Protein Shakes vs. Fast Food

The latest craze in protein shakes that has recently been widespread is the Visalus-Body by Vi shake. The company itself has been around for the last 7 years, but over the last year their name is widely recognized by many North Westerners. With so many protein shakes to choose from how do you know you’re picking the right one for you? It’s really is all about you, right! Where do you start? Looking into the Visalus shake mix, it appears that this product is packed full of nutrients and protein.  When you mix two scoops of the product with 10 oz. of orange juice your calorie intake is 190 with 23 grams of protein

Nutrition Facts
Visalus Vi-Shape Nutritional Shake Mi - Oj/Milk Protein Shake

Top of Form

 

Bottom of Form

Calories	190	Sodium	195 mg
Total Fat	1 g	Potassium	575 mg
Saturated	0 g	Total Carbs	45 g
Polyunsaturated	0 g	Dietary Fiber	5 g
Monounsaturated	0 g	Sugars	34 g
Trans	0 g	Protein	23 g
Cholesterol	18 mg
Vitamin A	40%	Calcium	62%
Vitamin C	134%	Iron	5%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/calories/visalus-vi-shape-nutritional-shake-mi-oj-milk-protein-shake-16710952

What does it cost for this protein filled shake?  There are multiple package offers to choose from, but what is boils down to is $49.00 for a package of the product, plus a $10.00 processing/shipping fee. This package contains enough mix for 30 shakes. Then you must take into consideration the cost of what you’re mixing the product with. Orange juice, almond milk, water, fresh fruit, kale, you name it you can mix this product with it. Obviously, the protein intake will be increase/decrease based on your choices. So when looking at the above scenario and it’s mixed with some orange juice.  Let’s assume the cost for your 10oz of OJ is about .68 cents, and the shake mix is $1.97 your total cost is $2.65 for this shake. Based on the protein of 23gm your cost for this protein is .12 per gram.  

A second popular protein shake is Muscle Milk. This popular shake is used by many people who are involved in sports, to try and maintain a healthy protein intake while working out regularly. The cost for a 39.5 ounce container of powder runs around $40.00, which makes 32 servings. This product mixes with water or if a person wants a few more calories and protein it can be mixed with milk. The protein shake mix contains 150 calories. Based on the 16 grams of protein in one shake the cost is $1.25, which calculates to .08 cents per gram of protein when mixed with water.  There are some side effects to Muscle Milk according to Livestrong.com. Read more about the side effects at http://www.livestrong.com/article/123243-side-effects-muscle-milk/

Let’s also compare the cost to a quick meal on the go; for example, a Taco Bell bean burrito. Beans are packed full of protein, aren’t they?

Calories in Taco Bell Bean Burrito

 http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-taco-bell-bean-burrito-i56066

The average cost for this bean burrito is $1.29 and contains a whopping 370 calories and 14 grams of protein. The cost of protein is .09 cents per gram. The costs are comparable give or take a penny or three, yet what is the overall trade off?

For starters there at least an extra 180 calories in that little burrito, and less cholesterol when comparing it to a Protein shake. However, the Vi Shake appears to have more vitamin A, C and calcium and less sodium than your Taco Bell Bean Burrito.

How does your favorite fast food compare to a protein shake? Follow the below link and you can find the nutritional facts for most fast food restaurants. Sometimes we just want to indulge ourselves and have our favorite fast food meal, but that doesn't me we can't make an educated decision.

http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/search2.php?searchpro=fast+food

Food Tracker Program

Another option to track your eating habits is to use a food tracker program. There are several of them available on the internet. One found on Livestrong.com appears to be straight forward and easy to use, begin tracking your daily food intake.

 www.livestrong.com/register/?utm_source=anonmpcta