It’s ideal to get most of your intake from protein-rich food sources such as meat, cheese, yogurt, eggs, or nuts. “Food sources of protein provide other important nutrients that might not be present in a protein shake or powder,” says Van Hooks, who acknowledges this can be difficult. “If you’re having trouble taking adequate amounts of protein from food, include protein shakes to make up the difference. For example, you could have a shake between meals as a snack,” she says.