Is it viable to nix meats in favor of whey protein drinks?

[Deja Q]

Both have the same amount of cholesterol, but the drinks have MUCH less fat and more yummy amino acids. And taste like chocolate, not like tasty roadkill as I've come to expect from meats.

It'd be cheaper too... $25 per 6LBs is more or less a 6 week supply, if I go by their directions.

As I otherwise want to continue building muscle, I think this is the better way to go.

Would you agree?

Thx!

[Kutjara]

1. This is something you'll need to research carefully Hypno.

Making big changes to your diet is a serious business and should only be undertaken once you know all the facts. When substituting one food for another, make sure that the new food gives you the same nutrients as the old one. A lot of new vegetarians, for example, experience health problems because they inadvertantly give themselves vitamin deficiencies through not eating the right kinds of vegetables. The same may be true if you switch wholesale from meat to whey protein (I don't know this, you understand, I'm just saying it's something to consider).

Spend some time delving into the more reputable health and nutrition websites before you do anything.

[Shakespeare]

2. You may already be doing this, but I'd add a good supplement of L-Carnitine

It's a VERY necessary amino acid that comes primarily from meat (and it's a fat-burner, too!). You can buy them as gelcaps, but I prefer buying the liquid and adding a tablespoon to my smoothie. Puritan.com has the best prices on it.

edited to add: L-Carnitine is vital for cardiac health.

[Deja Q]

4. Thanks!

I just bought some L-Carnatine and L-Creatine supplements today. The L-Creatine also contains other amino acids and Taurine (which may be beneficial as I read people with anxiety disorders use it).

[Shine]

5. Good call. I take it daily.

:hi: Best price I've found is through LuckyVitamin.com
I get all my supplements through them.

[flvegan]

3. If you were to replace ONLY the meat in your diet with whey protein shakes

for a LIMITED time, you'd be okay. So long as the shakes have a complete amino profile and the rest of your diet is balanced (you can't JUST consume shakes, IOW).

That said, if you're looking to build muscle, you'll be disappointed. You'll need additional vitamins (like a daily), and I'd add a creatine (ethyl malate, by preference) supplement as well (your only source would have been meat itself).

Also, remember that diet is half the battle. If you want to build muscle, you need exercise, hopefully some of which is in the form of weight/resistance training.