Why do people drink protein shakes?

[Braede]

I’m somewhat new to the dieting and health world. I’ve lost around 20 pounds with probably 25 to go. I’ve accomplished it by just following a three meal a day diet plan. Switched to whole grain and reduced alcohol.

But obviously there’s no denying everyone is obsessed with protein right now. And protein shakes. I jog for around 10 mins so assume my protein needs aren’t massive. And as a meat eater I am probably doing ok.

But can someone explain why a person would choose to have a protein shake over a chicken salad say. Or scrambled eggs?

My sister suggested I buy some as she saw some on offer but in my mind I prefer just to eat a meal as otherwise I would feel very hard done by and therefore much more likely to pig out.

Is it convenience?

Is it to do with muscles? As I know lifting is a lot more popular now

Do they keep you fuller for longer than a meal would? Just want to know if I’m missing a trick.

Well I am just speaking from my own experience. So many recipes, especially breakfast ones, include a scoop of protein or if you google “healthy pancakes” invariable “protein pancakes” etc come up.

I was looking for muller rice yesterday in the supermarket as I had a craving and I saw they had ones with added protein. Was just curious why it seems to be popular right now

Please can I ask which your preferred flavours/brands are?

I have a protein drink every day regardless of whether I’m dieting or not. I have it for breakfast. I don’t fancy eating first thing and I really like the taste of the protein drink and I like being able to grab it and go. I then don’t feel hungry until after 1 or later. The rest of my diet is mostly non processed. Protein or diet drinks have improved a lot. I’m careful when I buy them and only get them when they are on sale.
I’m not saying it’s ideal but it works well for me. When I’m dieting I like the extra protein it gives me.

If you're trying to bulk up and working out a lot, but you also have a healthy diet, it can be hard to get in the amount of food you need to gain muscle or maintain weight. I used to have them for that reason when I was very into sports.

My husband loses weight easily and forgets to eat when stressed so he uses them to fill up.

Theyre cheap, quick and low cal for the protein amount - usually 20g for 200kcal.

They taste horrible 'raw' but if you add things like frozen fruit (good for fibre), expresso and also linseed/chia seeds, they can be okay.

They keep me full - probably because they are slightly nauseating.

The rest of my diet is non UPF too. My GP has actually told me I need more protein because of being veggie.

Because influencers on social media are telling them to do so.

Have a look at the advice on Zoe or the Zoe podcasts - proper science based info. Zoe is run by Prof Tim Spector.

Choc slimfast 😊

Its just the latest food craze, feel free to ignore until the next craze. Very few adults need more protein. This is a new way to separate us from our money.

My husband lifts weights, so he has a protein shake as well as his usual meals, not instead of. I'm not convinced he needs that much protein, but he doesn't look bad on it.

Well done on your weight loss. You’re obviously doing it right! Nothing has changed: eat real food, not too much, and move your body. The rest is people making money at the expense of your health and wallet.

I drink them because I usually don’t eat breakfast or lunch. They offer a good amount of protein (46 grams in the one I buy) and I’ve noticed myself putting on more muscle now that my intake is higher. I don’t feel hungry until dinner, even after working and riding my horses. It’s extremely convenient.

I drink them because I find the protein to be the least interesting bit of a meal (I like vegetables and carbs), so wouldn’t get enough otherwise. This was particularly the case when I was pregnant and couldn’t stomach most protein sources at all.

I have ARFID and eat a very restricted diet which includes very little protein. I don’t eat any meat or eggs so a protein shake means I at least get some protein in my diet.
If I could I’d have all my meals in liquid form!

Most protein powders are UPF and full of sweetners and additives- for some reason it's not demonised presumably because it's marketed as a health food. I'm taking Louco now which has vits/minerals and plant protein powder - expensive but I do feel a lot bouncier and it does seem to regulate my sugar/food cravings (rather than keeping me full for longer). I think it was designed for post-partum women but seems to work for me post meno. The rest of them I really wouldn't bother with (and I lift a lot of weights).

Good question OP, I'm a PT so for me and many mates who are athletes, it's definitely convenience. You won't need them if you're already eating some decent quality meat. I think in the weight loss community the protein message is more centred around making sure you're not only eating carbs, but getting good protein and fibre too as that helps fat loss and physical health for a whole variety of reasons.

I always assumed they wouldn't be filling. Interesting to hear that they are

I’m with you on the soup.

I have berries, banana, seeds, oats, milk and sometimes yoghurt with unflavoured whey powder. I can’t say how this compares to having just powder and milk/water plus sweeteners/flavourings/thickeners as I’m whacking in extras.
If I was retired and had loads of time I probably wouldn’t bother too much unless I needed to lose weight but I like banana smoothies just as much as I like salad so it’s no hardship to me

When I was a powerlifter I needed to increase my protein intake exponentially, but I needed to be mindful of my other macros. It is hard to eat a lot of protein, especially when you are too busy to sit down for 10 minutes or cook or don't always have food storage facilities.

I absolutely hate protein shakes but they were a means to an end.

I drink Huel because it is quick, easy and doesn't need me to cook anything. Easy breakfast between the long commute and the busy day at work.

My husband drinks them because he is elderly and in poor health and sipping a shake through the day gets some calories and protein into him plus all the vitamins and minerals that he needs.

No, not at all. They are very filling. It's quite hard to get 25g protein in other forms I find especially at breakfast so they are very convenient for me

I’m a vegetarian so achieving my daily protein goal is an uphill battle without a shake. I run a fair bit each week so it’s important for recovery. I eat eggs and Greek yoghurt as well as lentils, beans, chickpeas etc but nothing is as high as a protein shake. It’s quick and easy for me as well, I just add a scoop to my smoothie for breakfast or I’ll have a shake after a run.

I think it's always preferable to get your protein from a healthy diet but some need more

I had a gastric sleeve in June and I'm a vegetarian. My calorie intake is very very low because I can't eat normal meals so I do use protein shakes to try and increase it.

You need carbs for energy OP

Non UPF diet, Intermittent Fasting 19/5 and use 2 teaspoons of WPI mixed with natural Greek Yoghurt or cottage cheese. Fit and healthy non gym goer.
I find it helps maintain muscle.