Why should I limit the number of Protein Shakes I have a day?

[debrovnik]

I'm really busy at work (as always) and the only way I can get a low calorie, good carb, high protein snack is to have protein shake.

I have usually 4 a day. Some people have said this is bad.

A typical day looks like:

Protein shake

Normal Lunch

Protein Shake

Protein Shake

Normal Dinner

Protein Shake

Is this bad? I can't really see how it is - can anyone shed some light on this?

[Steve J0bs]

I hear too much protein can cause kidney problems. Why not stick to pre and post workout protein?

[debrovnik]

I hear too much protein can cause kidney problems. Why not stick to pre and post workout protein?

Meh??? I'm a bodybuilder. High protein is my game

Anyway - I'm asking if there is a specific problem with having the majority of my protein from shakes.

[in10city]

Meh??? I'm a bodybuilder. High protein is my game

Anyway - I'm asking if there is a specific problem with having the majority of my protein from shakes.

You lose the thermic effect of digesting the complex peptide bond of the proteins plus other nutrients found in the protein.

I assume that you are using a protein blend (casein + egg + milk + whey + hydrolysates, etc...) ?

While not exactly the most optimal diet, you can do it - as long as it's not causing GI problems or allergies. I would definitely suggest that you get an adequate amount of fiber along with it as well as a an appropriate amount of additional vitamins, minerals, etc...

[greenleaf]

I hear too much protein can cause kidney problems.

Stick to 1g of protein / pound of body weight and you should be OK.

[debrovnik]

Fair enough - I take fat burners to boost my metabolism. I definately get my vits in (multi vit, raspberies, blackcurrents and lots of green veg)

I'm taking pure whey, not a blend. Is that bad??

What are GI problems?

(Thanks for the reply )

You lose the thermic effect of digesting the complex peptide bond of the proteins plus other nutrients found in the protein.

I assume that you are using a protein blend (casein + egg + milk + whey + hydrolysates, etc...) ?

While not exactly the most optimal diet, you can do it - as long as it's not causing GI problems or allergies. I would definitely suggest that you get an adequate amount of fiber along with it as well as a an appropriate amount of additional vitamins, minerals, etc...

[in10city]

Fair enough - I take fat burners to boost my metabolism. I definately get my vits in (multi vit, raspberies, blackcurrents and lots of green veg)

I'm taking pure whey, not a blend. Is that bad??

What are GI problems?

(Thanks for the reply )

Unless you are drinking a shake every 90 minutes, you're better off using a blend to keep amino levels stabilized for longer periods of time.

GI => Gastrointestinal ... things like bloating, excess gas, loose stool, etc...

[muss2k1]

At least half of my protein intake comes from whey. You should be okay because its nearly impossible to get 160 grams of protein (my case) just from food without going over your caloric intake. You NEED the whey to not only meet protein quota but because whey gets digested and fuels your body with protein much faster than food.

my whey is 20 grams per scoop, I'll have a scoop in the morning, a scoop pre, a scoop post, and 2 scoops before sleep. That's about 100 grams from whey and the other 60-80 i knock out with meat/eggs/beans.

I have no issues, no stomach problems, no crapping problems

Mmmmmm protein!

[incognito129]

high protein intake can cause calcium deficiency.

[Jim_Gym]

I'm really busy at work (as always) and the only way I can get a low calorie, good carb, high protein snack is to have protein shake.

I have usually 4 a day. Some people have said this is bad.

A typical day looks like:

Protein shake

Normal Lunch

Protein Shake

Protein Shake

Normal Dinner

Protein Shake

Is this bad? I can't really see how it is - can anyone shed some light on this?

What about "Breakfast"? I would strive to eat at least three solid food meals per day- your breakfast could be one of them. And don't say that you don't have time to cook in the morning- one can make a solid food breakfast in minutes if one prepares in advance. (I usually have a half a chicken breast warmed up in the microwave, a slice of toasted sprouted grain bread with butter substitute on it and a banana, washed down with a cup of hot tea.)

I can't give you a scientific reason why that is better for you. But to me it is self evident, or at least deserves serious consideration, that certain elements like taste, chewing and the experience of eating a wide variety of solid food with the natural vitamins and minerals and anti-oxidants they contain is psychologically and physically preferable to drinking too many of your meals and consuming the same things all the time.

[in10city]

high protein intake can cause calcium deficiency.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2002/020424.htm

"with one caveat. The high-protein diet must also meet the recommended dietary allowance of calcium and vitamin D."

If your diet is low in calcium and high in protein, then there can be an issue with calcium turnover resulting in a negative calcium balance.

OP - Make sure your are meeting this need...

[-Foxhound-]

A typical day looks like:

1 cup oatmeal with milk + 4 whole eggs + 4 eggwhites

Normal Lunch

Protein Shake

Protein Shake

Normal Dinner

Protein Shake + serving of cottage cheese

Fixed

I don't see anything wrong, this is confirmed by your avatar

[debrovnik]

What about "Breakfast"?

I'm not that fussed about enjoying food at the moment - I enjoy my food when I'm bulking (too much sometimes!) So taste, chewing etc doesn't mean that much to me.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/pr/2002/020424.htm

"with one caveat. The high-protein diet must also meet the recommended dietary allowance of calcium and vitamin D."

If your diet is low in calcium and high in protein, then there can be an issue with calcium turnover resulting in a negative calcium balance.

That's a good point - I do take a Vit D sup but my calcium levels could be low! I'll add some more milk & cheese

Fixed

I don't see anything wrong, this is confirmed by your avatar

Good points mate! Add the cheese and eggs! I like!

[TheKansan]

There is a member of the Steroids forum, I believe ThejuicedChase, who has been on a liquid-only diet in the form of protein shakes mixed with various nutrients.and supplements for months.

[user321655]

There is a member of the Steroids forum, I believe ThejuicedChase, who has been on a liquid-only diet in the form of protein shakes mixed with various nutrients.and supplements for months.

that guy is a beassssssssssstttttttttttttttttt...


I know a guy who is treated like a GOD at a bodybuilder gym nr me. He is only 19,6ft 3, 19stone 18.5" arms etc BIGGG guy - claims to be natural, but i think otherwise.
Anyway he was telling me he cba with diet so he is currently bulking. He will eat like 3 chinese meals in a day or whatever and then he has upto 12 protein shakes on training days, he will have carb shakes etc too.

[shadout00]

Too much of anything can be psychologically tiring, but they say limit your intake since your body needs whole foods to work. A buddy of mine last year had some sort of eso****us problem from taking too much whey protein. This prevented him from continuing his walk-on for football and he was released. He said it was a high full feeling in his chest and he had trouble eating and swallowing.

Personally I don't see the problem, but I bet there are some side effects or hidden symptoms. Too much of anything is bad, even if its something good. Hence why Vitamin C is good for the skin, but too much causes acne.

[NBFan1984]

I don't think it's that big of an issue if you still get in a lot of veggies when you do eat but I agree with whoever said eat real food for breakfast

Breakfast

Shake

Lunch

Shake

Dinner

Shake

IMO would work really well, not doing breakfast won't kill you by any means, just not sure if I would do it

[izaktj]

It's not the quantity of shakes is what and how many macro and micro nutrients you get. Do you have a chart?
Anyway if that works for you than it's OK. What works for some might not work for others.