liquid calorie vs food calories

motogsp
motogsp Posts: 109 Member
in Food and Nutrition
Something I have been thinking about. Is there much difference between liquid and solid calories. Well I know there are plenty of liquids that are just empty calories and I suppose there are food one as well. What about protein shake, meal replacement drinks, fiber supplements etc.

For example I had this morning a protein shake that was about 500 calories vs. oatmeal with raisin and 2 egg which is close to 500 calorie. Now both are very close to the same calorie but is one better then another?

I guess my real question is liquid calories any better, the same or much different then solid food calories?

Replies

  • rosebarnalice
    rosebarnalice Posts: 3,488 Member
    I'd sure as heck rather eat the eggs than drink anything with the words "replacement" or "suppelement" in them.

    Just in general, I think food shoudl be a joy-- not a burder. After all, if this is a lifestyle, I don't want to feel punished or denied on a regular basis by dforciing myself to choke down some liquid goo when I could enjoy the sight, smell, taste, and pleasure of real food!
  • motogsp
    motogsp Posts: 109 Member
    I agree food should be a pleasure and joy. Don't get me wrong I like to eat. I just see that a good portion of people use protein shake and such.
  • FreeToBreathe
    FreeToBreathe Posts: 11
    Something I have been thinking about. Is there much difference between liquid and solid calories. Well I know there are plenty of liquids that are just empty calories and I suppose there are food one as well. What about protein shake, meal replacement drinks, fiber supplements etc.

    For example I had this morning a protein shake that was about 500 calories vs. oatmeal with raisin and 2 egg which is close to 500 calorie. Now both are very close to the same calorie but is one better then another?

    I guess my real question is liquid calories any better, the same or much different then solid food calories?

    I'm all for food, but I respect the good (healthy) meal supplement/replacement drinks. If you need some cals for the day, then a protein shake is good; gives you the nutrients you need without all the others...

    HOWEVER, I have to disagree that it's best that food is a pleasure/joy. I have MAJOR eating issues; I eat too much! (That's why I was obese, now just overweight....perhaps that's why we're all in trouble with our weight.) Therefore, I find it beneficial to eat the good, nutrient-rich foods you NEED. You may not enjoy it, but I'm trying to retrain my brain that I eat to fuel, not to enjoy. Enjoying my food gets me in trouble... (as I'm coming out of an 8 week eff it episode, 12 lbs heavier!)
  • GingerLolita
    GingerLolita Posts: 738 Member
    Your brain has difficulty registering drinks as food, so you probably won't be as full for as long if you have a drink instead of a meal.
  • Rocky_ZG
    Rocky_ZG Posts: 70 Member
    I consume *not allowed to mention? MLM shakes* and they are great. I feel energized and a lot better than when eating "normal" breakfast or dinner.

    But not all shakes are good, so you should take care which ones you put into your body.
  • caseythirteen
    caseythirteen Posts: 956 Member
    From a calorie perspective they are equivalent but personally, they don't provide the same level of satisfaction. I don't feel nearly as full and satisfied when I drink a shake as I would if I ate the exact same food (banana, yogurt, milk, etc.).
  • motogsp
    motogsp Posts: 109 Member
    From a calorie perspective they are equivalent but personally, they don't provide the same level of satisfaction. I don't feel nearly as full and satisfied when I drink a shake as I would if I ate the exact same food (banana, yogurt, milk, etc.).

    I can see that it may not be satisfying to some but the calorie are equivalent which is what I was wondering.
  • motogsp
    motogsp Posts: 109 Member
    I consume *not allowed to mention? MLM shakes* and they are great. I feel energized and a lot better than when eating "normal" breakfast or dinner.

    But not all shakes are good, so you should take care which ones you put into your body.

    Good point sometime I feel it is easier just to have a protein shake for the morning because I don't want to cook. You are right all shake are not good.
  • smc864
    smc864 Posts: 570 Member
    In theory, liquid calories such as protein shakes are absorbed quicker and more easily than food calories -- which is why many people have a protein shake after workouts. Protein shakes are great for those trying to bulk or maintain and find it difficult to eat all the calories needed to hit their daily target calories.

    While losing weight I try to get most of my calories from food because liquid calories make me feel full for a shorter amount of time. If I am short on protein for the day I'll have a shake.

    I think it all comes down to what your goals are and preferences.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    It depends on your total diet. One is better if it fits your total daily nutritional needs better.
  • nytrifisoul
    nytrifisoul Posts: 499 Member
    Your brain has difficulty registering drinks as food, so you probably won't be as full for as long if you have a drink instead of a meal.

    THIS.

    I could eat 5 big bowls of soup and still be hungry. Even a hearty soup full of vegetables still wont tell my brain im full. I could have eaten those same amount of vegetables on a plate and have felt more full. Because of this, if im eating soup its only a cup, and its like a appetizer to my "real" meal.
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    Protein Drink (Pros)
    Convenient / Fast to prepare
    Good Source of protein with minimal calories, carbs, and fat.*
    Can be easy to absorb (great for after a workout)**
    Can be used to flavor certain recipies up in a healthy way (use chocolate flavored protein mix as a replacement to actual chocolate)

    * Different types of powders are "more clean" than others. Some mixes are predominatly protein, others contains carbs and other nutrients.
    **Different types of proteins sources (soy, milk, egg) have different absorption rates. Some are much longer than others

    Protein Drink (Cons)
    Not filling for long
    May not be as enjoyable as real food
    May require other food sources in order to absorb the nutrients


    Solid Food (Pros)
    Very satisfying (taste and feel fuller longer)
    Natural way to get your nutrients and calories
    Requires the body to work harder to process and digest the nutrients (TEF or Thermo Effect of Food)
    May provide other important nutrients like fiber


    That is all that I can think of.
  • Railr0aderTony
    Railr0aderTony Posts: 6,803 Member
    attachment.php?attachmentid=35373&stc=1&d=1321485633

    A porkchop in every can
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    attachment.php?attachmentid=35373&stc=1&d=1321485633

    A porkchop in every can

    LOL
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    I find that shakes don't keep me feeling satiated for more than a couple hours even if it is a protein shake. I'm assuming it's just that it digests so much easier than some real food with fiber and things that need complex digestion. I'd rather eat my food and I don't buy all the hype about all the essential nutrients and proprietal blends in the MLM shakes.

    If it fits in your budget, both caloric and monetary, then use them as you will but I wouldn't expect any miracles and you'll be paying through the nose for food.

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