Protein intake - food vs. shakes

[Strychnine]

Percentage wise (Natural foods vs. shakes, etc), what is a good ratio for protein intake?

... and don't say 100% natural sources and no supplement, because that isn't going to happen.

I'm curious, b/c now that school has started again, my eating times cant be as regular as during the summer and I can't always cook, but I can always have a small snack and a shake.
Should I just take it however I can get it?


- Matt

[DatDude]

using both as a source of protein is preferred. whey protein has advatages that whole food doesn't such as high vitamin content and the fact that it is easily and quickly absorbed.

[ispy_malik]

agreed, plus if you always just take protien your metabolism will be shot to hell realllll quick.
ITs best to eat 4 Small WISE meals a day w/ alot of protein. On a heavy diet Get GOOD protein not the cheap stuff.. you and your stomach will thank me later.

[5111]

I usually take about 60% with whey protien and the other 40% from other sources.

[Josh@JKS]

For me, I just eat as many different animal proteins(eggs,chicken,steak, fish, and ground beef) as possible. I'm a believer in egg protein(raw,boiled,fried) you just can't beat it. I only drink protein shakes before and after workouts, but sometimes you just have to do what is convenient. I usually eat a good protein bar when i'm short on time, because they are more filling than a shake. I used to drink protein shakes all day but really was going nowhere. Now i just try to eat many balanced meals a day.

[MoonDog]

agreed, plus if you always just take protien your metabolism will be shot to hell realllll quick.
ITs best to eat 4 Small WISE meals a day w/ alot of protein. On a heavy diet Get GOOD protein not the cheap stuff.. you and your stomach will thank me later.
I agree with this. It is best to get your protein in 4 or 5 smaller amounts every 3 hours or so instead of trying to take it all in at once. Your body will be able to absorb and use more of it this way. And Whey Protein is probably the best supplement. You want to try to take in atleast 1 to 1.5 times your body weight from both food and supplements.

[ruffdaddy]

Any source of protein is beneficial...but dont do shakes because its the easy way out. If theres no alternative then they're great. However i've always heard shakes can be tough on the kidneys.

[MoonDog]

To much protein in general can be bad for your kidneys but yes, if you are getting most of your daily intake from shakes it can have an adverse effect. That is one reason I said to take in around 1-1.5 your body weight.

http://www.islandscene.com/food/1998/980107/protein_shake/index.asp?tz=5