When time doesn't always allow for whole foods...
Honestly whole foods are best, as I'm sure everyone is aware of that. But I understand that like many people you may work so many hours and have very little time to grab a real food source, prepare it and consume it. However, in those situations you would have time to consume a quick protien drink, and I think when that is all you have time for, then that's better than the alternative -which would be nothing. There are days when I train so many clients all day and they are back to back, I have zero time to prepare and eat food - even food that I already prepared earlier in the day. But I can carry a cup around with me as I train with my protein drink in it and at least I'm getting some nourishment as opposed to nothing. My husband too, works manual labor all day building boatdocks and rarely has time to stop to eat every 2-3 hours like he needs to do for bodybuilding, but he can quickly pop the top on his Monster Milk protein drink and down it. Those are his lifesavers for bodybuilding because without them he would barely consume enough calories to maintain muscle mass, let alone build.
Long story short, if all you have access to or all you have time for is a quick protein supplement shake then that's better than nothing. Remember that they, as well as protein bars, are SUPPLEMENTS, meaning you use them to supplement or replace a meal and not add to a meal, and keep in mind that they are a last resort to real whole food. But when time just doesn't allow whole food sources and when you choose a protein supplement, look for one that has the least amount of ingredients. I like Jay Robb Egg White Protein. It only has a few ingredients - Egg albumin, Xylitol, Natural Flavor, Xanthan gum, lecithin and Stevia... ingredients contain No gluten, No msg, No casein, No artificial colors or flavors; and they also just starting making a rice protein too. Hemp protein and pea protein products like Arbonne Go! Figure 8 Vanilla Shake is a good option too.
Be careful with the myoplex products as they contain ingredients that are highly processed and chemical additives.
You can also make a quick high protein smoothie with real fruit and plain greek yogurt. To refuel if you work hard make sure you drink plenty of water and eat every 2-3 hours to keep your blood sugars in check and to keep your metabolism revved. In regards to the exhaustion, if you have a very physical job, make sure you are not overdoing it on your exercise too. You're body must rest in order not to stay in constant fatigue. Make sure you get at least 7 hours of sleep and try yoga for exercise to combat exhaustion and still reap muscle building benefits!
Hope that helps!
...BUT! every now and again I'll have a "protein bar"...that's just a LAST resort and am starving!
