Happy Monday. Last week’s post was a lot of fun to write but this week we’re back to nutrition, but this post in particular is a follow-up from a previous post a few weeks ago, after having a reader write in asking whether or not they should get the majority of their protein from shakes, or whole foods.

I’m really glad they asked, because this gave me the perfect opportunity to put my two cents into the whole protein source argument.

I’d also like to announce after some contemplation and requests, posts from now on can be listened to and read – just look for the audio file at the bottom of this post.

Let’s get started.

Workout Nutrition DIY: Whole Foods vs Protein Shakes.

There’s been this never-ending debate of whether it’s better to get your protein from whole foods or protein shakes ever since protein powder became readily available on the market for as long as I can remember. While the greats like Arnold Schwarzenegger were able to still build impressive physiques without the use of protein powders, both powders and whole foods in today’s era have their time and place.

If you’ve read SUPP UP. No Bull, Whole Foood Military Nutrition On The Go, you already know that in terms of portability and bioavailability, protein powders and the long list of portable whole foods mentioned in chapter 1 reign supreme when it comes to getting that quick but satiating protein hit (and if you haven’t bought the book yet, well…you know what to do).

The internet has enabled people to freely voice their opinions, and you’ll find an abundance of varying arguments – from some saying that protein powders aren’t a food at all (which is absolute bullshit in my opinion, when looking at it on a nutritional perspective), and others on the extreme opposite end of the spectrum saying that you can get all your protein from shakes alone.

I’ve always been a firm believer that balance is key – something many of my dedicated followers and readers have learnt and know about me since I authored the SUPP UP. Guides a while ago.

So here’s my two cents:

If you’re going to drink protein powders, you mainly want them to be centered around your workout nutrition – that is to say, pre, intra, and post-workout.

If you’re drinking protein shakes outside of those time frames, it’s best to use them as a way to taper feed/maintain your muscle mass, or as a quick protein hit in combination with whole foods to kick-start your day.

As a general rule of thumb, for the purpose of hitting my macros, I like to limit my protein powder intake to about 33% of whatever my protein ratio is for my current nutrition uptake. This of course, varies on the day, depending on what kind of workout I’m doing for that day, and the intra-workout nutrition required based on level of intensity and volume.

Bottom line, you want the majority of your protein to come from whole foods. This is largely because when you get your protein from a whole food source, many of times you can kill two birds with one stone, as with the right foods, you’re able to also fulfill part of your fat intake requirements, as discussed in chapters 4 and 5 of SUPP UP. . . . On The Go and SUPP UP. . . . At Home, respectively. Below is a photo from this Sunday of a typical breakfast I have in the morning…

Healthy fats, among other things, are what make those muscles of yours grow…and grow and grow.

It’s not just protein and fats – if you remember the diagram shown in both books, you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about and how ALL nutrients come into play if you really want to experience healthy, clean lean mass gains – and not feel like shit.

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If you really liked this post, but don’t have the SUPP UP. books yet, buy either SUPP UP. On The Go or SUPP UP. At Home E-BOOKS now, and discover other supplements that are worth your time and money, separating the bunk from the useful.

Both nutrition books work very well in conjunction with my workout guide, SUPP UP. No Bull, Gym In A Bag Workout Guide, which provides guidance on the best portable workout equipment to own, a breakdown of how muscles are and can be effectively worked, and customizable workout plans. If you haven’t already check it out now, either in paperback or as an e-book.

Drop by next week for yet another great post to add to your workout and nutrition arsenal.

Stop doing guesswork, start making the necessities of your life easier.

SUPP UP. – Get your copies now.

If You Know How To Fuel and Train Your Body, Where You Are Matters Less.™

– SUPP UP.

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Photo Credit:
Photos 1, 2, and 3: SUPP UP.