When you Drink more calories than you Eat?

[Lathiel]

I've been wondering this for a while now.
a good friend of mine, is very religious when it comes to his training and the supplements he uses. He uses so many different types of protein. Protein specifically for the morning, Protein specifically for pre-workout, Special Post workout protein, Protein specifically for night time, and so forth. You know, the types of protein that say they're "the only kind on the market to actually INCREASE protein synthesis and growth hormone production, yay! " He's taken a couple weight gainers too at times.
My concern is this, I know for a certainty that he drinks more calories than he physically eats. Almost no whole foods. He'll eat a chicken breast, with some beans and salsa, but all other meals are usually snacks; typically Corn Chips and Salsa. He might eat more, I don't know, i'm not with him every second, but I know he drinks an awful lot of his nutrients.
I know the body isn't designed to take it's nutrients from liquids, and the quality of the nutrients found in most proteins isn't even all that great, thanks to the super heating process it goes through, but does anyone know of any specific articles, or have any more information as to why you shouldn't drink your calories and why trying to get most of your calories from whole foods is better? I want to be able to have some real information, to pass off to my friend, because I get really worried about him. I think his immune system is affected because he's gotten severly sick atleast 5 times in the last few months; not normal at all.
Anyone's insight or input would be very much appreciated, thanks!
 

[Mouse]

He's a bodybuilder not a strength trainer I take it ?  -  very strange those bbers  !
 
Whey is a supplement:
1. Something added, escpecially to make up for a deficiency.
2. A vitamin, herbal extract, or chemical compound included with a diet to enhance muscular developmemt.
 
 
A supplement is something in addition to - and in this case that is whole food.

[Mehdi]

It's just not a natural thing to do, if your friend needs science as proof... You've got teeth to chew your food. Only babies drink their calories.

[Russ89]

Most supps are a rip off in my opinion anyhooo... Myself, the only supplements I use are protein and carbs [for a quick MR]. Also, a lot of the hype that supplements companies create for themselves is rubbish; "anabolic effects!!!!!" "Gain 300 pounds of pure muscle in 3 servings!!" and all that crazy shit.

[1337lolzz]

I used to be a "shake monkey" too.  I was drinking 6 protein shakes a day, drinking more than I ate.  I totalled about 3000 calories a day, and funnily enough, I made gains.  I gained 15 lbs.  It's true that beginners gain doing almost anything.
Now, I decided how stupid it is to take shakes.  Now, all I eat is real, fresh man food.  No more stupid shakes; no creatine; no glutamine.  It's been like this for 3-4 monthes and I will never go back.
The only suppliment I take is a "Carbo Booster" powder that I take immediately after my workout - gives me about 80 grams of quick carbs.

[Kyle]

I try to eat all my calories, the only ones that come from drinks are an occasional whey shake and once and a while a glass of orange juice.
Here in America the average person consumes 250calories/day on soft drinks, now theres ads against vitamin water, gatorade, etc...

[KIB]

Remind him that they are called SUPPLEMENTS which means the are in addition to his regular food, not instead of.

[Mouse]

I don't think anyone would disagree with the fish oil.
I think the problem is it is often 'easier'  to get the protein through whey and this is often at the cost of whole food protein.
Whole food protein is no doubt better, but often it comes down to cost and ease.
IMO whole food is better though.
 
Strongerbody - cans of tuna - easy protein 40g per tin - workout days for me see 3 tins put away before I even start to add up the protein from my other meals !!!

[Mouse]

I make my own dressing for the tuna - Extra Virgin Olive oil, balsamic vinegar and oregano - sometimes add lemon juice.
That way I get some good fats in as well and it tastes great - adjust the amount of oil to suit your needs - fitday is great for this.

[Mouse]

Try different herbs - i use basil or rosemary as well.