Food compared to protein shakes

[pwrofone]

is there a large difference in the value of eating say... 2 chicken breasts compared to a protein shake with 40 grams of protein? How many protein shakes should be consumed a day? does it matter where you get your protein from is pretty much what i am asking. haha

[Tim Wescott]

Food is always better in my opinion,because it is thermic, which causes the body to burn more energy digesting,absorbing,and assimilating it..............plus it`s natural,or at least it should be.

On the other hand,protein powder is very conveinient to use, and is great at post-workout if you use whey because of its quick digestibilty.

I would recommend having no more than 2 shakes a day.........since it is a supplement..........key word here is SUPPLEMENT............meant to supplement the whole food diet.

A good scenario in some cases,depending on ones goals, would be to have a whey shake first thing in the AM, to get protein into the system quickly,and one immediately after training.

Another option is to have a casein based shake before bed,because it digests slower, and aminos will trickle into your system slowly while you sleep.

There are other scenarios also,but just like these,they depend on a persons goals.

[bodyfx]

I generally consume 7 meals per day, with 3 of them being shakes. I ALWAYS use shakes pre and post workout, and sometimes for breakfast or before bed.

When training for mass I don't feel that it makes TOO much difference where your protein comes from, but it becomes more important that it comes from whole foods when cutting.

What is most important is consistency in protein intake, and never allowing your body more than 3 hours without a feeding.

[youngblood]

Food is superior. I've taken shakes at all times of the day, pre- and post- workout, and had solid meals during the aforementioned times as well. Never made any difference if I had a solid meal or if I had a shake before/after workouts. The most important thing is to just get the food/protein/calories in your system ASAP.
BodyFx is right on his last statement, just make sure your not going too long without consuming anything as to make your body catabolic.

[Intensity]

Good comments in here ! I agree that protein powder should be see as a SUPPLEMENT… but on the other hand, they are very effective so i wouldnt worry to much about taking them! I'm eating 8 or 9 meals a day and 3 or 4 of them are shakes! First thing in the morning, pre-workout, post workout and when i'm lazy in the evening instead of eating a real solid meal So i prefer solid meals… but shakes allow me to be ABLE to eat that much in the off season… and eating that CLEAN in the on season… So in my mind, go for shakes if you want and if they dont become your main protein source of the day

[RUBICON19]

WHOLE FOOD!!!!!

Boy am I HUNGRY!!!!