protein powder/ meal replacment vs real food.

[needtogetaas]

Supplementation is just that... to supplement the diet. lets get that right out in the open. this means if you can't get the cals and protein you need for what ever reason,cost,time,cant eat any more, loss of ideas then Supplementation (might) be a good idea.

As supplement companies improve the quality of their protein powders and more people are looking for convenience and time savers while trying to eat right. The thought of protein powders making up most of your diet might sound like the easy way out and even good for you,but is this the case.

Well lets face it protein drinks must work. They must have there place in the world or Competitive sports,bb, and even just for the reg guy trying to get in shape. They have been around for decades. The mass numbers of people that swear by them are staggering. lets take a look at it all.

Aside from intense training and sufficient rest, feeding the body is the most critical element for lean muscle growth.
Every successful bodybuilder, from amateur to Olympian, eats at least six times per day. (sure we can debate that to death but for the most part its fact) by eating at least six meals per day, you provide your body with a steady stream of nutrients, keeping yourself in an anabolic state. The body does not store protein the way it does fats or carbohydrates, it is essential that protein be provided to the muscles throughout the day to keep this
anabolic state. In short giving your body a steady flow of protein will keep your body from dipping into your muscles and eating away at them.

For most this means "MEAL REPLACEMENTS" Is the answer. Why? Is the question at hand though. Why since the late 80's has protein powders and meal replacement been so populer when its a fact that plain old psychology
show humans are designed to eat solid food. Solid food comes with nutrients that the body needs that protein powder lack.Real food is more thermogenic, meaning basically that it makes your body burn more cals to digest the food itself. Protein powders and meal replacement for most people cause cramping bloating, and gassy feelings. Real food gives the body a flow of protein over time as the body digest it. Since the body can only use so much protein at a time this is best.

Here are my thoughts. Protein powders and meal replacement have there place. pree work out and post work out. Also they just help most people get the protein they need. I am a top chef in my area and even I cant find the time day in and day out to fit everything in the body needs. This in no way means we should all just give up and fall back on protein powders and meal replacement.

make every effort to keep protein powders and meal replacment in there place
(pree and post work out) Learn how to bring more real food into your diet. How to make time,cook in bulk,great ideas and recipes to keep things exciting
and ever changing and how to cut down on cost. hell just eating real food rather then powders saves money most of the time.
Don't just down a shake because its easy. Real food can be just as easy, far more tasty,exciting and fun.

 

[hurricane]

good post i agree real food protein is best but powder is wayyy better then missin meals or assuming u gettin enough protein or cals from natural food and u not..lets not forget adding shakes/protein shakes/weight gainers etc... not only adds proteins but also calories ..which is essential to growth

 

[needtogetaas]

good post i agree real food protein is best but powder is wayyy better then missin meals or assuming u gettin enough protein or cals from natural food and u not..lets not forget adding shakes/protein shakes/weight gainers etc... not only adds proteins but also calories ..which is essential to growth

There are ways to get in the real food you need. People just need to know them. They need to get this info.

 

[EricG]

Good read, definatelly agree.

Needto are you still doing that recipe of the week thing?

-G

 

[jumpmaster82]

great post needto. yea real food is always better. but i find myself from time to time falling into that shit of drinking them throughout the day cuz i was to lazy to cook. but i try not to.

 

[kidd73]

Great post. So true. Its easy to get into a rut with the protein shakes/powders due to their convenience. Ive been guilty in the past. But although they work, I still believe the protein in eggs, chicken, fish, and steak are far more soluble proteins. They are in the form your body expects protein to be. I use them pre workout cuz i HATE being hungry before workout, and I use them post workout cuz it usually takes me over an hour to prepare my meals. But i make my meals large cuz thats my grub for the next day too.
Good stuff Needto.

 

[EricG]

There are ways to get in the real food you need. People just need to know them. They need to get this info.

Agreed. Something I\ve been doing latelly is making my 6 meals and packaging them in seperate containers before bed. Usually only takes me 45 mins. I make breakfest and then the rest is already made for me so this helps me keep on tract plus its easier making everything in one shot then putting things together 6-7 times a day.

-G

 

[needtogetaas]

Good read, definatelly agree.

Needto are you still doing that recipe of the week thing?

-G

I do my best to keep up with it. You should go check out the Muscle Food for Bodybuilding forum which I am the mod of now. Post a thread ask for recipes and ideas. I have been so busy with my body building recipe cook book though. It has all the ideas,recipes and facts about cooking for your needs. I want to finish
the book but I just keep finding things to add. Recipes are the easy part but there is so much more to it. Of course it will have well over 150 recipes or more cuz I know people love them.

 

[slamminshaun]

I only consume 1 shake a day, the other 4 meals come from real food...in a few weeks I plan to jump up to 6 meals a day, just wanted to get my body adjusted to 5 first. I just bulk cook everything the night before on the Foreman grill....throw it into some Tupperware, got a microwave at work, good to go!

 

[EricG]

Sounds good bro, as a fellow cook I will be looking forward to it.

-G