The Problem With Popular Protein Powders
From A Mindful Eating Coach
You’ve probably noticed how protein powders have become the holy grail of “health”. Everywhere you turn, someone is chugging a shake, boasting about their macros, or telling you that their ISO-100, plant-based, grass-fed, unicorn-infused protein is the reason they lost weight or stay lean and fit!
And that’s why I have to confess something… I HATE ISO-100!
But what I hate more, what these protein powders represent in diet culture.
It’s the Poster Child for “Optimal” Over Enjoyable
If you’ve ever tried ISO-100 (or any ultra-processed protein powder), you’ve probably had this experience:
You take a sip, expecting a creamy vanilla milkshake…
Instead, you get a chalky, artificially sweetened mess that somehow tastes both bland and aggressively sweet at the same time.
Now your stomach is bloated, and you’re questioning all your life choices.
But hey, it’s got 25 grams of protein, so you choke it down anyway and “suck it up”. This is exactly what happens when we prioritize our health in a ways that’s “optimal” versus enjoyable. We disconnect from what actually feels and tastes good because “that’s better” or “we’re supposed to”. So, we end up trading real satisfaction for a number on a label praying for a miracle.
It Keeps People Stuck in the “Food is Fuel” Mindset
The fitness world loves to say, “Food is fuel”. And if you know me, you know I freaking hate it! Sure, food fuels our bodies, I’ll never deny that. But it’s also so much more! Food is emotional and it’s attached to connection, comfort, pleasure, culture, and more.
So when we treat food like it’s just a math equation (protein + carbs - fats = gains), we ignore the entire emotional and sensory experience of eating that we need.
For example, if your daily routine is:
Eating because you “should”
Drinking shakes instead of meals because “it’s more efficient”
Forcing down protein that tastes like sadness just to hit a number
Then I’m sorry to break it to you my friend, but you’re not eating mindfully. You’re eating like a robot, and it’s not serving you long-term!
Plus, you’re constantly being fed the idea that you can’t trust yourself to get enough of what you need through “real” food. ISO-100 and many other protein powders thrive on this fear. They tell us, “Real food is too risky. But if you stick with this perfectly portioned powder, you’ll be fine.” And that is where the deeply rooted problem lies.
What’s The Alternative
If you actually love ISO-100 and enjoy drinking protein shakes, great! Please, carry on because I’m not saying this applies to every single person! But if you’re only using it because you think you “should” or because you’re afraid of eating real food, it’s time to re-evaluate.
Instead of relying on meal replacements or processed powders, try:
Real food protein sources like greek yogurt, eggs, chicken, tofu, beans, and other things that taste like actual food!
Eating for satisfaction, not just macros because a protein shake isn’t “better” if it leaves you feeling deprived and searching for more.
Rebuilding trust with your hunger, so you can recognize that your body isn’t the enemy. It knows what it needs, you just need to learn how to listen to it.
You Don’t Need to “Hack” Eating
The supplement industry loves to sell us the idea that real food is too complicated, too risky, or too inefficient. But they don’t care about you, they’re focus is on making money. So, maybe the problem isn’t you! Maybe the problem is the belief that food should feel like a chore or pain, instead of a source of peace and joy. And I can help you change that belief system with The No-Diet Eating Solution.
