Greetings ... with due diligence, I have read all that I can in the past posts re: this topic and still have a few questions. I purchased a can of Milk & Egg Protein Powder from Trader Joe's and have begun using it in my shakes which supposedly already contain 20-25g (kind of clumpy, but I'm too lazy to pull out the 'ol Osterizer).
The label states that a serving of the powder contains 24g of protein which sounds great as I am trying to up my protein at the request of my trainer at the gym ... I have been off my program (a bit in my WOE but mostly in my exercise ... or should I say NON-exercise!) for almost 3 months but intend to begin working with him next week.
To my understanding, the nutrients contained in vitamins may not be utilized in ones body as well or in the same way as nutrients ingested from real food. Is there the same issue using protein powder or will my body assimilate it like the real thing? Am I really getting almost 50g of protein from this one drink? I appreciate any info and/or suggestions.

While I'm waiting for Paladin to chime in here for a scientific explanation of your questions , this article may help in the meantime.

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April

The face of a child can say a lot -- especially the mouth part of the face.

My Blog

Thanks April, for the ref: to the Atkin's site. I had read that and was a bit concerned. The label on the protein powder mentions nothing of sugars ... yet, I am leary.

Good thinking on Paladin. He was quick to respond to my question on Pria bars. I'm still stumped as to whether the protein in the powder/shakes is assimilated the same as whole foods. Thanks again.

PS ... since you are a mod/admin why is my start/current/goal weight not showing on my posts?

Come on you gurus on the right coast ... it is 8:30 your time ... I'm itch'in for a frosty shake ... need to know if I need to bulk up on my chicken/beef tonight or if I can accomplish some of it through a shake ... this girl needs her protein

I'm not sure about this--just a guess--but I'd think that the protein powder would work just fine. If you are getting protein in meat, there are also other ingredients in there, but the protein powder is just protein.

I imagine meat is better for most of the time, but I don't know why protein powder would be problematic.

Thanks for your input Terra ... I agree that beef/chicken are preferable. Still need to figure out if the powders are really the same as "real" proteins.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>...why is my start/current/goal weight not showing on my posts? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Do you have it listed on your profile in your "signature" window?

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April

The face of a child can say a lot -- especially the mouth part of the face.

My Blog

Sorry, I don't really have any inside knowledge on this topic but...

I am inclined to agree with terra though that protein is protein. Also, if they work for bodybuilders then I can't see any reason that they would not work for you.

The other thing that I would like to add though is that eating the actual meat will also contain some natural vitamins/minerals, but if you are getting regular meals that should not be a problem.

Finally, protein can be converted to glucose in the body. If you are a heavy excerciser, then this might help you, but if you begin to have some problems (a stall specifically) then your protein intake might be something you would want to look at.

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Started Atkins on 9/20/03
235-->190; 150 goal

I appreciate your thoughts and info Paladin. Yes, I am getting protein from my meats/chicken yet I am at a bit of a stall due to (I believe)my lack of exercise the past 3 months. I hate to admit it, but I'm really looking for a super simple, protein dense and quick breakfast and these kicked up protein shakes would fill the bill if they worked for my Atkins WOL. Again, thanks all for your input.