Protein drinks

[JerryLee]

I just started this, and am wondering where pretein powder drinks work into this. Is it ok to drink one in between meals, or is it considered only as part of a meal?

[ThomsonsPier]

It's counterproductive to use the stuff at all if you're trying to lose weight, given that their stated purpose is to add bulk. If you must, I'd say only use it as a food protein replacement.

[gratefuldeb67]

Hi
Well your two issues really are whether it's a snack and what the other ingredients are besides protein.
If it's got a lot of sugar, more than say a few teaspoons worth, then it's a sweet, and if you are having it in between your meals it's a snack.
If it is part of your meal and not much sugar, it should be okay.. People have milk, coffee, orange juice, wine etc with their meals and it's allowed..
I also would consider whether you are having one or several of these a day.
Do you take them because of weight training?
I don't really go for those things if I have a choice of food instead, but I can understand they are convenient in certain circumstances.
Just watch it isn't a sweet.
Good luck
Debs

[dai479]

Like gratefuldeb67 said, you really need to look at the ingredients. A lot of protein powders have all sorts of crap in them including scary artificial sweeteners and even extra sugar and fats for the "bulking" ones.

I use one that is just whey protein. Has 80 calories and 20 grams of protein. I use it to give me my protein requirements for the day as I've cut way back on meat.

[clicklbd]

protein powder *can* be helpful if you are having problems with your blood sugar and you need to get some protein in. Just make sure it's not loaded with sugar and other stuff, as someone else mentioned.

I find it helpful in steelcut oats to make them have more "sticktotheribs" value.