Protein Powder: Why?
 

Hello,

I'm trying to get more protein into my diet and am thinking about protein powder. The thing is, it seems that for the same amount of calories as a serving of protein powder, I could eat 3 or 4 oz of turkey and get the same number of protein grams.

So is the point of protein powder just to work protein into things like desserts and smoothies? Or am I missing something?

Thanks!

I think the point is...some people get tired of turkey!

I usually use protein powders to sneak protein into things that don't normally have it (like protein pancakes) and when I need more protein, but don't want typical protein foods. I can make myself a chocolate "shake" and still get plenty of the protein I need.

The one I use also doubles as a multi-vitamin, which turkey wouldn't do.

Some people also have a harder time building muscle than others and a simple piece of turkey may not provide enough of the building blocks. You can get the proteins also without the fat and cholesterol (however minor in Turkey) if you use it in water or fat free milk.

Thanks for the info! I'm putting this on my shopping list. I'm sick of turkey myself.

And then you have your vegetarians.

Portability is also an issue.

I go to the gym after work and I really really really need a quick protein fix after the gym before I get home (traffic often means that it's 45 mins to an hour before I get home). I don't really want to carry a cooler around in the car to keep turkey or whatever. But I can grab a small container of skim milk from the convenience store and chunk a scoop of protein powder in it - and drink that on the way home.

It gives me my post workout protein, means I don't have to keep a cooler in the car, and most importantly keeps me from getting home and running into the kitchen to eat everything in sight before dinner is ready. :)

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PhotoChick - That is a great idea! Is there a protein powder that you prefer or would suggest?

Just watch out with protein powder. Some of the guys at work take it, and they can leave a bathroom gased out for hours.

I use spiru-tein unsweetened vanilla. I tossed some in my pancake this morning. Some days I just want my whole grain pancake (with strawberries!) without a side of protein. 80 calories a scoop for 14 grams of protein seems reasonable.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what brand to use? I've been looking into protein powder myself and I'm curious about which ones are considered the best tasting.

I tried vanilla EAS Whey Protein just because it was available in my local grocery. It's good. I put it in oatmeal, iced coffee, and yogurt. I think it's relatively expensive, but when I compare it to the cost of meat, it's cheap.

I use On 100% Whey Gold Standard protein powder from the health food store. 1 scoop is 110 calories are 24 grams of Protein. For quick on the go I use the premade EAS Whey Protein Shakes - 110 calories and 17 grams of protein.

I actually tossed 1/4 scoop in my hot cereal this morning. We didn't have any PB and I wanted a little extra protein for yoga. It just tasted creamy.

Yeah - I'm digging protein powder in my oatmeal, right now.