Protein powders vs Meal replacement shakes?

• 

  Findo on 15/06/2015 - 23:09

  I've been drinking protein shakes as meal replacements and they haven't helped me lose weight, but they do make cheap meal replacements (and are a lot cheaper than up and go). Perfect for lazy, time scarce uni students like me :)

  • 

    scrimshaw on 16/06/2015 - 01:29

    +3

    Avoid Up n Go if you want to lose weight. It's packed full of sugar, and therefore, carbs.

    See my comment from last year.

    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/159204#comment-2213399

    It's no different than drinking sugary milk with half a weet bix blended in. If you want the protein without the associated carbs in a glass, turn to unsweetened soymilk. Cheaper too, more calcium and less sodium.

    Don't buy into the BS and marketing that is liquid breakfasts.

• 

  BlazinPast on 15/06/2015 - 23:12

  How many calories in these shakes?

• 

  qwerty on 15/06/2015 - 23:33

  unless you are on a keto diet or something like that just look at the calories

• 

  marcozmitch on 16/06/2015 - 05:12

  +2

  Have a read of this article below. Straight In/Out calorie counting is not the answer.

  http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/apr/22/obesity-owes-…

  VLCD (diet/ meal replacement) powders are a sophisticated mix of skim milk powder/vitamin and mineral powders and some have a bit of fibre in them. Most have thickeners to help you feel full.

  Avoid sugar, white flour and starchy foods that lack nutrients and fibre.
  You do need complex carbs. as part of a balanced diet.

  ** Eating food is the best way to get these nutrients.**

  Body building powders are hugely over-priced.

  Eating eggs is almost a complete food in terms of nutrient content.
  (And sorry Paleo Diet Fad, you had me tricked for a while too).

  • 

    Sage on 16/06/2015 - 12:55

    +1

    Thanks, this is very helpful.

• 

  c64 on 16/06/2015 - 06:02

  +1

  I don't go to the gym, I am only interested in losing a bit of weight with the convenience of these drinks. (Plus I like the energy)

  reduce your intake of refined carbs for long-term weight loss. replace with healthy fats. watch your protein intake as well. excess protein is converted to sugar for fuel by your body. i'm assuming you don't extraordinary protein requirements. avoid protein supplements.

  • 

    c64 on 16/06/2015 - 18:39

    also spread your protein out over 3 meals rather than a big hit in one meal such as dinner (because of excess protein metabolism).

• 

  lysp on 16/06/2015 - 15:35

  +1

  Meal replacement shakes are essentially just a protein powder, a carb source (sugar) and a few vitamins/minerals thrown in at minute amounts so they can claim to have them in it and health benefits, etc, etc.

  They also usually use a cheap source of protein - milk powder.

  If you get a WPC (whey protein concentrate) powder - simply add any additional fats, carbs that you require. You'll get better value for money, a better quality protein and be able to control exactly what additives / additional calories are put in it. Plus your mix will be a higher protein amount too, because most replacements are quite low on protein per serve.

  You can get 5kg of WPC for around $100 from various bulk suppliers.