Once you decide to make this diet change, you will probably find yourself browsing the aisles at your local supplement store, trying to make sense of all the different protein powders and replacement meal packs. What’s the difference between Metrx and Ultra Whey 2000? Well, to keep it simple, I like to put these supplements into two categories: protein powders and engineered foods.
“There’s no such thing as a miracle supplement. However, protein powders and engineered foods can make your life a whole lot easier.”
Protein powder is usually nothing more than pure protein – no carbs, no fat. Occasionally you’ll see things like glutamine or HMB added, but nutritionally, you’re just getting a really high quality protein. These powders can be added to foods such as yogurt and cereal, or even baked into muffins, in order to increase the protein content of each serving. Protein powders can also be mixed with milk, juice, or water to make a quick shake. Although a protein shake made with water will provide you with easily digestible protein, it will not provide you with a balanced meal.
This is where Engineered Foods such as Metrx and Myoplex come into the picture. These products are designed to provide you with a balanced meal (in very specific nutrient proportions) right out of the pack. The quality of the protein in engineered foods is as good as any pure protein supplement you can buy. Think of an engineered food as “protein powder with a little something extra”. They can be a lifesaver for people on the run. Mix a Metrx or Myoplex with a handheld shaker and voila, you have yourself a well-designed meal. If you make a shake with regular protein powder, you’ll probably have to eat a few other things to make up for the lack of nutrient balance (protein:carbs:fat) and lack of calories.
If you want to go on a super low-carb diet or simply boost your daily protein intake, then plain protein powder supplements are an excellent choice. They provide you with quality protein and close to zero carbs. If you are looking to increase your daily protein intake and simplify the planning that goes into your meal preparation, then engineered foods are probably the best choice.
Personally, I like to keep a supply of both in the house. Engineered foods such as Metrx and Myoplex are the cornerstone of my nutrition program, while Champion Nutrition whey protein helps me increase the protein content of a variety of snacks.
Since engineered foods provide a more balanced nutrient profile, it’s a good idea to start your diet by incorporating 1-3 of them into your daily meal plan. As you slowly begin to change your diet from a high-carbohydrate/low-protein to a high-protein/low-carbohydrate program, you can begin to supplement your regular meals with pure protein. . Once you develop the discipline to consistently eat healthy, you will feel better than you ever felt in your life. Engineered foods and protein powders can help you get on the right track.
The first step in getting lean usually involves a shift from a high-carb/low-prot ein diet to a high-protein/low-c arb diet. You don’t need to have a PhD in biochemistry to know that it works. Bodybuilders all over the world have been using this formula for years to get that ultra-ripped, muscular look.
