Confused About Protein Shakes?

I have seen so many threads about protein shakes, recipes etc. But I'm a little worried about putting them into my diet -

Are they better for you if you're trying to lose weight OR more for maintain current weight & building muscle?

In my case, I'm focused on losing weight. I exercise 3 times a week cardio and do weights 1-2 times a week. And I'm not talking intense weight lifting - I do the girly stuff, squats and a body pump class at my gym.

So before I go spend money on the stuff and ingredients, trying to figure out if its worth it? Will I see weight loss if do a protein shake for a meal replacement (i.e. breakfast or lunch)? I'm currently trying to lose 10 lbs to meet goal.

Protein shakes are used to help you meet your daily protein requirements. If you can meet them with real foods then they are not needed. They are not needed for weight loss. A calories deficit is needed for weight loss. Getting adequate protein will help to maintain lean body mass, which can be lost along with the fat. Protein also helps some people to feel fuller longer.

I have seen so many threads about protein shakes, recipes etc. But I'm a little worried about putting them into my diet -

Are they better for you if you're trying to lose weight OR more for maintain current weight & building muscle?

In my case, I'm focused on losing weight. I exercise 3 times a week cardio and do weights 1-2 times a week. And I'm not talking intense weight lifting - I do the girly stuff, squats and a body pump class at my gym.

So before I go spend money on the stuff and ingredients, trying to figure out if its worth it? Will I see weight loss if do a protein shake for a meal replacement (i.e. breakfast or lunch)? I'm currently trying to lose 10 lbs to meet goal.

Protein shakes are used to help you meet your daily protein requirements. If you can meet them with real foods then they are not needed. They are not needed for weight loss. A calories deficit is needed for weight loss. Getting adequate protein will help to maintain lean body mass, which can be lost along with the fat. Protein also helps some people to feel fuller longer.

This pretty much is it. They neither help or hinder weight loss. They are some help in meeting your protein requirement which helps in muscle recovery and strength building. They are essentially a meal replacement. As stated above, if you can do that with whole foods all the better. I use mine for rehydration and recovery after a workout most mornings.


Edited to say: And what Sidesteal said.

I'm on Body by Vi shakes. Sometimes I do 2 a day to substitute my meals & sometime's I'll do 1. So far they have been filling me up & I follow my plan pretty close. After adding 1 cup skim milk it amounts to 20 grams of protien

I've heard of the Body by Vi shakes. Where do I find them? Do I order online or can I find them somewhere like GNC?

I found out about them through a friend who is a trainer & competes. I was skeptical at first but after reading some of the reveiws I figured I'd try it. Here's the website to check out. I'm not a distributer, just a customer.
https://myvi.net/index.html

I didn't add them to my diet until I started actively trying to tone up, but remember, having muscle means you'll burn more calories at rest, so it's not a bad investment, especially if you're working yourself hard. I don't have them a lot, because you can really rack up the calories quickly. Most of the time I just mix half a scoop with some milk and drink that, and it comes in at about 150 calories. If I've burned a lot of calories though, may add in some fruit or do a whole scoop. I just judge on what it feels like my body needs. I also try to keep two of my three meals a day meatless, so I use with when I need extra protein sometimes.

I also use the whey protein in other stuff, like adding it to oatmeal or making pancakes with it. It's not a bad investment if you're extremely active, but there are plenty of other ways to get protein, and they're definitely not mandatory. I do think they've helped me though.

I personally use Designer Whey from Trader Joe's, but there are many alternatives out there.

I love body fortress super advanced whey...very very affordable and available at walmart! delicious too!!!

I would not recommend body by Vi due to the lower protein content. Pick up a tub of whey protein. EAS, Optimum Nutrition are both cost effective and provide a solid pro/kcal ratio.

I drink the Body by Vi shakes too. I have been using them for about a month (I mix the powder with 1 cup of chocolate silk soy and half a banana) . I am down ten pounds since Jan 2/12. I use them simply for convenience. I have two small boys and work shift work. I can be called at any time. It takes me like 2-3 minutes to make and drink a shake. These and counting every calorie i eat plus exercise has been working well thus far. I was finding it hard to meet my protein needs as well.

But if I'm getting my protein from other sources during the day, this is just a quick on the go, no time to cook idea right?

Yes. I'm not suggesting that Body By Vi is harmful or pointless. I just think that there are better options.

I drink one every morning as a meal replacement. Starts the day with alot of protein to get me going and its fast when I'm running late. I have tried quite a few different ones and my favorite is the Syntrax Nectar Chocolate Mousse. It has like 20 something grams of protein and no carbs. I'll mix it with warm coffee or unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I also will do like half a scoop after a strength training work out to help build muscle. I'm still trying to lose so it helps by not adding in alot of extra carbs.

But if I'm getting my protein from other sources during the day, this is just a quick on the go, no time to cook idea right?

Yes. I'm not suggesting that Body By Vi is harmful or pointless. I just think that there are better options.

OK thanks, I will certainly look into my other options.

I just started this calorie tracker last week & honestly, I'd like all my 1300 calories to go to a nice tall glass of milk with a huge piece of chocolate mousse cake & some whip topping lol. But I'm going to be good & follow the rules. Eating healthy is a chore but I'm hoping to see some real results down the road. Thanks again

I prefer whole foods. Id rather eat a chicken breast than drink a shake. That being said..when I need something in a hurry or have a huge workout day I will sometimes add a Jillian Micheal's Shake in bc I trust she doesnt put chemicals or artificial sweeteners and stuff in it...its more whole food oriented I think...but sounds like you will be fine with real foods..

I was just going to bring up the fact that these powdered mixes are loaded with garbage that you don't need in your body. I would skip it all together or eat some almonds or something naturally high in protein. That powdered stuff is all artificial and bad news in my book.

Many have added crap in them, no doubt and over all...you're better off eating your protein from real food sources. :drinker:

I'm doing Body By Vi Shakes. I love them.

I like Jay Robb. A little pricey, but it is my one "guilty" pleasure. I can't stand the smell of some of the others. This one is smooth and taste good. I don't have to chug it down holding my nose. It doesn't have any sugars and is sweetened with Stevia. I like it. 25 grams of protein. If you have a Whole Foods or GNC nearby you can buy a sample pack of one serving to try. I did that before I jumped in and bought a whole tub. I was tired of buying nasty ones and then throwing it out because I couldn't stomach the taste. I think ALL protein powders should have sample packs.