Is protein powder keeping me from losing weight?

clairebeth8
clairebeth8 Posts: 30 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
I've been tracking on MFP for over 6 weeks now. I'm usually eating between 1200 and 1500 calories per day and working out 6 days a week, burning about 300 calories per workout. I'm keeping an eye on sodium, and I've only had a drink or two in the last month. I've lost only 2 pounds and an inch or two since I began, and I'm starting to get very frustrated.
My husband suggested that it may be that I'm drinking a smoothie with protein powder in it after most workouts. These are included in my 1200-1500 daily calories. But his comment makes me wonder if there could be something in my diet that's keeping me from losing?
Anyone have any thoughts? I appreciate it!

Replies

  • vismal
    vismal Posts: 2,463 Member
    No. Individual foods do not prevent long term weight loss. Protein powder is really no different than chicken breast or egg whites. It's just a food that's high in protein, low in fat, and low in carbs. If you are not losing weight you are likely eating too much. 12-1500 calories is not a lot so I would read this and see if you are tracking accurately or not: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,864 Member
    No...it's just protein...it's no different than eating some chicken or something.
  • Iron_Feline
    Iron_Feline Posts: 10,750 Member
    vismal wrote: »
    No. Individual foods do not prevent long term weight loss. Protein powder is really no different than chicken breast or egg whites. It's just a food that's high in protein, low in fat, and low in carbs. If you are not losing weight you are likely eating too much. 12-1500 calories is not a lot so I would read this and see if you are tracking accurately or not: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101

    This

    also

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1
  • shroodle88
    shroodle88 Posts: 123 Member
    I usw Protein powder because I am vegetarian and not terribly fond of tofu. It doesn't make a difference. In fact I find that it helps me lose sat it makes me full until lunch, so I can avoid snacks. Good luck with your journey!
  • Phoenix_Down
    Phoenix_Down Posts: 530 Member
    vismal wrote: »
    No. Individual foods do not prevent long term weight loss. Protein powder is really no different than chicken breast or egg whites. It's just a food that's high in protein, low in fat, and low in carbs. If you are not losing weight you are likely eating too much. 12-1500 calories is not a lot so I would read this and see if you are tracking accurately or not: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1296011/calorie-counting-101

    Echoing this.

    I lost 53 lbs in 9 months and regularly used protein powder, as a convenient source of protein.

    No individual foods stump loss. I'd check logging accuracy. Maybe invest in a food scale? Are you overestimating burns from exercise. Etc. It will always be cico
  • clairebeth8
    clairebeth8 Posts: 30 Member
    Thanks for the input everyone. I think the reason I second guessed myself with the protein powder is that it says on the label "Do not use this product in a weight-loss regimen." Why does it say that in the first place? I'm counting calories...
  • Phoenix_Down
    Phoenix_Down Posts: 530 Member
    clairebeth8 wrote: »
    Thanks for the input everyone. I think the reason I second guessed myself with the protein powder is that it says on the label "Do not use this product in a weight-loss regimen." Why does it say that in the first place? I'm counting calories...

    That is really odd. =/ .
  • clairebeth8
    clairebeth8 Posts: 30 Member
    I just ordered a food scale for myself. Also, I use a heart rate monitor for all of my workouts. Thanks for the tips!
  • SergeantSausage
    SergeantSausage Posts: 1,673 Member
    There is actually something in your diet keeping you from losing : too many calories.

    It's not the protein powder specifically, but it does contribute to the total calories right?
  • Phoenix_Down
    Phoenix_Down Posts: 530 Member
    clairebeth8 wrote: »
    I just ordered a food scale for myself. Also, I use a heart rate monitor for all of my workouts. Thanks for the tips!

    Food scale was my lifesaver. I am in love with peanut butter and avacado. The second I put those stickers on there, I found out I was consuming almost double what I tbought.

    Also, careful with HRM. You'll never be able to gauge 100% what you burn.

    It's why I switched to TDEE method , so I could eat a bit more consistently and be able to make adjustments in calories easier without so much guessing.
  • vismal
    vismal Posts: 2,463 Member
    clairebeth8 wrote: »
    Thanks for the input everyone. I think the reason I second guessed myself with the protein powder is that it says on the label "Do not use this product in a weight-loss regimen." Why does it say that in the first place? I'm counting calories...
    You'll also notice somewhere on the tub it says something to the effect of "These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and this product is not intended to treat/cure any disease..." etc. My guess as to why it specifically says not to use it with a weight loss plan is as follows: Many people go to gnc or where ever to get supplements. Many guys want to "get jacked quick". They think protein powder will "make them huge". That little line has just what they want. "I'll get this protein powder because it's not for dieting, it'l make me huge". That's just my guess though.

  • AliceDark
    AliceDark Posts: 3,886 Member
    clairebeth8 wrote: »
    Thanks for the input everyone. I think the reason I second guessed myself with the protein powder is that it says on the label "Do not use this product in a weight-loss regimen." Why does it say that in the first place? I'm counting calories...
    I think they put this on protein powders that aren't meant to be meal replacements. They don't want people trying to lose weight by consuming nothing but protein powder, getting sick and then suing the company.
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    clairebeth8 wrote: »
    Thanks for the input everyone. I think the reason I second guessed myself with the protein powder is that it says on the label "Do not use this product in a weight-loss regimen." Why does it say that in the first place? I'm counting calories...

    probably says that so people don't think it's a 'meal-replacement' shake
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    When did you start exercising with any intensity?

    And no, its not the protein powder as has been mentioned.
  • 5BeautifulDays
    5BeautifulDays Posts: 683 Member
    So you're making the smoothie yourself?

    I was talking to a lady at the gym who was so pleased with her "180 cal smoothie". Except when I went to the guy who makes them and asked for the 12-oz (180 cal) smoothie, he said, "that's the kids' size. I can make that special, but you'll have to pay the regular price." Turns out this poor lady was drinking the 20-oz 300 cal version every day and didn't realize it. That would add up over a week!

  • mkakids
    mkakids Posts: 1,913 Member
    If you havent been using a food scale, your very likely eating more than you think. Hopefully now that you have purchased one you will see a change!
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    mkakids wrote: »
    If you havent been using a food scale, your very likely eating more than you think. Hopefully now that you have purchased one you will see a change!

    yep! Try weighing 10g of peanut butter. It nearly made me cry, it was such a pathetic amount :cry:
    A tablespoon is not a tablespoon in this case, for me, I can fit a crap ton of PB on my spoon lol

  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,147 Member
    Can you open your diary?
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    christinev297 wrote: »
    mkakids wrote: »
    If you havent been using a food scale, your very likely eating more than you think. Hopefully now that you have purchased one you will see a change!

    yep! Try weighing 10g of peanut butter. It nearly made me cry, it was such a pathetic amount :cry:
    A tablespoon is not a tablespoon in this case, for me, I can fit a crap ton of PB on my spoon lol

    A serving of cereal is depressingly small when you weigh it also.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    Sarauk2sf wrote: »
    christinev297 wrote: »
    mkakids wrote: »
    If you havent been using a food scale, your very likely eating more than you think. Hopefully now that you have purchased one you will see a change!

    yep! Try weighing 10g of peanut butter. It nearly made me cry, it was such a pathetic amount :cry:
    A tablespoon is not a tablespoon in this case, for me, I can fit a crap ton of PB on my spoon lol

    A serving of cereal is depressingly small when you weigh it also.

    Yes Indeedy. I usually weigh out 135g of sultana bran, anything less doesn't satisfy me. Which is why I hardly ever have it. Over 700 calories for breakfast doesn't leave much room for anything else!
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