"real" vs. "fake" protein

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  • kdeaux1959
    kdeaux1959 Posts: 2,675 Member
    Well, I would not say bars and shakes is "fake" protein. Many times, this protein is plant based (peanut butter is a common ingredient). A variety of protein sources is good so that one receives a balance of the essential amino acids in the diet so I would not rely on only one or two sources of protein. Current literature suggests that one does not have to necessarily eat meat to be able to achieve the balance of amino acids (though it may be easier to achieve if you do eat at least some meat products). It is possible to exceed protein needs and contribute to high cholesterol as well as possible kidney strain. Balance in all things.
  • toriaenator
    toriaenator Posts: 423 Member
    i never use shakes or bars!!! i get a lot of my protein from greek yoghurt, also Kashi Golean cereal which is amazing! also shrimp, tuna and chicken.
  • Sarauk2sf
    Sarauk2sf Posts: 28,072 Member
    Just adding to what has already been said - protein shakes and bars are fine to get the protein levels up.

    I am a vegetarian and have no problem getting to over 130g without protein shakes or bars (I am at 157g today with only 6g from protein powder). I usually sprinkle some on my greek yoghurt or sometimes have a shake to make sure I will get enough protein.

    Just for the micronutrients, you should probably look to try to get the majority from 'real food' but there is nothing wrong with getting a fair chunk of your allowance from powders and bars.
  • LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo
    LaMujerMasBonitaDelMundo Posts: 3,634 Member
    I don't see anything wrong with it but as much as possible try incorporating protein from whole foods. Protein shakes & bars are designed for a quick meal on the go or as a supplement if you're having difficult time getting your daily protein intake but still nothing beats whole foods. As much as possible I try to get my protein sources from whole foods. I usually do a mix protein powder to my fruit smoothies when I'm at the gym after a lifting session since our gym has a fruit shake booth wherein you have the option of adding protein powder to it or none, with additional cost of course.
  • V1sual
    V1sual Posts: 3
    Only real difference vs real food such as chicken breast vs whey protein is the other nutrients added. I tend to add BCAAs to my shakes and make sure i have a multivitamin to make sure all the bases are covered. Helps me hit ~180g per day (1g/lb)
  • ashfuse
    ashfuse Posts: 224 Member
    I aim for 150 g of protein a day. I eat at around 2000 cals a day and I still have to supplement half the time with powder in order to reach this amount. I usually add 1/2 scoop to whatever foods I eat during the day a few times. So, if I have old fashioned oats for breakfast, I'll add 1/2 scoop protein powder to that. Later in the day if I have plain Greek yogurt, I'll add another 1/2 scoop to flavor the yogurt. It tastes great and helps me reach my daily goals :) Sometimes I'll another 1/2 or whole scoop with cottage cheese, fruit, and chilled green tea to make a fabulous pick me up smoothie. Not every day is perfect and we can't always eat a crap load of eggs and meat. If I'm on the go all day, I'll drink my shakes or have a CLIFF protein bar (organic) and it's all okay. I always have a cliff protein bar in my purse just in case I'm out longer than planned or if I just need to eat.
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