Using protein powder for all my protein.

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hi Jordan,

Do you see anything wrong with getting almost all my daily protein (~180 g / day) from whey protein powder? I also eat 10+ servings / day of a variety of fruits and vegetables. I’ve been doing this for 2 years now and find it very sustainable.

2

You definitely aren’t getting all your daily protein from whey protein, as there is protein in fruits, vegetables, and fat sources.

I think you’re likely missing out on lots of social occasions, potentially some essential fatty acids and vitamins, while potentially exposing yourself to a supplement that may be contaminated.

Could you do this and avoid these pitfalls? Sure, but I don’t think you’re developing the eating behaviors necessary to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

3

Thanks. I don’t have anything against eating meat and I do so on social occasions. It’s just that the majority of my days are as I described. Just considering essential fatty acids and vitamins, how much meat would you recommend?

4

I don’t have a meat recommendation, but I would aim for ~2 meals per day and 2 shakes if you’re going to use them.

5

Thanks. Is contaminated protein powder prevalent enough to really worry about? Do you have any opinions on MyProtein? I’ve been using them exclusively for the last few years.

6

Yea, about 1/3 to 1/2 of all protein is contaminated, though the data is not that straightforward. I don’t have any opinions on MyProtein.