I am a person that doesn't really like a lot of meats. If I had my way my entire menu would consist of carbs in the form of pasta, potatoes, breads. I try to eat meat but since I have to 'restrict' my calories anyways what I do eat I want to WANT to eat (get what I am saying?). So I was wondering if investing in a protein powder would be a smart move? How much calories does a daily 'portion' of powder have? Is it helpful? What brands would you recommend (must be available in Canada)?

I also am looking at taking a good vitamin since veggies are also not high on my list of likes (or milk for that matter haha. Picky much?) what is the best vitamin supplement you guys like (I am a 22 yr old female if that helps)?

Thanks in advance.

You cannot replace real food with vitamins, supplements, and powders.

I don't have a problem with protein powder - I usually have a protein shake every day as it helps me to meet my protein goals, especially on the days I lift weights. There are lots of good brands out there. I have used EAS whey, Body Fortress whey, and Syntrax Roadside Lemonade flavor whey. They're all ok, flavorwise, but then I don't eat them for flavor. I usually just mix them up and chug them down.

That said ... you shouldn't be getting the majority of your protein from powder, nor should you be getting the majority of your vitamins from a pill. You simply can't get the kind of nutrition and benefits from supplements and pills that you can from real food.

If you're not a big meat eater, there are still plenty of real food options for protein. Eggs and dairy, oats, beans and lentils and other legumes, even veggies contain traces of protein.

As far as not liking veggies - I'm sure you've seen my semi-rant on this before. There are literally hundreds of different kinds of veggies and dozens of ways to prepare them. Anytime anyone tells me they "don't like veggies" I just want to roll my eyes - because I know that they haven't tried every single veggie in every single preparation. Saying "I don't like veggies" is just being picky. And toddlers are picky ... so don't be a toddler. Be an adult. Open your mind to new things and try new versions and variations until you find what you DO like.

I'm not saying you can't have dislikes - we ALL have things we don't like. I really don't like lima beans and I actually HATE cooked bell pepper (it's a texure thing). But the flavor and feel of raw bell pepper is so different and I love it. So eliminating an entire veggie just after having eaten it one way is somewhat short sighted.

Start with what you do like ... and start adding variations. See what tastes good and think about WHY you don't like it ... is it the flavor? The texture? The crunch? The lack of crunch? etc. That will help you figure out what you do like.

If you buy typical protein powder it usually will contain (roughly it varies with brand) 25g of protein per serving. they suggest 1g protein per pound of body weight on the container, but im not a dietitian. but you cant just drink it all using powder it must be a combo of real food. I think protein suppliments are a great idea providing they are not the only source of protein you are eating.

Yes, obviously I know you can't replace eating properly with pills but I wanted something to help me out b/c even when I try to eat better I am still not getting as much as I probably should.
Thanks for the brand suggestions.