This is a question we are often asked! OK, let’s get it out of the way. Unfortunately, the short answer is no. Whey Protein Powder on its own cannot be used as a meal replacement. But did you catch the sentence’s important part? ‘On its own’. That’s because there is plenty of different food we can add to Whey Protein Powder so that the mixture can be your meal replacement. We will explain how! OK, first, what constitutes a ‘Meal’? It will help first to define what a meal is. A meal is typically a combination of various foods that lend themselves to a moderate to high calorie count made up of a blend of micronutrients and macronutrients. In simple language, meals usually contain a combination of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, in addition to some other good things like minerals and vitamins. If we are consistent, we usually have several different meals daily, so that means we get a wide, diverse range of macro nutrients and cover all of our mineral and vitamin demands too.

How is Whey Protein Powder Different?

Whey Protein Powder is an extremely concentrated source of just one macronutrient. Whey Protein Powder is designed to provide a highly bioavailable protein source into your system quick, to promote and enhance the physical function of your body. Because it is so high in the one protein nutrient it lacks in the other two nutrients (fats, carbohydrates) required to constitute it as a ‘meal’. A superior quality Protein Powder will contain a small quantity of fats and carbs with minerals and vitamins but certainly not enough on a gram per gram basis to be considered a meal.

How Can I Use Whey Protein Powder as a Meal Replacement?

The simplest way to use your Whey Protein Powder as a meal replacement is to break out the blender. We are going to create a meal of it, using Whey Protein as just one component with a healthy mix of additional fats and carbohydrates. Add the Whey Protein into the blender. In this case, we advise high quality, organic unflavoured Whey Protein Powder. With quality ingredients it can be used in multiple smoothie combinations, skipping all the artificial preservatives and sweeteners while not affecting the flavour.

Pop some oats or (dried) fruit into the blender. For carbohydrates, fruit is a good choice. It adds a taste profile with minerals and vitamins and blends well with everything. Rolled oats are a great choice as well as they aid to make the smoothie much more filling – perfect for breakfasts or in between meals. Frozen fruits can be used year-round and chills a health-boosting smoothie nicely. Be careful not to add too much fruit however as this can increase the content of sugar rather quickly.

Pink Whey Protein Smoothie

Put your chosen healthy fats into the blender. Next, we need some healthy fats. We’re suckers for peanut butter, but any nut butter is a good option and you could also opt for avocado, chia seeds or flax seeds. Finally, add some cold liquid, blend and you’re good to go! Plant based milks are our favourite. It adds an awesome creamy consistency while complimenting the overall taste. Quick and easy, right?

You’ve got a great meal in your hands now, one with high quality ingredients that are digested easily and quickly and can be taken on the go! This means also that your body gets a break from digesting food all the time. By adding Whey Protein Powder not solely will you benefit from the nutrient itself but because of its satiating effects. A protein-rich smoothie will keep you fuller for a much longer time, great for building lean muscle and boosting weight loss.

Whey Protein is the dominant form of protein supplement because it offers a complete BCCA profile. It contains all the Branch Chain Amino Acids necessary to fuel your muscles and fuelling you through the day. It is a fast absorbing and easily digested protein, great for muscle growth and recovery. Compared to whole food protein sources, Whey Protein provides a much higher concentration of protein and essentials amino-acids. Gram for gram, Whey Protein Powder offers very good value. Easy to mix with any food on the go and it is also extremely convenient of use.