If I am trying to eat 5-6 meals a day, does just a protein shake (31g or powder, 20g or protein) with 8oz of water constitute for a meal? I have one of these protein shakes pre and post workout. It goes like this:

Pre-Workout Shake w/water
Workout (Cardio and Weights)
Post-Workout Shake w/water


Also, I read on another site that its a good idea to have some slow digesting protein (Casein Protein) before going to sleep. I have Whey protein and have been having a scoop with milk before sleep. Good idea? Or should I just get Casein protein instead when I get some more cash flow.

If I am trying to eat 5-6 meals a day, does just a protein shake (31g or powder, 20g or protein) with 8oz of water constitute for a meal?

If you're trying to lose weight, then I wouldn't waste the calories on all those shakes. Have 1, post workout, with some oats or dextrose if you want to go that route. Carbs+protein+fat = meal.

If you're trying to lose weight, then I wouldn't waste the calories on all those shakes. Have 1, post workout, with some oats or dextrose if you want to go that route. Carbs+protein+fat = meal.


I think it depends a lot on the type of shakes you're drinking. If they're loaded with sugar, then sure, wasted calories. But if they're almost all protein, and protein you need, then go for it, I think most count a shake as a meal.

I am still learning something new everyday, so I will listen to the older members first. That being said, I try not to eat 2 protein shakes in a row. Your example has 3. A balanced and healthy diet consist of exactly that: Balance. Eating solid meals can speed your metabolism and keep you full longer.:tu:

I tend to notice that a meal with the same macros as a shake can keep me satisfied and feeling full longer. On a cut that helps because it keeps you on track and deteriorates you from cheating or feeling the need to compensate with unhealthy foods.

A protein shake does count as a meal. I usually eat my second meal on campus at school and it consists of ~40g protein (1.5 scoops whey), 15g fat (walnuts are flax oil), and 20g of carbs (banana, etc.).

This counts as a full meal because it has the necessary components of a balanced and healthy diet. However, I do not rely on shakes and only drink them when I am in a time crunch or away from a fridge/home.

I also drink a shake after a workout, which is something MANY people on this board do. That is :tucool:

Hope my view helps, good luck

Eating solid meals can speed your metabolism and keep you full longer.:tu:

I tend to notice that a meal with the same macros as a shake can keep me satisfied and feeling full longer. On a cut that helps because it keeps you on track and deteriorates you from cheating or feeling the need to compensate with unhealthy foods.


Exactly what I was gonna say. Eating solid food keeps me full longer. After a shake I will be looking for food within an hour. Today I put instant oats in my shake and just downed it and that kept me full longer. I think I am going to do that instead of dextrose while I cut. I'll go back to dextrose when I bulk.