Eat real foods

[SoreArms]

There are several instances, for example post work out, where a protein powder would be prefered over ,say, a chicken breast, but any other time, protein powders are used mostly out of convinience. It is exactly this convinience factor that can easily lead to replace real foods for the easilly prepared and consumed protein powder.

Recently, this need for convinience persuaded me to change my diet and "supplement" more while maintaining cals and macros. I often do not have time at work, besides my actual lunch break, to sit down and eat a chicken breast or a can of tuna and veggies. This can sometimes cause me to miss a meal, so I decided to conviniently pack 3 of 4 meals worth of protein powders instead of solid foods. Take in mind that these were balanced with the nescessary fats (flax, olive oil) and carbs (oatbran) that I need to maintain my macros (in other words MRP's), so I did not repalce an entire meal with protein powder alone.

Meal 1
Protein powder
flax or ANPB
oatbran

Meal 2
Protein powder
flax or ANPB
oatbran

Meal 3
Chicken
veggies
olive oil
walnuts

Meal 4
Protein powder
flax

Well after about a week of doing this convinience diet, i felt weak, cranky and irritable through out the work day and never quite full. My works outs and rest also suffered because of this.

I have returned to a more conventional diet of solid foods over the last couple of days and I can tell you that there is a whole world of difference in the way I feel, mentally as well as phisically. My work outs have also been more satisfying, and my muscles feel fuller.

I'm not saying to dump all protein shake consumption, but keep it minimal (1 or 2 day), try to get most of your calories (protein) from real, solid sources and use the powders only when nescessary.

Although I am back to packing solid foods, I keep a stash of "emergency" protein powders at work for the days that I need the convenience, but I will not make it the norm.

 

[paul2110]

I know what you mean. I always feel better getting protein from 'natural' sources.

I try not to count the protein in shakes and supp bars in my daily total, I just see it as a bonus.

I'm sure the types of protein in meats and other proper foods must be better quality than the stuff in powders.

It'd be interesting to see a study on this subject...

 

[anthrax]

Part of the answer stands in "pleasure"

Is is plesant to swallow a few pills or eat some awfull protein that tastes like shit ?

Years ago people did not have all those supps, they were only relying on real foods and they did pretty well with them

 

[HodgeMN]

I agree. Although I do consume whey protein powders, I always include whole food with them. I tried the meal replacment route etc. and found that nothing beats real, whole foods.

 

[Babyfaced Assassin]

im bored of drinking my food too

 

[javaguru]

I do very well getting most of my protein from milk isolate powder. My "food" protein intake generally consists of eggs in my first meal, 6oz lean steak, and two chicken breasts with the rest of my 250g-300g coming from milk isolate shakes. Not only is it a time and convenience issue with me but it's much cheaper and easier to manage my macronutrient intake.