Are protein shakes considered supplements?
Replies
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I had the Chai today and I loved it! I haven't had a protein shake in over 3 years so I'm really impressed how far they have come!
https://livevegansmart.com/complete-nutrition-vegansmart/1 -
veronicav0502 wrote: »@VintageFeline what protein powder do you use that's 100 cal? Is it flavored?
Not vintagefeline, but I use Myprotein whey impact isolate which is 86 calories per 25g and 20g Protein, tastes bloody good too! I have the chocolate peanut butter flavour.1 -
I use an organic sprouted brown rice protein powder from Nutribiotic. It has all the amino acids I need and 1 rounded TBS is 60 cals, 2g carbs and 11g protein. I add the other things I want and need such as spinach, chia, flax, coconut water, blueberries and plain greek yogurt and it gets me through an early morning workout at about 235 calories. I don't consider it a supplement...........just liquid food!1
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VintageFeline wrote: »I mean. Most people use it to supplement their protein needs in an easy convenient way. Especially if your calorie and protein needs are high, pretty easy to just chug down a shake.
But I wouldn't put it in the same class as say creatine or BCAAs.
Most protein powders have some element of BCAA's in them. And it's promoted on the labels as BCAA's are found in most protein sources i.e. chicken, beef, protein wheys, etc.
Curious - can you point to any specific protein shake that doesn't have leucine, isoleucine and valine in it?
This is the one I'm trying and it looks natural to me...
The ingredients look good, but I've tried similar products in the past and they tasted like sadness
If I'm going to fork out big $$$ for protein powders then they have to taste good and be enjoyable to eat/drink too.
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Christine_72 wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »I mean. Most people use it to supplement their protein needs in an easy convenient way. Especially if your calorie and protein needs are high, pretty easy to just chug down a shake.
But I wouldn't put it in the same class as say creatine or BCAAs.
Most protein powders have some element of BCAA's in them. And it's promoted on the labels as BCAA's are found in most protein sources i.e. chicken, beef, protein wheys, etc.
Curious - can you point to any specific protein shake that doesn't have leucine, isoleucine and valine in it?
This is the one I'm trying and it looks natural to me...
The ingredients look good, but I've tried similar products in the past and they tasted like sadness
If I'm going to fork out big $$$ for protein powders then they have to taste good and be enjoyable to eat/drink too.
I tried the Chai and Berry so far and I loved them! I just mixed them with water to taste test and I was impressed!! This is coming from someone who hasn't had a protein shake in over 3 years and I remember I didn't like any of them back then. They have come a long way since then!!1 -
Christine_72 wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »I mean. Most people use it to supplement their protein needs in an easy convenient way. Especially if your calorie and protein needs are high, pretty easy to just chug down a shake.
But I wouldn't put it in the same class as say creatine or BCAAs.
Most protein powders have some element of BCAA's in them. And it's promoted on the labels as BCAA's are found in most protein sources i.e. chicken, beef, protein wheys, etc.
Curious - can you point to any specific protein shake that doesn't have leucine, isoleucine and valine in it?
This is the one I'm trying and it looks natural to me...
The ingredients look good, but I've tried similar products in the past and they tasted like sadness
If I'm going to fork out big $$$ for protein powders then they have to taste good and be enjoyable to eat/drink too.
I tried the Chai and Berry so far and I loved them! I just mixed them with water to taste test and I was impressed!! This is coming from someone who hasn't had a protein shake in over 3 years and I remember I didn't like any of them back then. They have come a long way since then!!
That's great
And there's no need to tell your pals that you're using it, it's 100% your business! No need to open yourself up to judgy Mcjudgersons. 0 -
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VintageFeline wrote: »Maybe it should be called a substitute or replacement because basically, it's taken as a meal replacement as opposed to eating that much food right? At least it seems like most people use it as a meal replacement for the convenience and nutritional benefits. Aside from the caffeinated, hormonal, performance enhancing or unnatural preservatives and additives that some contain. I guess it's hard to get all the nutritional value too so it does have supplemental vitamins and nutrients we all don't normally eat to obtain. That's a good thing.
My protein powders I've used are about 100 calories each serving. That isn't in any way shape or form a meal replacement.
*rolls eyes*0 -
It's a simple distinction for me. If it's isolated/purified/packaged in capsules...etc specifically for supplementation purposes, it's a supplement. Protein powder falls under that category. It doesn't need to have specific unnatural performance enhancing properties to be called a supplement. Plants are not a supplement, they're food, but fiber specifically isolated or manufactured for supplementation purposes is a supplement. Green tea is a drink, but green tea capsules are a supplement. Acai berry is a berry, but its encapsulated extract is a supplement. Turmeric is a spice, but curcumin in supplement form is a supplement. Fish is food, fish oil specifically extracted for supplementation purposes is a supplement while olive oil is not because it's not specifically extracted to be a supplement...etc.
Some supplements work for their purpose (like protein powders, which help you reach your protein goal), others are hooey. I personally keep supplementation to a minimum on a "need-to" basis, and sometimes I do need to supplement my protein due to my food preferences other times I don't. Nothing is wrong with that.
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I'd just say this: can one just use protein powder to attain their protein goals without bloating or bathroom issues?
Can the same be said if the protein was from chicken, beef, or fish?
I can eat protein with no issues, but I've done 3 protein shakes a day and man....
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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HealthyVitamins wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »Maybe it should be called a substitute or replacement because basically, it's taken as a meal replacement as opposed to eating that much food right? At least it seems like most people use it as a meal replacement for the convenience and nutritional benefits. Aside from the caffeinated, hormonal, performance enhancing or unnatural preservatives and additives that some contain. I guess it's hard to get all the nutritional value too so it does have supplemental vitamins and nutrients we all don't normally eat to obtain. That's a good thing.
My protein powders I've used are about 100 calories each serving. That isn't in any way shape or form a meal replacement.
*rolls eyes*
So you think 100 calories of protein with very little additional nutrition is a meal replacement? Roll eyes too, great contribution to the discussion.ketomaniac wrote: »I'd go with grass fed whey protein isolate, it contains all essential amino acids and has great digestibility. It will help you lose weight, feel satiated, stabilize blood sugar levels, blood pressure, reduce inflammation (by reducing circulating c reactive proteins) and boost up your glutathione, the mother of all antioxidants.
That's some magical AF stuff there.2 -
The real question is, does it really matter?
Your reasoning behind the question is because you want to prove a point that you can achieve X without taking supplements. Ultimately it is just milk powder........2 -
trigden1991 wrote: »The real question is, does it really matter?
Your reasoning behind the question is because you want to prove a point that you can achieve X without taking supplements. Ultimately it is just milk powder........
So my powdered goat milk is a supplement? Nooooooo.
But I don't wanna pay 3x more for the volume equivalent in a carton. /sadfacestuckwithsupplements0 -
I've been an avid promoter of not taking supplements to show "it's not necessary" and it saves me money! I do not buy protein powders, take diet pills, vitamin pills, or anything bodybuilders typically use, promote and sell for profit. I've been getting all of my nutrition from eating my vegetables and will blend up smoothies using raw veggies too.
However, I've been curious about trying out some protein powders to see what kind of benefits, if any, they will have for me besides time in building more muscle but this would go against my "no supplements rule" and trust me, I will get so much smack talk from my friends who subscribe to all kinds of diets and supplements. Whenever I see someone getting fit on their own but then, start to promote and sell products, this just changes my entire mindset that they are just doing it for the $$$ now and I don't want to come off like that because I really do stay in shape without requiring supplements.
So, my question is, am I right or wrong that protein powders are considered supplements?
I do think that it is a supplement.
I don't think it is bad if you want to use a protein powder to help meet your goals if they are high. If your protein goal is pretty average I'd wonder why you couldn't just eat regular food and meet the goal.
I have never used a protein powder. My goal is easily attainable through normal diet choices for me so there is no need. I also don't like drinking my calories so don't like smoothies or shakes in general.
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Not to stir the pot here, but I think the conversation is really a he said she said that I believe isn't going to get anyone anywhere nor any farther ahead. We are all going to have our opinions, but at the end of the day, because this is such a grey area with no definitive "right" answer, one can really skew the facts in any way shape or form to validate their point of view and opinion on the subject. I guess my point is OP, whatever you believe to be the right thing then is the right thing for you - regardless of what anyone else may think or say.1
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@veronicav0502 there is a nice chart on this page https://bretcontreras.com/flexible-dieting-and-foods-that-are-truly-high-in-protein/
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Easiest way to tell is to look at the back and see it it's labeled with "Nutrition Facts" or "Supplement Facts."
ETA - Protein shakes can fall into either category depending on their ingredients and the FDA Generally Regarded As Safe list.1 -
trigden1991 wrote: »The real question is, does it really matter?
Your reasoning behind the question is because you want to prove a point that you can achieve X without taking supplements. Ultimately it is just milk powder........
Your right, I wanted to be able to prove that we can be healthy without having to spend money on and take supplements and I know I can achieve that but sometimes it's not practical in our busy lives and when I think about it more, all of our processed foods have fortified nutrients so basically, we are all supplementing our diets one way or another. I think the benefit of us challenging ourselves is that it forces us to learn more about nutrition, read labels and know where our food is coming from so we can make more informed decisions about our health.
These responses have given me some valuable insight! I appreciate all the views!2 -
Easiest way to tell is to look at the back and see it it's labeled with "Nutrition Facts" or "Supplement Facts."
ETA - Protein shakes can fall into either category depending on their ingredients and the FDA Generally Regarded As Safe list.
exactly! musclemilk powder has a nutrition label on the back, but things like six star,muscletech,and body fortress have supplement facts on it. I noticed that when I went to walmart a few weeks ago same with some of the premade protein drinks,the premier protein ones had nutrition facts a few of the others(cant remember brands) were supplements. I didnt compare ingredient lists though. next time I will1 -
I'm curious to know if you are aware of your body's vitamin levels? Do you keep track? I was using cronometer.com prior to MFP which kept track of micro and macronutrients. I eat a ton of vegetables each day. I drink two green smoothies a day plus veggies at dinner. My vitamin levels were still low! I wasn't getting enough of many of my much needed nutrients. As well, our bodies do not produce Vit D and Vit K. How are you getting those vitamins into your body?
Mainly I'm just curious. Thanks in advance!0 -
DoorCountyMom wrote: »I'm curious to know if you are aware of your body's vitamin levels? Do you keep track? I was using cronometer.com prior to MFP which kept track of micro and macronutrients. I eat a ton of vegetables each day. I drink two green smoothies a day plus veggies at dinner. My vitamin levels were still low! I wasn't getting enough of many of my much needed nutrients. As well, our bodies do not produce Vit D and Vit K. How are you getting those vitamins into your body?
Mainly I'm just curious. Thanks in advance!
Vitamin D : get out in the sun.
Vitamin K: use herbs and spice, you likely don't log them but many of them have plenty of vitamin K even in the small quantities used. Leafy greens have more than plenty. I use cronometer too, and even when I throw a few leaves of spinach into my omelette my vitamin K is topped up.
I'm wondering why your vitamin levels were low. My weekly average shows I hit every single one (except maybe for folate) without even trying. I just eat food. Maybe your calorie intake was too low?
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DoorCountyMom wrote: »I'm curious to know if you are aware of your body's vitamin levels? Do you keep track? I was using cronometer.com prior to MFP which kept track of micro and macronutrients. I eat a ton of vegetables each day. I drink two green smoothies a day plus veggies at dinner. My vitamin levels were still low! I wasn't getting enough of many of my much needed nutrients. As well, our bodies do not produce Vit D and Vit K. How are you getting those vitamins into your body?
Mainly I'm just curious. Thanks in advance!
I just checked my Cronometer and I'm at over 300% for my Vitamin K over the last week, most of it coming from vegetables.1 -
DoorCountyMom wrote: »I'm curious to know if you are aware of your body's vitamin levels? Do you keep track? I was using cronometer.com prior to MFP which kept track of micro and macronutrients. I eat a ton of vegetables each day. I drink two green smoothies a day plus veggies at dinner. My vitamin levels were still low! I wasn't getting enough of many of my much needed nutrients. As well, our bodies do not produce Vit D and Vit K. How are you getting those vitamins into your body?
Mainly I'm just curious. Thanks in advance!
I get my vitamin D tested by the dr every so often to make sure its not low again
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Of course it's a supplement, as @Erik8484 pointed out. It's defined to be so by the FDA, and regulated in the way they regulate supplements (which is to say not very much!).A dietary supplement is a product intended for ingestion that contains a "dietary ingredient" intended to add further nutritional value to (supplement) the diet. A "dietary ingredient" may be one, or any combination, of the following substances:
a vitamin
a mineral
an herb or other botanical
an amino acid
a dietary substance for use by people to supplement the diet by increasing the total dietary intake
a concentrate, metabolite, constituent, or extract
Dietary supplements may be found in many forms such as tablets, capsules, softgels, gelcaps, liquids, or powders. Some dietary supplements can help ensure that you get an adequate dietary intake of essential nutrients; others may help you reduce your risk of disease
FDA Basics: What is a Dietary Supplement?
Nothing about the definition of supplement suggests a supplement is "unnatural" or "natural"; actually, it would seem to me that most will be "natural" but "processed" in some way, if one insists on using vague words. Vitamins and minerals are quite natural, as are herbs and botanicals. And, of course, protein extracts from other sources. It's really not that hard to extract protein from something, then dehydrate it down. In fact, its a pretty standard chemistry lab exercise to do so for advanced high school students (and every biochemistry student ever).4 -
Many folks use them as meal replacements but its not how its supposed to be. All I wanna say is that these supplements like whey protein shakes can be used as an Add-on to your current diet. make sure you use the right ones though!0
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Never really thought about it. I consider it both I suppose. I log and consider my fish oil as a supplement AND food and it's sort of the same thing... idk. not that bothered by it tbh0
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Of course it is a supplement... if it is taken in addition to (supplementing) your regular diet. But is it bad? No, especially if you pick one that comes from natural sources. Are egg whites a supplement? It's not "natural" to just eat the white part of an egg poured from a carton... but most clean natural/clean eaters wouldn't say that is a problem, but if you extract the whey from milk and just eat that, it is not ok? Same things with vitamins. I guess ideally you would get all your vitamin C by eating a bunch of citrus, but you supplement with a vitamin because you don't want to eat all that, can't afford to, etc. I think we are getting caught up on semantics, when most people would say you are a "natural" bodybuilder/athlete if you don't use artificially produced chemicals to enhance your performance.1
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I'd just say this: can one just use protein powder to attain their protein goals without bloating or bathroom issues?
Can the same be said if the protein was from chicken, beef, or fish?
I can eat protein with no issues, but I've done 3 protein shakes a day and man....
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
If you haven't already you should try pure isolate. No issues anymore for me.0 -
Christine_72 wrote: »I wouldn't call protein powder a supplement. Taking it doesn't 'enhance' anything for me, it simply helps me reach my protein goal everyday.
This. It's a convenience for me and a it helps me hit my macros and it's fun to make protein recipes!0 -
I just use protein powders to reach my protein goals for the day.0
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