Thoughts on protein powder

Taterpoof
Taterpoof Posts: 416 Member
in Food and Nutrition
I am hungry ALL THE TIME. I can't stop thinking about food and never feel full. I've heard that adding protein, fiber, and water helps a lot, but I couldn't see it happening. I went out and bought some protein powder to see if it works and have been using one scoop before each big meal (serving size is 2 scoops). I'm noticing that i'm starting to not feel as hungry throughout the day. I am definitely not substituting it for meals, but using it to make me fuller to control my portions. My question is: What are your thoughts on protein powders? Is what I'm doing healthy?

Also I have been working out a lot lately (4-5 days a week 1.5 hour hard workouts).

Replies

  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    It doesn't sound unhealthy. As long as you are also getting enough of the other nutrients and don't have a medical need to eat lower protein it's likely fine. I use protein powder to up my protein sometimes too. Not because I was hungry, but just because I don't alway get enough from other foods.
  • now_or_never13
    now_or_never13 Posts: 1,575 Member
    As long as you don't have issues with higher protein amounts there is no need to worry. It won't affect weight loss as long as you are sticking within your caloires.

    Are you getting enough fat in your diet? That can help you feel full for longer. Are you drinking enough water? Sometimes our bodies confuse thirst with hunger. Are you consuming enough calories? You may be so hungry because you are not eating enough. Are you eating back your exercise calories? If you aren't you may be overly hungry due to your workouts. Are you eating fresh, whole foods or processed/packaged/canned/frozen foods?

    Are you sure you are actually hunger and not bored? Are you sure it's real hunger and not just because you keep thinking about food? Next time you are hungry, drink some water and do something to distract yourself. See if you stop feeling hungry.
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
    What is your calorie intake? It might be time to up your intake a little bit. That might help you out as well.
  • stumblinthrulife
    stumblinthrulife Posts: 2,558 Member
    Let's look at the elephant in the room first. Are you actually eating enough? Hunger could easily be a sign that you've over-restricted your calories.

    Next elephant - exactly what are you eating? If you're eating a reasonable amount of calories, but doing it with very high calorie dense foods, you may be eating a very low volume of foods. That would also leave you hungry.
  • Taterpoof
    Taterpoof Posts: 416 Member
    - I am definitely eating enough calories, I exercise a lot so often I go over my calories even with the added exercise calories. I am not losing weight, but continue to go down in belt loops and inches. I believe I am gaining muscle, which is another reason why I wanted to up my protein. I make sure I always get enough fat too.

    - I tried drinking water before meals and that never seemed to help, but once I added the protein to the water it helped a lot =)

    - I eat every couple of hours and it is all healthy for the most part. Most of the time i'm around 2000 calories a day. Also I am 5' 2'' 128lbs.
  • Anthonydaman
    Anthonydaman Posts: 854 Member
    I think you are good
  • Weebs628
    Weebs628 Posts: 574 Member
    I love protein powder. I usually have some in place of a snack cause it keeps me full.
  • BinaryPulsar
    BinaryPulsar Posts: 8,927 Member
    Sounds healthy to me. I don't see a problem. I include protein powder in my diet to get more protein.
  • now_or_never13
    now_or_never13 Posts: 1,575 Member
    I am definitely eating enough calories, I exercise a lot so often I go over my calories even with the added exercise calories. I am not losing weight, but continue to go down in belt loops and inches. I believe I am gaining muscle, which is another reason why I wanted to up my protein. I make sure I always get enough fat too.

    I tried drinking water before meals and that never seemed to help, but once I added the protein to the water it helped a lot =)

    If you are actually working out really hard you may be holding onto water but actually losing fat which would cause you to get smaller.

    How high is your weekly weight loss goal set at? By looking at your ticker you only have 18lbs left to lose so it should be set at 0.5lbs per week.

    Unfortunately if you have your calories set as a deficit you won't be gaining muscle.
  • Taterpoof
    Taterpoof Posts: 416 Member
    I am definitely eating enough calories, I exercise a lot so often I go over my calories even with the added exercise calories. I am not losing weight, but continue to go down in belt loops and inches. I believe I am gaining muscle, which is another reason why I wanted to up my protein. I make sure I always get enough fat too.

    I tried drinking water before meals and that never seemed to help, but once I added the protein to the water it helped a lot =)

    If you are actually working out really hard you may be holding onto water but actually losing fat which would cause you to get smaller.

    How high is your weekly weight loss goal set at? By looking at your ticker you only have 18lbs left to lose so it should be set at 0.5lbs per week.

    Unfortunately if you have your calories set as a deficit you won't be gaining muscle.

    I do have it set to 0.5. My deficit is at 1250, but I never follow that (I use it as a guide to keep me from way overeating), I pretty much stay at 2000. I'm noticing definition in my arms and stomach, so I assume i'm gaining muscle
  • alijane9
    alijane9 Posts: 67 Member
    - I am definitely eating enough calories, I exercise a lot so often I go over my calories even with the added exercise calories. I am not losing weight, but continue to go down in belt loops and inches. I believe I am gaining muscle, which is another reason why I wanted to up my protein. I make sure I always get enough fat too.

    - I tried drinking water before meals and that never seemed to help, but once I added the protein to the water it helped a lot =)

    - I eat every couple of hours and it is all healthy for the most part. Most of the time i'm around 2000 calories a day. Also I am 5' 2'' 128lbs.

    In that case, it sounds like you've got it sorted. I use a couple of different protein powders and use them in various things - homemade flapjacks, smoothies, soups etc. As long as you haven't got a condition that requires you to restrict it, and you can tolerate it, I'm sure you'll be fine.
    Excellent that you're eating plenty and changing shape too - very inspirational :smile:
  • Taterpoof
    Taterpoof Posts: 416 Member
    In that case, it sounds like you've got it sorted. I use a couple of different protein powders and use them in various things - homemade flapjacks, smoothies, soups etc. As long as you haven't got a condition that requires you to restrict it, and you can tolerate it, I'm sure you'll be fine.
    Excellent that you're eating plenty and changing shape too - very inspirational :smile:

    My body seems to be tolerating it fine, and I don't have any medical conditions that I know of. Thank you for your comments =)
  • now_or_never13
    now_or_never13 Posts: 1,575 Member
    I am definitely eating enough calories, I exercise a lot so often I go over my calories even with the added exercise calories. I am not losing weight, but continue to go down in belt loops and inches. I believe I am gaining muscle, which is another reason why I wanted to up my protein. I make sure I always get enough fat too.

    I tried drinking water before meals and that never seemed to help, but once I added the protein to the water it helped a lot =)

    If you are actually working out really hard you may be holding onto water but actually losing fat which would cause you to get smaller.

    How high is your weekly weight loss goal set at? By looking at your ticker you only have 18lbs left to lose so it should be set at 0.5lbs per week.

    Unfortunately if you have your calories set as a deficit you won't be gaining muscle.

    I do have it set to 0.5. My deficit is at 1250, but I never follow that (I use it as a guide to keep me from way overeating), I pretty much stay at 2000. I'm noticing definition in my arms and stomach, so I assume i'm gaining muscle

    If your deficit is at 1250 you don't have it set to half a pound a week...I'm guessing you meant 250 as your deficit?

    You see the definition due to weight loss. Women will not gain muscle on a calorie deficit. If you do want to build real muscle and lower your body fat at the same time don't do as much cardio, eat at maintance and increase your heavy lifting. Great thing to do when you are close to goal! It changes the look of your body so much.
  • Taterpoof
    Taterpoof Posts: 416 Member
    I am definitely eating enough calories, I exercise a lot so often I go over my calories even with the added exercise calories. I am not losing weight, but continue to go down in belt loops and inches. I believe I am gaining muscle, which is another reason why I wanted to up my protein. I make sure I always get enough fat too.

    I tried drinking water before meals and that never seemed to help, but once I added the protein to the water it helped a lot =)

    If you are actually working out really hard you may be holding onto water but actually losing fat which would cause you to get smaller.

    How high is your weekly weight loss goal set at? By looking at your ticker you only have 18lbs left to lose so it should be set at 0.5lbs per week.

    Unfortunately if you have your calories set as a deficit you won't be gaining muscle.

    I do have it set to 0.5. My deficit is at 1250, but I never follow that (I use it as a guide to keep me from way overeating), I pretty much stay at 2000. I'm noticing definition in my arms and stomach, so I assume i'm gaining muscle

    If your deficit is at 1250 you don't have it set to half a pound a week...I'm guessing you meant 250 as your deficit?

    You see the definition due to weight loss. Women will not gain muscle on a calorie deficit. If you do want to build real muscle and lower your body fat at the same time don't do as much cardio, eat at maintance and increase your heavy lifting. Great thing to do when you are close to goal! It changes the look of your body so much.

    Woops I meant 1500, not 1250. I used to be at 1250 a while back so I forgot. And like I said I often do go over that deficit when I feel like I need it. Thank you for the advice!! For my workouts i've pretty much cut out most cardio. I run 2 miles at the beginning of each workout to get my heart pumping then it's about an hour or so of weight training =)
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    OP...you seem to be all good in my estimation. I only have my protein shake right after a lift session, but I also eat a lot of protein throughout the day. As long as it's not meal replacement, which you said it wasn't, I think you're doing just fine.
  • Taterpoof
    Taterpoof Posts: 416 Member
    I really appreciate everyone's comments thank you =) I'm still somewhat new to this "getting in shape thing" so I just want to make sure i'm not doing anything harmful.
  • leanandmean107
    leanandmean107 Posts: 1
    Protein powder is ok for appetite control, but it is good to get some variety as well as trying to get more protein from natural sources.

    I use whey protein and soy protein as well to change it up. There are all sorts of different protein powders out there from different sources. It's best to look at the ingredients and see which is the most natural, or has the least amount of chemicals. Go for the organic or natural powders; no chemical that is man generated is good for your body.

    If protein powder makes you full, then it's protein and other nutrients in protein powder that your body is lacking. Good low calorie sources of protein include tuna, low fat cottage cheese, and lentils. Lentils are very filling, have 8 grams of protein per 1/4 cup dry (about 3/4 cup cooked) and thats only 70 calories. On my fitness pal, check your daily protein intake and try to match that each day with less powder.

    THE BEST way i have found to control my appetite is by eating oatmeal in the morning. I do add a few tea spoons of protein powder, a dab of peanut butter, and some cinnamon to it for taste, but if I don't eat oatmeal in the morning I'm hungry all day it seems. Coffee is also a good appetite suppressant in moderation.

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