Protein Shakes and Bars?

wellhellothere said:

What does everyone think about protein drinks in shake form?

Lately I've been switching among the Alani protein drink (30g, I realize that's unusual), Fairlife elite at 42g, and on certain mornings an Oikos protein drink (23g)... I also alternate between a David's bar and a Barebell. Usually these serve as meal replacements for me, since after eating I'm too stuffed to move (thanks, reta).

That said, do these calories and proteins hit me in a neutral or negative way? Or are they totally okay?

I've removed all soda from what I consume, yet at times having the items above feels no different from eating a chocolate bar or sipping a milkshake, and it's tough to tell whether the ~160 calories is genuine or what exactly is happening.
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No problem with them.

They count as actual food.

All those "just eat real food" remarks wear me out.

If you'd rather, every gram of protein you take in could come from shakes, and you'd still be perfectly okay.

A large serving of vegetables alongside a shake? That works for me.
 
Protein supplements get the job done, and I go through them heavily so I can hit my numbers without piling on extra carbs or calories. My basement is basically stocked like a GNC. Honestly, the amount I've hoarded is a little alarming.

Premade shakes I reach for most:

Fairlife Nutrition, RAW, Quest 45g, Pure Protein Galactic Brownie. The rule for me is simple: 160c or lower, and at least 30g.

Protein bars I reach for most:

Blue Unicorn (OH MY DOG!), David Gold and Bronze, Barebells Chocolate Dough, Salty Peanut and Brownie Batter, Pure Protein Galactic Brownie--with this one I'm very strict, because anything with more total carbs than protein is basically candy. It also needs at least 1g of protein per 10 calories, though I'd rather see something closer to 2 per 10, which is pretty much what David Gold bars deliver. Texture and taste aren't my favorite things about them, but the macros win out over everything. I chop them up and stir them into greek yogurt or cottage cheese that's been mixed with protein powder.

Protein powders I reach for most:

Devotion Nutrition--I burn through about 4lbs of Brownie Batter every month, plus Angel Food, Sinful Cinnamon and Buttery Blend. I NEVER drink it, though; I cook with it, and it bakes and microwaves beautifully. I also go through MealBoosters Parmesan and Cheesy Cheese (orange) like crazy. The Parmesan is soooo good.

And protein "snacks":

Crisp Power pretzels, Quest Chips, Legendary Chips, Legendary Protein Pasta, sometimes a Legendary Tasty Pastry, PB Fit, Miracle Noodles/Pure Tradition Egg White noodles. I was a big Catalina Crunch cereal fan until the recent reformulation, and now it's crap. Ghost also makes a really good Cinnamon Toast Crunch protein cereal. The Lucky Charms one is good, but not as good as the CTC!
 
If you're after a protein that blends without hassle, Optimum Nutrition whey is a solid pick.
 
Personally I take both. Protein bars are good when they aren't chewy, and I use them in place of chocolate, sweets, and similar things.
 
I scored a solid bargain on the 'zon: three 5lb tubs of Muscle Mass Whey Protein. I snapped them up eagerly, since the MM protein drinks sold in stores are something I really enjoy.

...Their protein powder, though? Can't stand it. I didn't catch that 32g of protein requires TWO massive scoops. And it's chalky AF. On top of that, certain days it lands in my stomach like a rock. Ugh.

Still, I'll push through and use them all up. They ran me about $35/each. Once they're gone, I'm switching back to ANIMAL whey protein. So smooth, and really tasty.
 
So I just found another item to put on my protein-focused food list: Premiere Protein cereal. I had no clue that the company behind my go-to ready-to-drink protein shake also makes cereal. Today at the store I picked up a couple of boxes, because I was really craving cereal—at home I usually go for instant oatmeal when I need a fast breakfast, but it's been forever since I had cereal. I'm thrilled! It'll go on the shelf right beside the Quest chips and Built bars.
 
ThatNextGril said:

So I just found another item to put on my protein-focused food list: Premiere Protein cereal. I had no clue that the company behind my go-to ready-to-drink protein shake also makes cereal. Today at the store I picked up a couple of boxes, because I was really craving cereal—at home I usually go for instant oatmeal when I need a fast breakfast, but it's been forever since I had cereal. I'm thrilled! It'll go on the shelf right beside the Quest chips and Built bars.
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A cereal brand named Ghost is something a few of my lifting buddies consume. In fact, they could also have drinks with powers.
 
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