difference between protien from a shake or food?! absolutly not, just eat and dont waste your money
  • Samerah12
    Samerah12 Posts: 610 Member
    protein powders are good for you...just as food is. they are quick to make and you can take them anywhere. whey protein is fast digesting which means they get to your muscles faster. casin protein is a slow digesting protein that takes 8 hrs to digest. its a good protein to take before bed so your body doesn't break muscle down. eggs, soy, whey..and all protein powders have different absorbtion rates. whole foods take a while to break down..but if you can meet your needs for the amount of protein you need...then you're ok. casin protein is also nice if your out somewhere and you're not going to be eating in a while b/c it's broken down so slow that last for 8 hrs. it's very filling.

    huh! that makes sense too, actually. I was going to add that real food keeps you full longer than whey as a plus in the real food column, but getting protein to your muscles right after you just spent a lot of time breaking them down also makes sense.
  • jeffsweightloss
    jeffsweightloss Posts: 314 Member
    also a bonus...you ca add protein powder to yogurt, oats, cereal...anything and any time you want the extra intake of protein. i work as a nurse in a busy GI clinic doing scopes...i don't get breaks and sometimes i don't get lunch. i can't go all day without something. i can't just whip up food in between case and i don't have time to run to the breakroom either.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    I'd rather have just eaten a ham and cheese omelet, or a burger, or a steak.

    I would too IF I have the available calories and if I still need some fat to hit my daily macro target
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
    and I believe that it's more effective to drink a rapidly absorbable form of protein within 30 mins of my workout.

    not to derail this thread, but the idea of a 30 minute feeding window has been debunked and unless it is convenient to load up at that time, it isn't needed