Quote:
Originally Posted by blankall
I'm using a lot of protein supplements right now. Although I think lean meats are ideal, they're not always practical.
It's difficult for me to eat lean meat throughout the day. I find it important to have a constant supply of protein, as opposed to one large proteing meal. I do all my cooking. I can pre-cook a bunch of chicken breats, but pre-cooked chicken breast is...well kind of gross.
Secondly, protein shakes are a very cheap source of protein. You can get 30 grams of protein for under $1.00. Throw in some frozen fruit and plain yogourt and you have a great tasting meal/snack for under $2.00. The cost of a chicken breast is considerably more.
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No doubt protein powder has its uses. Keep in mind that most people who decide to start exercise simply go out and purchase a protein supplement and take 1 - 2 scoops a day without knowing their protein needs or how much they consume. For those people I would not recommend a supplement.
Also, I'm not sure where this constant supply of protein misconception came from, but it's not true. Just like your essential amino acid intake, general protein intake should be looked at on a day-to-day basis,
not hour-to-hour or whatever. You don't need a constant supply of protein provided that you are meeting your requirements throughout the day. You don't urinate out excess protein from a large meal, it's all utilized or stored to utilize later.
And protein powder should not be used as a meal replacement. There are a lot more things in chicken than just protein.
A good alternative to protein powder is as simple as a glass of skim milk: 90 calories, 9g of protein, vitamin D, and calcium. That's another negative of taking in too much protein. You should have at least a 10:1 calcium(mg) to protein (g) ratio. For example, 1000mg of calcium for every 100g protein.