Whey Protein instead of Shakes? Slimfast/vi/etc

The protein powder that I typically buy is available at Wal-Mart in my area. I have used Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein. And I have also used Six Star Pro Nutrition - Professional Strength Whey Protein Plus, Elite Series. I have only used the Vanilla & Chocolate varieties but I know there are other flavors available. In general, I prefer the taste of vanilla protein powder to chocolate. However, I think it really is personal preference. I like to add fresh berries to my vanilla shakes. When I use the chocolate, I use peanut butter and/or bananas. I think that you'll find you can actually have a pretty satisfying shake depending on what you blend in with it. My suggestion would be to also blend in a handful of fresh spinach or kale, you will not taste it and you get all the nutritional benefits. Also, consider what liquid you want to use. I used to use skim milk when I first started. Water is fine too. I currently use Unsweetened Plain Almond Milk.

And just as a suggestion, log all food and beverages & consider making your food log viewable to friends on MFP. I've found it to be a really good tool, helps me to stay accountable and also to learn about my own habits and how I can change them.

Most importantly, don't give up. There is a ton of support on here and you can do this!

I'm happy to help. Also, if you end up feeling like the liquid thing is too much, don't throw in the towel. Maybe by then you can cut it down to just a breakfast shake. I think the main thing that has worked for me in the past is to remember not to throw in the towel...especially if I "screw up" on a day and eat something I shouldn't have. I try to remember that each meal is an opportunity to get back on track.

The peanut butter & chocolate combo is definitely a favorite for me. I am just careful to make sure I measure, otherwise, I get a little generous with the PB. haha

I too can be a cheapass, that's actually why I ended up going with the almond milk. Skim milk is definitely cheaper, but it will also spoil earlier. I've found that I can keep a container of almond milk, far longer than regular milk. Just a thought. :-)

Being allergic to soy, for whey protein I was using Pure Protein (they have powder, premade shakes, and bars) and I always got it at Walmart. I 'm currently using Adkins premade shakes which I also buy at Walmart since they stopped carrying the flavors of Pure Protein that does not contain wheat (another allergy)

After any hard workout I always down a glass of the Professional Strength Strawberry whey protein. My brother who lifts will also throw a few spoonfuls in his smoothies. To be honest, I'm not sure I'll ever get used to it but it's not bad Liquids can be very filling if they have lots of nutrients, just make sure you get some grains down or something. Eat some toast. Whole wheat always makes me feel full for awhile, in case water can't do it.

I'm using the SixStar Protein Plus. I've tried SlimFast, Special K, Ensure Protein, Myoplex, Unjury and various other brands. For the money to nutrition value, the SixStar is best. Of the others, Unjury tasted best but was far too expensive. All the others are much more expensive per serving than SixStar, which is available at just about any grocery store for less than $20 per container. I wish you luck on your journey. I know it won't be easy. I would say to stay away from soy based proteins as they can cause your body to react the same as it would to estrogen. See this link: http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/soys-negative-effects

Try PB2 in your shakes instead of peanut butter. It has 85% less fat calories. It is an all natural product made from peanuts. Search it on the web. I also agree the Body Fortress products taste good, have lots of protein and are cheap compared to other protein powders.