Protein Shakes/Meal Replacement?! What do you think?

allyxnatara11
allyxnatara11 Posts: 74 Member
edited November 16 in Health and Weight Loss
Soo what do you guys think about protein shake and meal replacements?
«1

Replies

  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    I know nothing about meal replacements. I chew my food, personally. I use a protein shake if I can't meet my protein goal for the day. That is rare.
  • Merkavar
    Merkavar Posts: 3,082 Member
    Two seperate things aren't they? Apples and oranges.
  • allyxnatara11
    allyxnatara11 Posts: 74 Member
    i know thats why i said both lol
    Merkavar wrote: »
    Two seperate things aren't they? Apples and oranges.

  • ogmomma2012
    ogmomma2012 Posts: 1,520 Member
    Protein shakes are usually for muscle repair after or before strenuous exercise. Meal replacement powders/ready to drink shakes have more nutrients and suitable for those who are on the go or rushed at work in some other way. I'm okay with drinking my calories and it keeps me full just as well as real food. The same cannot be said for everyone. So try it. If you prefer real food, it may not be a good idea to stock up.
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    edited April 2015
    Neither one teaches you a thing about portion control. But protein shakes are a great way to hit your protein macro if you're falling short. I'll do 100ml of milk, 200ml of almond milk and my protein powder if I need a boost - it's about 150-200 calories then.

    I see no benefit for a meal replacement shake.

    ~Lyssa
  • BeTheChange352
    BeTheChange352 Posts: 253 Member
    I prefer to chew my calories, but if you want to use them, then eat (or in this case drink) your heart out.
  • ogmomma2012
    ogmomma2012 Posts: 1,520 Member
    macgurlnet wrote: »
    Neither one teaches you a thing about portion control. But protein shakes are a great way to hit your protein macro if you're falling short. I'll do 100ml of milk, 200ml almond milk and my protein powder if I need a boost - it's about 150-200 calories extra then.

    I see no benefit for a meal replacement shake.

    ~Lyssa

    Personally, I doubt one will be living solely off of meal replacement shakes. I'm sure people who like them can still learn portion control.
  • Vex3521
    Vex3521 Posts: 385 Member
    Meal replacement shakes, no. Protein shakes, absolutely. I use a superfood powder on days I won't hit my veggie intake mixed into my shake but otherwise it's with after workouts or if I am having an issue hitting protein macro I will have an extra. I work long shifts so using casein shakes when we're slammed has gotten me through without feeling fatigued and starving since the "Quick" options at work usually aren't the best for you.
  • macgurlnet
    macgurlnet Posts: 1,946 Member
    macgurlnet wrote: »
    Neither one teaches you a thing about portion control. But protein shakes are a great way to hit your protein macro if you're falling short. I'll do 100ml of milk, 200ml almond milk and my protein powder if I need a boost - it's about 150-200 calories extra then.

    I see no benefit for a meal replacement shake.

    ~Lyssa

    Personally, I doubt one will be living solely off of meal replacement shakes. I'm sure people who like them can still learn portion control.

    Oh absolutely - I'm just now seeing your post and you've got the right idea.

    Mine really should read "I see no benefit unless you plan to incorporate them on a regular/permanent basis."

    Too many people think they can just switch meals for shakes, lose weight, then go back and have learned zilch, hence my initial comment.

    ~Lyssa
  • jwschutz
    jwschutz Posts: 306 Member
    I've never been a breakfast eater, I find that having a protein shake on the way to work gives me more energy to start my day. I eat real food for the rest of my meals.
  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
    Soo what do you guys think about protein shake and meal replacements?

    I drink a protein shake after my weight lifting because it helps with muscle repair, but that is before breakfast.

    I would never think of replacing a meal with any kind of drink. Eat real food because it's nutritious and so delicious. :)
  • Merkavar
    Merkavar Posts: 3,082 Member
    i know thats why i said both lol
    Merkavar wrote: »
    Two seperate things aren't they? Apples and oranges.

    I meant asking about them together like you did made me think you might take a protein shake as a meal replacement.

    I have seen others do that. They thought a protein shake was a meal replacement.
  • allyxnatara11
    allyxnatara11 Posts: 74 Member
    Yea i was replacing breakfast and dinner with shakes for 2 or 3 days and it was alot, but honestly wasn't too hungry. I'm just sticking with them for breakfast because i never have time in the am to make food and a small protein shake after I workout
  • This content has been removed.
  • livingleanlivingclean
    livingleanlivingclean Posts: 11,751 Member
    edited April 2015
    Drinking meals.... No. Not as a regular thing, unless you have a problem eating enough calories. Even those with no time in the morning can pre prepare real food to have ready to eat.

    Protein shakes are fine for those who can't eat enough protein. Again, I prefer to eat my food and can't remember the last time I had a shake. I do use protein powder occasionally in cooking (pancakes) or mixed through yoghurt/with icecream to increase protein slightly.
  • misskarne
    misskarne Posts: 1,765 Member
    FOOD.

    That is all.
  • kommodevaran
    kommodevaran Posts: 17,890 Member
    I would never replace any of my precious calories. Never. I love food.
  • rockmama72
    rockmama72 Posts: 815 Member
    I like a shake made with vanilla protein powder, fruit, and ice. I have a few a week--it helps me meet my protein goals. I like them (with strawberries it tastes like Strawberry Quik!) and I drink them instead of a meal, just not a lot of meals. That would suck.
  • Liftng4Lis
    Liftng4Lis Posts: 15,151 Member
    I prefer to chew my calories. Unless you're lacking protein, shakes are unnecessary.
  • ythannah
    ythannah Posts: 4,371 Member
    jwschutz wrote: »
    I've never been a breakfast eater, I find that having a protein shake on the way to work gives me more energy to start my day. I eat real food for the rest of my meals.

    ^^ this

    Without that extra 30 g of protein from my post-workout shake, I'd rarely hit my protein target. I wouldn't be eating breakfast anyway, it doesn't replace anything.
  • segacs
    segacs Posts: 4,599 Member
    edited April 2015
    I would never replace any of my precious calories. Never. I love food.

    That about sums it up for me, too.

    ETA: Except for beer sometimes. Or wine.
  • SpeedRacer13
    SpeedRacer13 Posts: 104 Member
    I prefer regular food, although a protein shake now and then is ok. Some people think that by drinking a ton of Shakeology (spelling) shakes or protein shakes they will lose weight without working out. Yes, I know people like that...not any of you all though!
  • dstein46
    dstein46 Posts: 28 Member
    I drink Idealshape as a snack because I think they are delicious and they keep me super full! I love my food too, but as a snack I enjoy these because I feel very satisfied afterwards, I never replace an actual meal with them though.
  • Psychgrrl
    Psychgrrl Posts: 3,177 Member
    I do a protein shake for breakfast on the weekdays--it's delicious, nutritious and I can drink it on my way to work. Very convenient. I also drink a shake when I weight-lift at the gym. Different formulas for different purposes.
  • SpeedRacer13
    SpeedRacer13 Posts: 104 Member
    I looked at the calories on one of my room mates shakes..500! That would be almost half my calories. I would have to work out might hard. I sure know that I'd want solid food at some point. I agree Psychgrrl....there are different formulas for different purposes. I don't want any artificial flavors though...I've seen some mixes with artificial ingredients.
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    I looked at the calories on one of my room mates shakes..500! That would be almost half my calories. I would have to work out might hard. I sure know that I'd want solid food at some point. I agree Psychgrrl....there are different formulas for different purposes. I don't want any artificial flavors though...I've seen some mixes with artificial ingredients.

    Half your calories...for the day?
  • Jozzmenia
    Jozzmenia Posts: 252 Member
    Merkavar wrote: »
    i know thats why i said both lol
    Merkavar wrote: »
    Two seperate things aren't they? Apples and oranges.

    I meant asking about them together like you did made me think you might take a protein shake as a meal replacement.

    I have seen others do that. They thought a protein shake was a meal replacement.

    Is there a reason you can't have a protein shake as breakfast if you're going to have a snack 2 hours later?
  • SpeedRacer13
    SpeedRacer13 Posts: 104 Member
    Arditarose: 1200 calories per day...so 500 would be ALMOST half. Drinking doesn't fill me up, I like to chew my food.
  • Lounmoun
    Lounmoun Posts: 8,423 Member
    I suppose it depends on your goals.
    For me, I don't find protein shakes or meal replacements necessary. My protein goal isn't hard for me to get with food. I prefer to eat food that I will eat for the rest of my life. Shakes as meals are not sustainable long term for me.
  • sarabeartx
    sarabeartx Posts: 9 Member
    My goal of getting 100+ grams of protein per day can be difficult. So I often have a simple protein shake post-workout to make up for that if my calories allow.

    I don't know if anyone else has ever felt this way, but sometimes the thought of food just isn't appealing. SO much effort and energy goes into thinking about food when you're trying to lose weight (as it should!) that I sometimes just want a break! I will throw some spinach, kale, celery, an apple, frozen banana, chia seeds and coconut oil into my Vitamix and call it dinner. So I understand the idea of having a shake as a meal replacement every now and then but for sustainability, I wouldn't make it a super regular thing.

    My two cents :smile: Hope you get some more good insight on your question!
This discussion has been closed.