Why real food heals beyond the protein shakes and bars
Marie-Annick Courtier 
Beyond convenience, nourishment that speaks to your cells. Why wholesome begins on your plate, not with processed food in a bag or wrapper!
Originally, in the late 1800s, German hospitals used a dried milk-based protein shake to help undernourished patients regain strength. Then, in the 1960s and 1970s, bars were marketed to support the needs of bodybuilders and athletes while traveling and training. The shift from niche to mainstream came in the 1980s/1990s, highly promoted by the fitness industry and mass-market strategies as meal replacements for gym-goers, busy professionals, and weight loss for dieters. Re-designed with flavor in mind over the years, it eventually got marketed as “healthy foods,” bringing in somewhere around 15 billion in revenues.
To this day, marketing and sales strategies continue to sideline the fact that they are ultra-processed, nutritionally incomplete, and lack the depth of nourishment found in real, whole foods. They also disrupt body trust, which is very important in our health and wellness. And sadly, there is more bad news, which I will explore briefly now.
1. They are overprocessed and contain whey or Isolated Nutrients
- Most shakes and bars are stripped of the natural matrix that makes nutrients bioavailable to our bodies.
- They often contain synthetic vitamins, whey or isolated proteins, and additives that don’t interact synergistically like real foods do. Whey can be an issue for lactose intolerance.
2. They are gut Disruptors
- Many are low in fiber and high in emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, or sugar alcohols. All contribute to irritation of the gut lining and disrupt microbiome balance.
- Without diverse plant compounds, the gut loses its resilience and adaptability.
3. Promote blood sugar instability
- Despite being marketed as “healthy,” many bars and shakes spike blood sugar due to refined carbs or fast-absorbing proteins.
- This can lead to energy crashes, cravings, and hormonal imbalances over time.
4. They promote loss of sensory and emotional nourishment
- Real food engages all senses from smell, texture, warmth, and ritual.
- Shakes and bars bypass this, weakening the body’s natural satiety signals and emotional connection to nourishment.
5. They contain hidden additives and inflammatory oils
- Many contain seed oils, preservatives, and flavor enhancers that contribute to low-grade inflammation.
- Even “clean” brands can hide ingredients that don’t support long-term healing.
- And let’s not forget ingredients that cause allergic reactions.
Protein powder shakes or bars may support us in moments of urgent need or survival, but they are not a substitute for the vibrant, healing rhythm of eating a balanced, healthy meal made with real foods, which fuels our cells and our soul.
If you find yourself having digestive issues, allergies, and other unexplained health problems while taking them, stop. Give it a few days and see how you feel. Some of my clients have and will never go back! Remind yourself that your body deserves the right fuel. It deserves care, connection, and vitality. Choose real food to restore your health, vitality, self-care, and connection.
And if you take whey or isolated protein powder, you may want to check this article. Whey Protein Concentrate vs. Isolate: Why the Difference Matters to Your Health
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