Generally, protein shakes are a great source of protein, but there are a few downsides.
A typical scoop of protein will have roughly 20–25 grams of protein, a few grams of carbs, and a few grams of fat.
This makes is a great way to up your protein total for the day without a lot of calories.
If you tried to get your protein requirements from vegetables only, that’s a ton of fiber, which might fill you up too much to get enough calories in.
Also, imagine the amount of gas you’d be producing... yeah, no thanks!
If you tried to get it from nuts, that’s a lot of fat. Same with fattier meats like bacon. Imagine eating nothing but bacon all day? Actually, that doesn’t sound like a bad way to go.
Death by bacon!
Anyway…
Protein powder is fairly inexpensive per gram of protein, especially compared to eating out at restaurants.
Certain protein powders may not taste the best, but others can taste pretty damn good if you can find the right brand for you.
If you can find one you like, that’s a plus. If not, I guess it’s a negative, but there are so many flavors out there that you should be able to find a decent one.
They’re also definitely more convenient, especially if you don’t cook (or don’t like to cook).
You won’t gain more muscle with a protein shake over natural food, if the amount of protein is the same, but it can definitely help replace a meal for a calorie deficit or push you into a calorie surplus as a late night snack.
With all this information being presented you may think protein shakes are enough – you’d be wrong.
You definitely shouldn’t try to survive on nothing but protein shakes. Your body NEEDS fats, vitamins and minerals that a powder just won’t provide.
Use them as intended… to SUPPLEMENT a healthy diet.
