"Protein shakes and powders (that are NSF-certified) can be a convenient and quick way to add protein in between meals or a meal like breakfast that is typically high in carbohydrates," suggests registered dietitian nutritionist Patricia Kolesa, MS, RDN. That being said, Kolesa does not recommend using protein supplements as a meal replacement for regular foods. Unlike many protein powders or shakes, whole-food protein sources often come with additional vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that your body needs; plus, the variation in texture and flavor in whole foods can be much more satisfying. Shakes and powders, however, can help sustain you through a busy day or help transform your existing snack into a more protein-packed one.
