If im getting my protein ,why use a supplement?

[andys_trim]

I think it is almost impossible to have a diet that hits EVERY macro requirement. That is an essential part of bodybuilding or the iron game in general. That's why supplements are so huge. Because they help you get where you want to be.

[jslep]

the truth is taking protein and other bcaa's within the first 45mins after working out has been proven to be more beneficial than not. will it turn you into arnold.....no but why not start repairing those damaged tissues as quickly as possible. whole foods have a slower digestion process as opposed to whey protein shakes thats why after a workout a shake is more beneficial than a burger. also in the morning your body has spent an entire evening trying to repair itself. so even though you feel nice and refreshed your body is hungry as hell for nutrients. i go for a shake two times a day and they do not replace any real food that i try to stuff into my face also. i drink a shake in the morning wait about a 1/2 hour then pound a solid breakfast and my favorite energy drink. after a workout i imediately down a shake and some bcaa's (Xtend right now). they do have a place in your diet if you really want to be a beast. if you're just lifting to drop some pounds and not really looking to pack on the true mass then i guess you could simply drink some whole milk and call it good.

[dmaipa]

In my experience although I enjoy having a protein shake, due to money I decided to spend money on whole foods during my whole contest prep. I haven't noticed much difference between taking a shake or eating whole foods. I know there are research out there which are very valid and reliable but I believe as long as you are taking in the right nutrients with a shake or whole foods you will be fine. Since I'm in my contest prep right now I'd rather eat food than drink a shake.

[jslep]

i think a lot of people see their shakes as a replacement for a meal. i don't see it that way. i simply take shakes to aid in my recovery and growth at optimal times in the day. if i need to eat 6 meals to get ready for contest prep all six of them will have whole foods. when i take the shakes are times of muscle starvation. it has zero to do with my macro's for the day.

[Spartigus]

I personally dont take any form of supplement. I have been progressing and everything .

I cant tell you there is no need to take them, but if your hesitant about taking them, count your calories and amounts of protein, carbs and fat and see where you stand.

You could keep your food consistent and go without protein shakes, log your progression for a month. Then spend a month supplementing your diet with protein and log your progression for a month. Them compare.

[Abaddon]

My apologies to the OP for mistakenly thinking he was spamming.
Plenty of good info offered here buddy.