protein shakes as meal substitutes..

Not very satiating unless you start adding fruit, oatmeal, peanut butter, shot of olive oil and then it can become a meal...but personally I would stay with whole foods and only use protein shakes as a supplement when you are unable to meet your daily protein requirements.

Protein shakes are designed as supplements to your diet. Keep track of everything you eat as there is no real substitute for food, then, see what you need to complete you nutrient goals. Just added protein shakes for the sake of it could be wasting money if you are already consuming your required amount.

I have found that substituting one of your big 3 a day (Breakfast, dinner, tea) just isn't worth it, you will feel hungry and grouchy. If however you are disciplined enough and organised enough to be eating 6 small meals a day you could substitute up too 2 of these meals with a protein shake. If you do this combined with a healthy diet and enough exercise you will feel yourself becoming leaner and meaner!

I should add I weight train which is why I do this but im pretty sure some dieters go for the smaller meals to boost metabolism and burn fat, am I right?

I have found that substituting one of your big 3 a day (Breakfast, dinner, tea) just isn't worth it, you will feel hungry and grouchy. If however you are disciplined enough and organised enough to be eating 6 small meals a day you could substitute up too 2 of these meals with a protein shake. If you do this combined with a healthy diet and enough exercise you will feel yourself becoming leaner and meaner!

I should add I weight train which is why I do this but im pretty sure some dieters go for the smaller meals to boost metabolism and burn fat, am I right?

Meal frequency is irrelevant...

I have found that substituting one of your big 3 a day (Breakfast, dinner, tea) just isn't worth it, you will feel hungry and grouchy. If however you are disciplined enough and organised enough to be eating 6 small meals a day you could substitute up too 2 of these meals with a protein shake. If you do this combined with a healthy diet and enough exercise you will feel yourself becoming leaner and meaner!

I should add I weight train which is why I do this but im pretty sure some dieters go for the smaller meals to boost metabolism and burn fat, am I right?

Meal frequency is irrelevant...

Haha yea good one. Meal frequency offers many benefits, from eating regularly to intermittently fasting. Learn your stuff before you post.

I always start my morning with a protein shake with a banana in it. It keeps me full and chocolate protein is yummy.

You've just joined, so this is new for you. Many people here on My Fitness Pal (MFP) are looking to make "lifestyle" changes, as opposed to "dieting."

A "lifestyle" change is something you will use to maintain a healthy weight ....... AFTER you have met your weight loss goal. Think of a "diet" is a temporary fix, or a project. Once you are done with your weight loss "project," then you will have to learn how to keep the weight off. You can't just go back and eat "normally," the weight just comes back. "Lifestyle" changes help you learn how to keep weight off.

Tweak your current eating plan, make small changes here & there. Don't try to change everything all at once.

i have a protein shake for breakfast. i wouldnt usually eat breakfast, but then id snack all morning. ive found it extremely helpful

Thermogenesis increases after eating and is a direct extension of your Basal Metabolic Rate. Hence eating little and often boosts your metabolism.

This is false. Thermic effect increases based on caloric total and macronutrient composition. Please see here for a good explanation of why this is frequency independent. Myth #1, explained in detail.

http://www.leangains.com/2010/10/top-ten-fasting-myths-debunked.html

EDIT: Lyle's take on it:
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/meal-frequency-and-energy-balance-research-review.html

Edit:
Peer reviewed study:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19943985

Steve Troutman's take:
http://body-improvements.com/resources/eat/#frequency

I would very much recommend that you read the above information. These are very solid sources and it might help to clear things up a bit.

Good luck!

The very basic point you are refuting here is that eating increases metabolism..... Even your references agree that eating increases your metabolism they just debate the significance of the increase in TEF from MF. I think the crux of it is you have to find a groove that suits you and go with it. Lets face it a healthy balanced diet is still the way forward for most people who have real life commitments. Good luck!