Real Food?

 My sister claims protein drinks and bars and stuff aren't real food. I don't care what she thinks because I do what I want and don't need to have one single person give me permission to do anything or validate me or my actions. But what do y'all say? 

 They are real food, and good for us. However, my nutritionist's wanted me to eat more real or normal food, but I said why? My pouch likes the protein drinks and I do too! I have been finding that real food, makes for real problems in making wise choices. I do think that over time I will have to face making proper choices in regards  to quantity and quality of the things I put in my mouth. After the surgery healed, I noted that I could tolerate many things I couldn't for the first six ,months. So I am trying to make new lifestyle choices, but am finding it a more difficult journey. 

You might consider asking your sister where she got her degree in bariatric nutrition.  Seriously.  People are entitled to their opinions, family members included, but the great thing is that you get to decide whether or not their opinions are crap, as you have already determined for yourself.  Protein bars and drinks have been a part of my diet regimen in some way or another since I started my pre-op weight loss program almost 3 years ago.  They have helped me to both become healthier and to feel better and that is what remains important to me.

RP

You are right on...we need that protein any way we can get it...you are the expert now....not her......good for you!

Hugs....connie d

It's interesting, isn't it?   I was just thinking about that this morning.  I sometimes substitute a meal here or there with a nutrition drink or bar, or use it to boost my protein.  I probably always will.  My nutritionist says you should weed yourself off them, after a while, but I say why?   I use the healthy whey powder and the lowest calorie protein bars I can find.  I'm not worried.

One guy in my monthly support group uses a protein shake for breakfast every day.  He looks (and feels great) and is more than 3 years out from surgery and maintains his goal weight.  Why argue with success.

YOU and only YOU are in charge of what goes into your body.  Take information, but make your own decisions.  We have to do what works for us.

All the best to you in our continuing journey!

They are real food, they provide nutrition and protein, above all else.  I think the main thing is that we are wise to look at food as FUEL, not something to be used for pleasure or recreation, or worse, self-medication.  I myself like to bring protein bars (or beef jerky!) to places where my other options will be limited - like ValleyFair, or movies, or the like.

But there is a certain amount of reason to not relying on protein supplements as a primary source of nutrition.  Unless you plan to lean on them for the rest of your life, you really DO need to find a healthy relationship with "real food". 

I mean, take me and crab legs.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE me some crab legs!  And sometimes, in the midst of a crab-gasm, I'd swear I could eat them for the rest of my life.  But realistically, I can't.  For starters, they are too friggin' expensive, and because I suppose, at SOME point, I would get tired of them.  So I need to be able to build variety into my diet - variety that DOESN'T consist of Fritos, chocolate and french bread with slabs of butter.  I NEED to be able to eat a wide variety of foods - and if I'm getting too much of my nutrition and limited volume from shakes and bars, well, there isn't a whole lot of room for that variety.

I think it's also important to 'exercise' our pouches.  Shakes and bars are pretty easy on them - which isn't a bad thing, but if they get 'lazy', we might have trouble when we cave and have something substantial - like roast or chicken or what-have-you.

WLS isn't about relying on protein supplements for the rest of our lives.  It's about using our tool to re-establish a healthy relationship with food overall.  Types and quantities.  And if we succeed in doing that, we'll be healthier and more well-rounded.

Just my 2 cents. 

Let your Sister know that what you eat or don't eat really is no concern of hers......

I feel Protein shakes are food...They are an awesome way of getting in your protein....I think 1 a day is awesome.....I try to have 1 for breakfast or lunch, and BAM it's 35g. of protein off the bat.....

Everyone above had good comments also....Do what you think is best, eat or drink what suits you......

Kelly

 Thanks, everyone. We all are on the same page. I must admit I have an ulterior motive in posting my question. My 12-year-old niece has been a vegetarian for a good while and I know she's not getting complete proteins. At her age it's vital she has a good diet. I've mentioned protein shakes, meal replacements, and protein bars to my sister in hopes she's willing to buy any of this stuff for her daughter to supplement her diet. Nope. It's not real food so she won't do it. As a result, my niece doesn't get the protein she needs. Makes no sense to me but that's my sister. 

So, I ignore my sister. Don't look to her for support or validation. Don't need her permission to do anything. And go on my merry way. But my poor niece is a different story.

Thanks, all...

 the other thing....as pointed out to me by a fellow wls person, is that if you have a morning protein shake (especially if you have two scoops of powder) that your meal choices for the rest of the day are much easier. I did that today. I had a call from a friend for lunch. He suggested Subway. Instead of freaking out over all of the bread or lots of calories, I went and had the soup. It was terrible nutrition-wise, but it also was a small portion and I wasn't worried about how much protein I was having for lunch.
 
   That was a real positive for me. Felt more in control in the real world.