protein powder vs meal replacement

I'm just starting to take my workout regiment seriously, and ran into an issue I wanted to ask those who know...

I have a Meal Replacement that I'm taking now. It's Labrada Lean Body. 300+ cal, 20+ carbs, 40+ g of protein. Seems like a good MR. But I still seem low on my protein intake (if using a 1.5g per lb calculation. I am 205 lbs and I am around 150g of protein per day, about 170 g carbs & 1800 cal per day).

That being said, is there a difference between a protein powder and an MR and can/do you take them during the same day?

For example, would you have a protein powder drink w/ lunch or dinner. While having an MR after your workout or for breakfast?

Thanks!

I could be wrong, but typically MR's are higher on calories and carbs, after all, they are meant to replace a meal.

Protein drinks on the other hand typically have fewer cal's low/no carbs.

I think the answer to your question is, yes, you can take both. I myself am not a fan of meal replacements though. Just my .02

I have drank 4 MRPs and one protein drink today. So I would say that yes you can drink them in the same day and actually I will add a scoop of protein powder to my MRP to up the protein sometimes.

[QUOTE=cutter311;204795531]
That being said, is there a difference between a protein powder and an MR and can/do you take them during the same day?

For example, would you have a protein powder drink w/ lunch or dinner. While having an MR after your workout or for breakfast?

Thanks![/QUOTE]

Yes thay can be taken on the same day. Just remember that they are called meal replacement for a reason. Try to get your protain from food: Fish, lean beef, chicken and eggs. Do not rely on them.

The second part of your question, are you asking if it's ok to drink a protein drink along with a meal?
If so that depends.
If you are eating a salad then yes a protein or MRP is ok.
If you are eating a protein rich meal then NO. Your body can consume so much protein per sitting.

Be sure to keep your protein consumption to no less than 2 hours apart because your body needs time to digest what you have first b4 you re-feed it.

.

Your Proteins and nutrients should come from food first.
Protein shake post workout.
Night time I prefer some form of casein.

you have gotten the answer you are looking for, but you have me scratching my head over wondering why the hell you are limiting yourself to 1800 calories a day???

even if you are trying to "cut", that is way too low....

what's the deal?

[QUOTE=JOHN GARGANI;204813651]you have gotten the answer you are looking for, but you have me scratching my head over wondering why the hell you are limiting yourself to 1800 calories a day???

even if you are trying to "cut", that is way too low....

what's the deal?[/QUOTE]

I consume more than that!

[QUOTE=JOHN GARGANI;204813651]you have gotten the answer you are looking for, but you have me scratching my head over wondering why the hell you are limiting yourself to 1800 calories a day???

even if you are trying to "cut", that is way too low....

what's the deal?[/QUOTE]

the 1800 cal is just kinda where I ended up. I have been running for 30 mins 3x week (4 min @ 6.5 - 7mph, 2 @ 4mph) and lifting 3x a week. 5 sets of 10 for each exercise (typically 3 for chest, 4 for arms shoulders & back) following the "you shouldn't be able to do the last rep of the last set"

At this time, I have a gut that I'm trying to lose mostly...and I guess that's why I was trying to go low on the calories...don't get me wrong, I'm REAL open to suggestions as far as losing this thang is concerned =)

[QUOTE=ntrllftr;204806311]
Be sure to keep your protein consumption to no less than 2 hours apart because your body needs time to digest what you have first b4 you re-feed it.

.[/QUOTE]


I thought I read somewhere to have your whey protein immediately after a workout then a meal about 20-30 minutes later.


Would this be an acception to your statement or would you recommend still waiting 2 hrs after your PWO drink?

If you drop the cals too low in your enthusiasm for weight loss, you'll succeed for awhile. Then stall out and have nowhere to go in terms of lowering the cals. You'll also have trouble keeping your muscle as well. Much better to eat as much as you can while looking for a 2 pound a week loss. Which may be easier to detect via measurements than on the scale.

[QUOTE=rpaul11;204843391]I thought I read somewhere to have your whey protein immediately after a workout then a meal about 20-30 minutes later.


Would this be an acception to your statement or would you recommend still waiting 2 hrs after your PWO drink?[/QUOTE]

Personally I don't believe in the "must have protein immediately after workout" thing. I recommend to just wait until getting home and eating whole food after working out.

Unless someone who has a schedule that they can not eat a meal and must have the drink afterwards. Then I would say depending on what type of protein drink it is, it might be wise to eat some carbs a half hour later.
Other than that I would wait an hour later for a full meal.

Just my opinion.

.

[QUOTE=ntrllftr;204847271]Personally I don't believe in the "must have protein immediately after workout" thing. I recommend to just wait until getting home and eating whole food after working out.

Unless someone who has a schedule that they can not eat a meal and must have the drink afterwards. Then I would say depending on what type of protein drink it is, it might be wise to eat some carbs a half hour later.
Other than that I would wait an hour later for a full meal.

Just my opinion.

.[/QUOTE]


appreciated man.

curious...and appologies to the OP for getting a little off track. But do you use protein powders at all?

I generally try to only take them post workout...but occasionally during the week I'll have one when I'm finding myself a little short on my intake on a given day.

I also like them on vacation when I don't always get to eat exatly as often as I like.

[QUOTE=ntrllftr;204847271]Personally I don't believe in the "must have protein immediately after workout" thing. I recommend to just wait until getting home and eating whole food after working out.

Unless someone who has a schedule that they can not eat a meal and must have the drink afterwards. Then I would say depending on what type of protein drink it is, it might be wise to eat some carbs a half hour later.
Other than that I would wait an hour later for a full meal.

Just my opinion.

.[/QUOTE]

Oh thank you! That's what I do, eat a meal when I get home. I've gotten blasted by someone for this. Because no way could I be maximizing my gains if I didn't have a protein shake within 15 minutes of the end of my workout.

[QUOTE=freebirdmac;204850841]Oh thank you! That's what I do, eat a meal when I get home. I've gotten blasted by someone for this. Because no way could I be maximizing my gains if I didn't have a protein shake within 15 minutes of the end of my workout.[/QUOTE]

Just like everything else....there are different theories on everything.

What Carl is doing is obviously working for him though :)

[QUOTE=rpaul11;204848251]appreciated man.

curious...and appologies to the OP for getting a little off track. But do you use protein powders at all?

I generally try to only take them post workout...but occasionally during the week I'll have one when I'm finding myself a little short on my intake on a given day.

I also like them on vacation when I don't always get to eat exatly as often as I like.[/QUOTE]

No worries...any info, is good info...this is all good to digest

[QUOTE=ntrllftr;204847271]Personally I don't believe in the "must have protein immediately after workout" thing. I recommend to just wait until getting home and eating whole food after working out.

Unless someone who has a schedule that they can not eat a meal and must have the drink afterwards. Then I would say depending on what type of protein drink it is, it might be wise to eat some carbs a half hour later.
Other than that I would wait an hour later for a full meal.

Just my opinion.

.[/QUOTE]

we have discussed this many times on here, and I have given my over-blown defense of what Natural is saying far too many times......


a great topic that could be expanded upon: the real truth behind the "anabolic window" and it's impact on bodybuilders.