Protein shakes

Cynni7

I'm curious how everyone feels about drinking protein shakes during pregnancy.

 I googled it, and some sites really encourage the extra protein for the developing fetus, but others say that the herbs and supplements added could be harmful.

 Any thoughts...

NativeNyer

There are a lot of foods that contain protein:  beans, lentils, chick peas, eggs, chicken.  I would skip the protein shakes while pregnant.

2gr8pits

I don't drink protein shakes, but I do make my own smoothies. I just throw milk, oatmeal, fruit, ice cubes, yogurt, etc into the blender. Between the milk, yogurt and oatmeal it keeps me full and reloads my muscles after a workout.

ak1234

I couldn't find any consistent info, so I didn't use protein powder.  Try fat free greek yogurt instead.

catie333

protein shakes are fantastic for pregnancy! just drink the right ones. as with any foods while you are pregnant- purest, least amount of additives. I prefer soy protein, whole foods brand with the added greens but no other herbs or anything. My shake is - 1 banana, vanilla soy protein, soymilk, dash of cinnamon and frozen blueberries. I drank them all the time while pregnant especially since meat made me nauseous and I had a beautiful 10 lb. boy that is FAR advanced for his age!

JFH2010

I make smoothies but I wouldn't add protein powder. I usually use banana, greens, and almond milk. Sometimes I add fruit, soy yogurt, and/or silken tofu. Sometimes on very lucky days I add cocoa powder. It's actually relatively high in iron!

sunandsurfmama

I used a vegan all natural PP while pregnant. Not as a main source of protein but in the end when I could not eat very much and wanted to make sure I was filling in the gaps.

Karmalife

Well, like any supplement the point of a protein shake is to "supplement" your diet. For me, I have been drinking shakes as breakfast or my post workout meal for YEARS so I wasn't about to stop just because I got pregnant. It's the easiest meal for me, especially before work in the morning because it takes only a few minutes to make and is full of nutrition.

As for herbs in these shakes, you obviously wouldn't buy a shake with herbs if you are pregnant. Personally and from over 15 years of drinking shakes, I have never even found one that has herbs in it. I drink either hemp (which is raw) or pea and rice protein shakes. I add chia seed (for Omega 3s), blueberries for antioxidants and fiber to keep things going. I use almond milk for the base. This makes one yummy and filling shake

luckyholly

That was one of the first questions I asked my Dr., and she said they were fine, but may lead to more weight gain. But If I liked them go for it.

Karmalife

luckyholly:

That was one of the first questions I asked my Dr., and she said they were fine, but may lead to more weight gain. But If I liked them go for it.

I don't see how a protein shake would lead to weight gain if you are using it as a supplement, unless you choose the wrong one or are eating too many calories in general. The ones I use are under 150 calories a serving. Add some almond milk and fruit and you're still under 300. That's less than what most people eat in a meal...

MesmrEwe

If you're choosing your protein powder wisely you don't have to worry about herbs and/or supplements.  Yes, there are some protein powders that contain banned substances (i.e. will make you test positive on a WADA test)..  OTOH, if you stick to the ones that don't make outrageous claims and just your basic simple protein powder you should be fine.  The GNC Pro Performance line is good, stay away from their Beyond RAW line though as that does contain substances that could cause a positive test. 

Like a PP I primarily used the protein shake as my typical breakfast and there's no way you'll gain weight while on it unless you're using it like milk or coffee WITH your breakfast for example as your breakfast drink with a full meal.  Just by itself it shouldn't be an issue.

becca1219

I have always been told they are ok to drink. Have you heard of Shakeology? It has 15grams of protien. I have a few friends who have dranken that while pregnant. I don't like regular protien drinks