Drinking protein vs Eating protein

If you’ve passed by a sports goods store, you can’t miss seeing those huge cool-looking containers of protein powder, whey protein and casein. And sure, having protein shakes sounds and looks cool too. But is having them necessary, especially if you’re not a professional body builder? Fitness trainers generally advise individuals who workout to have it and especially those who are vegetarians. Whereas, some health experts are of the opinion that protein are meant to be eaten rather than drunk. That having protein in natural made form is better than drinking it in the form of an artificially prepared powder. We spoke to experts to give their opinions on this debate whether proteins are meant for eating or drinking.

Drink it

Prashant Sawant, celebrity fitness trainer

Celebrity fitness trainer Prashant Sawant opines that vegetarians don’t get enough protein because of their diet. Therefore, it’s always better to have proteins shakes. There are many types of protein shakes available in the market today, but it is better to opt for isloate protein, also known as whey protein. 

But before getting started on protein shakes, individuals must consult a fitness expert who will accordingly advise depending on the individual’s body weight, diet and amount of physical activity. 

In the case of vegetarians, for them, natural sources of proteins would include dal, paneer but these aren’t 100 per cent protein. 

I would advise people to have a protein shake post-workout, within 30 minutes after completing weight training because the proteins are digested and absorbed faster. It’s best to have one scoop or one serving size with water or skimmed milk.

These days, most people are so busy rushing to work, to do errands, etc. don’t have time to prepare and have meals. In that case, making a quick protein shake is their go-to option. Prashant advises that if one wishes to have protein shakes as a meal replacement option, then it is better to go with casein protein shake.

Protein shakes are harmless with no side-effects as such but it’s always better for individuals with health issues like uric acid problems,  kidney and cardiovascular problems to check with their doctor.

If you’re a non-vegetarian and you do not work out, there’s no need to take protein shakes. One won’t put on weight as such but why take it unnecessarily? Also, protein shakes aren’t tasty like milkshakes that one might have it as a beverage.

Eat it

Pooja Makhija, clinical nutritionist

Clinical nutritionist Pooja Makhija believes in eating proteins rather than drinking it, saying, “It’s better to eat your proteins be it plant-based or animal-based variety, which is naturally made versus something that is manufactured or engineered in lab. It’s far better to eat from a plate than a pill.” 

It is far more difficult to go overboard with eating protein than drinking it. It takes about 20 minutes of chewing for us to feel satiated and for the brain to register that you’re full. Nobody takes 20 minutes to drink a protein shake, so you won’t get the feeling of being satiated.

Those individuals who want to replace meals with protein shakes to lose weight, remember it is a shortcut and shortcuts don’t really last. Whatever results you get will vanish when you resume eating normal food, unless you intend to stick to protein shakes for the rest of your life. So, it’s better to stick to eating basic healthy food like dal, roti and subzi.  

For those who want to drink protein shakes because they don’t have time to prepare meals and eat, it is a matter of prioritising. You must learn to prioritise to at least make or have breakfast. What are you running so much for? What’s the purpose of working so much and so hard if you don’t even have the time to eat? The most essential aspect of being is to nourish and take care of yourself.  

Makhija agrees that vegetarians have lesser quality and quantity of proteins in their diet. 

A common misconception that people have is that drinking protein shakes will give them muscles. Remember, muscles are built in the gym, not by drinking protein shakes. For those who are into intense or professional body building, for them protein shakes are necessary. Normal individuals who workout can still manage with eating proteins and not having protein shakes necessarily. 

Makhija adivses: If you’re having protein shakes, have it for the right reasons. Not because you can’t make time to eat food or as a meal replacement to lose weight.