Chocolate is Horrible

Then don't drink it! You can get the protein you require from real food: chicken, eggs, fish, dairy, beans/legumes, tofu, etc.
If you really need protein supplements you can try hiding them in pancakes and other goodies if you desire, but again, not necessary.

I'm not a fan of shakes either, those artificial sweeteners just gross me out. You really don't need them though, just have a Greek yogurt instead.

Don't worry about it. I have never had a shake in my life and have no intention to.

huntress74 wrote: »

Doctor recommended it so I would get more nutrition but not the calories. I thought I'd ask here so I wouldn't spend money on fruity ones that didn't taste good. Those big tubs aren't cheap.

Protein powder still has calories. All protein is 4cals per gram regardless of whether it comes from powder or food....

huntress74 wrote: »

Yes I could eat chicken, but I was trying to get protein as well as a few other vitamins and minerals without eating a full meal and consuming the calories. That is why doc recommended shakes I guess. I don't know, this is all so frustrating. I realize I have no concept of the right amount of nutrition I actually need. I'd rather not eat anything than have to worry about it. It's just so much easier. But, I know that's not good either.

Does your protein powder have added vitamins and minerals? Wouldn't you just get a multivitamin for that?

Choose mostly nutrient dense foods to fill your calories to get adequate nutrition...

So eat a protein bar.

On top of having foods/drinks that you don't enjoy, these shakes are teaching you nothing. They aren't doing much for your diet right now because they are making it unpleasant, and they won't be doing much for your diet later because you will have formed very few habits beneficial for weight maintenance. There are plenty of nutritious and delicious foods that are low in calories.

There are these snack packs of tuna salad that I really like, noodle cups are nice and quick, you could even make your own meals food prepping for the week during weekends, or (and this is the easiest option) just eat like you always have, but in smaller portions, supplementing with random veggies for volume.

Most of the shakes don't have much but protein, so if you want nutrition I'd do something else. (Some have powdered greens, but I'd rather get that stuff as food, although admittedly that's a prejudice.)

Anyway, if you really want one there are ones without flavor. I find it tastes neutral (I've used it in a smoothie or with oatmeal).

What are your calories and are there issues with bringing/eating things for lunch during the day?

huntress74 wrote: »

I don't take a multivitamin. I read that they don't do much as they aren't absorbed into the body because of the coatings on them. I do take a few individual vitamins that are veggie caps, but not regularly. Yes this powder has 35% calcium, and some iron and fiber, natural enzymes and is low carb. The one I am trying now is called 'BioTrust Low Carb.' My mother recommended it. It's all I can do to try and drink it. That's why I was looking for some other suggestions.

I'm am a dieting dummy. There is so much conflicting info out there, it's frustrating and a bit overwhelming. Eat this and that at this time but not that. Combine these foods, but not those. Micronutrients and macronutrients, low carb, glycemic index, paleo is the answer, vegan is the best, eat everything raw, cook with olive oil, dont' eat white food, all sugar is bad... What the heck are your really supposed to eat? I'm exhausted thinking about it, so I just drink water. LOL

My study is n=1, but when I am diligently taking multivitamins (for example, the two times I was pregnant, or now that I've been focusing on health and fitness for the past year and a half), I have noticed that my nails are Teflon strong, whereas they crack and break and split easily if I am not taking vitamins. (There are several times over the past week where I rammed a nail against something, and drew my hand back expecting it to be at least chipped, and it was fine). It's possible that the body doesn't absorb vitamins as well as the nutrients from real foods, but a lot of it will be absorbed and have a positive effect on your health.

For protein, I strongly second the recommendation of Greek yogurt. I have a plain 0% fat Oikos sitting next to me right now; it is 15 g protein for 80 calories, which is a much better profile than most shakes I have seen. I add a small amount of honey for maybe 25 extra calories, and a couple tablespoons of granola just to add interest.

When it comes to your diet, it can be as simple or as difficult as you want to make it. Basically, eat a crap-ton of fresh or frozen or even canned vegetables, a good amount of fruit, a decent amount of dairy and meat (with chicken and fish having some of the best profiles, but bacon and burgers are great in moderation too), a modest amount of bread, whole grain being the ideal, and treats as they will fit within your calorie goals.

I can understand feeling overwhelmed by all the noise out there, but just focus on common sense dietary goals, and soon enough it becomes second nature.

huntress74 wrote: »

I'm probably a weirdo, but I just can't stand the taste of chocolate or any type of milky sweet drink for that matter. I've tried to choke down various brands of vanilla and chocolate protein shakes (as that seems to be the go to flavors in so many "healthy" bars and shakes). Gag me! All they do is leave this nasty film in my mouth that makes me crave something salty like chips or cheese. I don't know what to do. I'd rather drink a gallon of salt water than choke down a chocolate shake. Is there some kind of fruit or punch flavor protein drink or something that anyone can recommend?

Oh honey, count your blessing! I wish I hated chocolate.....

I always keep Idealbars in my purse. They come in a variety of flavors, keep me full for hours, have balanced macros for me, and I love the flavors and texture (some bars are gritty or taste horrible, not these).